[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 220 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69041-69045]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-28918]


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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 CONTACT: Petitions and copies of the final 
decisions are available for examination by the public in the Office of 
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, 
Room 2352, Arlington, Virginia 22209. Contact Barbara Barron at 202-
693-9447.

    Dated at Arlington, Virginia, this 7th day of November, 2002.
Marvin W. Nichols, Jr.,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.

Affirmative Decisions on Petitions for Modification

    Docket No.: M-2002-009-C.
    FR Notice: 67 FR 13196.
    Petitioner: M & H Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(a)(2).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use only portable 
fire extinguishers to replace existing requirements where rock dust, 
water cars, and other water storage equipped with three (3) ten quart 
pails is not practical; and to use two (2) fire extinguishers near the 
slope bottom and an additional portable fire extinguisher within 500 
feet of the working face for equivalent fire protection. This is 
considered an acceptable alternative method for the Mercury Slope Mine. 
MSHA grants the petition for modification for the Mercury Slope Mine 
with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2002-014-C.
    FR Notice: 67 FR 14977.
    Petitioner: Laurel Creek Company, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503 [18.41(f) of Part 18].
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a permanently 
installed spring-loaded locking device on battery plug connectors, for 
mobile battery-powered machines used inby the last open crosscut, in 
lieu of a padlock to prevent the plug connector from accidental 
disengaging while under load; to install a warning tag that states ``Do 
Not Disengage Under Load'' on all battery plug connectors; and to 
instruct all persons who operate or maintain the battery-powered 
machines on the safe practices and provisions for complying with its 
proposed alternative method. This is considered an acceptable 
alternative method for the Mine No. 4. MSHA grants the petition for 
modification for the Mine No. 4 with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2002-025-C.
    FR Notice: 67 FR 14978.
    Petitioner: Rosebud Mining Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(e)(2).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use two (2) fire 
extinguishers or one fire extinguisher of twice the required capacity 
at all temporary electrical installations in lieu of using 240 pounds 
of rock dust. This is considered an acceptable alternative method for 
the Logansport 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 at the Logansport Mine.

    Docket No.: M-2002-032-C.
    FR Notice: 67 FR 19285.
    Petitioner: Fools Gold Energy Corporation.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503 [18.41(f) of Part 18].
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use permanently 
installed spring-loaded locking devices to secure battery plugs on 
mobile battery-powered machines to prevent unintentional loosening of 
the battery plugs from battery receptacles, and to eliminate the 
potential hazards associated with difficult removal of padlocks during 
emergency situations. This is considered an acceptable alternative 
method for the No. 4 Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification 
for the No. 4 Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2002-033-C.
    FR Notice: 67 FR 19285.
    Petitioner: Grace Mining, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503 [18.41(f) of Part 18].
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use permanently 
installed spring-loaded locking devices to secure battery plugs on 
mobile battery-powered machines to prevent unintentional loosening of 
the battery plugs from battery receptacles, and to eliminate the 
potential hazards associated with difficult removal of padlocks during 
emergency situations. This is considered an acceptable alternative 
method for the No. 4 Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification 
for the No. 4 Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2002-037-C.
    FR Notice: 67 FR 19286.
    Petitioner: Rivers Edge Mining, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503 [18.41(f) of Part 18].
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a threaded 
ring and a spring-loaded device in lieu of a padlock on all battery-
plug connectors on mobile battery-powered machines

[[Page 69042]]

used inby the last open crosscut to prevent the plug connector from 
accidentally disengaging while under load; to install warning tags 
stating ``Do Not Disengage Plugs Under Load'' on all battery plug 
connectors on the battery-powered machines; and to instruct all persons 
who operate or maintain the battery-powered machines on the safe 
practices and provision for compliance with its proposed alternative 
method. This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the 
Rivers Edge Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the use 
of permanently installed spring-loaded locking devices in lieu of 
battery plugs at the Rivers Edge Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2002-038-C.
    FR Notice: 67 FR 19286.
    Petitioner: Coastal Coal-West Virginia, LLC.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use continuous 
mining machines with nominal voltage power circuits not to exceed 2,400 
volts at its Mine No. 4A East. This is considered an acceptable 
alternative method for the Mine No. 4A East. MSHA grants the petition 
for modification for the use of 2,400 volt continuous miners at the 
Mine No. 4A East with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2002-040-C.
    FR Notice: 67 FR 31835.
    Petitioner: Cook & Sons Mining, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503 [18.41(f) of Part 18].
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use permanently 
installed spring-loaded locking devices to secure battery plugs on 
mobile battery-powered machines to prevent unintentional loosening of 
the battery plugs from battery receptacles, and to eliminate the 
potential hazards associated with difficult removal of padlocks during 
emergency situations. This is considered an acceptable alternative 
method for the Spring Branch Mine 2, Nu Enterprise Mine, and 
the UZ Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for use at the 
Spring Branch 2 Mine, Nu Enterprise Mine, and the UZ Mine with 
conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2001-031-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 30232.
    Petitioner: Aracoma Coal Company, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503 [18.41(f) of Part 18].
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a threaded 
ring and a spring-loaded device instead of padlocks on mobile battery-
powered machines to prevent the plug connector from accidentally 
disengaging while under load; to place warning tags on all battery 
connectors; and instruct all battery machine operators on the safe 
practices and compliance with its alternative method. This is 
considered an acceptable alternative method for the Hernshaw Mine. MSHA 
grants the petition for modification for the Hernshaw Mine with 
conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2001-032-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 30232.
    Petitioner: Aracoma Coal Company, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503 [18.41(f)) of Part 18].
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a threaded 
ring and a spring loaded device instead of padlocks on battery 
connectors on mobile battery-powered machines used inby the last open 
crosscut to prevent the plug connector from accidentally disengaging 
while under load; to place warning tags stating ``Do Not Disengage 
Plugs Under Load'' on all battery connectors; and instruct all battery 
machine operators on the safe practices and compliance with its 
alternative method. This is considered an acceptable alternative method 
for the Aracoma Alma No. 1 Mine. MSHA grants the petition for 
modification for the Aracoma Alma No. 1 Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2001-034-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 30233.
    Petitioner: Newtown Energy, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503 [18.41(f) of Part 18].
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use permanently 
installed spring-loaded devices instead of padlocks on battery plugs on 
mobile battery-powered machines to prevent the threaded ring from 
unintentional loosening while under load, to place warning tags stating 
``Do Not Disengage Plugs Under Load'' on all battery connectors on the 
battery-powered equipment, and to provide instructions to all persons 
on the safe practices and provisions for compliance when operating and 
maintaining the battery-powered machines. This is considered an 
acceptable alternative method for the Eagle Mine No. 1. MSHA grants the 
petition for modification for the Eagle Mine No. 1 with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2001-035-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 30233.
    Petitioner: Twentymile Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.901(a).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to amend Paragraph 1 
of the Proposed Decision and Order for its granted petition for 
modification, docket number M-1998-056-C, to include moving equipment 
from section to section within the mine and to perform temporary work 
in areas outby section loading points; and amend Paragraph 12 to allow 
995-volt mobile equipment with cable reels to use either SHD-GC or 
2,000-volt rated cables instead of only a SHD-GC cable. 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-2001-036-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 30233.
    Petitioner: Twentymile Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.701.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use an alternate 
method of compliance for grounding of its diesel generator to provide 
power to electric powered equipment used to travel through the mine and 
to haul equipment and supplies. The petitioner proposes to ground the 
portable diesel generator to a low ground field and incorporate a 
ground fault system for the power circuits that would deenergize the 
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 the Foidel Creek Mine with 
conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2001-057-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 34465.
    Petitioner: Turris Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 77.214(a).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal to fill the abandoned 
exhaust shaft with non-combustible materials and permanently seal it 
with a reinforced concrete cap, covering the cap and shaft with soil 
and up to 60 feet of coarse coal refuse during the expansion of North 
Coarse Refuse Pile, MSHA ID No. 1211-IL08-02664-05. This is considered 
an acceptable alternative method for the Elkhart Mine. MSHA grants the 
petition for modification for the Elkhart Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2001-063-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 38748.
    Petitioner: Kentucky May Coal Company, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 77.214(a).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to fill its Refuse 
Disposal Fill ``A'' with refuse generated from its Arnold Fork 
Preparation Plant. The petitioner states that Refuse Fill ``A'' is a 
combined fill being constructed by the structural shell method, and 
that proposed modifications to Fill ``A'' to raise the proposed top of 
the fill from

[[Page 69043]]

elevation 1700 feet to elevation 1750 feet have been submitted to the 
Barbourville Regional Office for review and approval. The petitioner 
submits this petition to supplement the modifications since the 
proposed top of the fill is now above an abandoned underground mining 
operation in the Hazard No. 4 Coal Seam which is currently backfilled 
and the Coal Seam dips toward Face-up No. 2. The petitioner states that 
a four inch PVC Pipe has been installed in the lowest entry of Face-up 
No. 2 during backfilling operations to prevent the impoundment of water 
in the old mine works. The petitioner lists specific procedures in its 
petition that would be used when the proposed alternative method is 
implemented. This is considered an acceptable alternative method for 
the Kentucky May Coal Company's Arnold Fork Preparation Plant. MSHA 
grants the petition for modification for the Kentucky May Coal 
Company's Arnold Fork Preparation Plant with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2001-064-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 38749.
    Petitioner: DLR Mining, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to install carbon 
monoxide sensors as an early warning fire detection system in all belt 
entries used to course air through the belt entry to ventilate active 
working places. The sensors would be capable of providing both visual 
and audible alarm signals. This is considered an acceptable alternative 
method for the Nolo Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for 
the Nolo Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2001-073-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 38750.
    Petitioner: Mettiki Coal, LLC.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use high-voltage 
(2,400-volts) on its longwall face conveyor circuits and its shearer 
circuits when new longwall equipment is installed and has been 
inspected by MSHA, and to request that its previously granted petition, 
docket number M-98-032-C be revoked. This is considered an acceptable 
alternative method for the Mettiki Mine. MSHA grants the petition for 
modification for the 2,400-volt longwall equipment for the Mettiki Mine 
with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2001-074-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 38750.
    Petitioner: San Juan Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1726(a).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use modified 
scoops to provide an elevated work platform for miners at the San Juan 
South Mine and the San Juan Deep Mine. This is considered an acceptable 
alternative method for the San Juan South Mine and the San Juan Deep 
Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the San Juan South 
Mine and the San Juan Deep Mine with conditions. MSHA grants 
application for Relief to Give Effect to May 22, 2002.

    Docket No.: M-2001-077-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 41891.
    Petitioner: San Juan Coal Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.804.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use 4,160-volt 
cables for longwall equipment, with a symmetrical 3/C, 3/G, and 1/GC 
construction and a ground check conductor not smaller than a No. 16 
(AWG). The high-voltage cables would be Cablec Anaconda brand 5KV 3/C 
type SHD+GC or similar 5,000-volt cable with a center ground check 
conductor, but otherwise manufactured to the ICEA Standard S-75-381 for 
Type SHD, three-conductor cables. The petitioner asserts that the 
cables would be MSHA accepted flame-resistant. This is considered an 
acceptable alternative method for the San Juan South Mine. MSHA grants 
the petition for modification for the San Juan South Undergound Mine 
with conditions. The petitioner's request for 30 CFR 75.804 for the San 
Juan Deep Mine is dismissed.

    Docket No.: M-2001-087-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 52155.
    Petitioner: Maple Creek Mining, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.804(a).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a high-
voltage, MSHA-accepted, flame-resistant cable with an internal ground 
check conductor smaller that No. 10 AWG and to provide training to all 
qualified electrical personnel before implementing its proposal. This 
is considered an acceptable alternative method for the High Quality 
Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the use of high-
voltage cables for high-voltage longwall equipment at the Maple Creek 
Mining, Inc., High Quality Mine longwall system with conditions. The 
high-voltage cables shall be 5KV, 3/C type SHD-GC or similar 5,000-volt 
cable with a center ground check conductor, but otherwise manufactured 
to the ICEA Standard S-75-381 for Type SHD, three-conductor cables, and 
MSHA-accepted flame-resistant. The cable construction shall be 
symmetrical 3/C, 3/G, and 1/GC. The ground check conductor shall not be 
smaller than a No. 16 AWG stranded conductor, and hands-on training 
shall be provided to all qualified electrical personnel who perform 
maintenance on the longwall equipment before the alternative method is 
implemented.

    Docket No.: M-2001-089-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 52155.
    Petitioner: Maple Creek Mining, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1700.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to plug and mine 
through oil and gas wells. This is considered an acceptable alternative 
method for the High Quality Mine. MSHA grants the petition for 
modification for the High Quality Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2001-092-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 52155.
    Petitioner: 3-D Management Services, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503 [18.41(f) of Part 18].
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a threaded 
ring and a spring-loaded locking device instead of a padlock on mobile 
battery-powered machines to prevent the plug connector from 
accidentally disengaging while under load. This is considered an 
acceptable alternative method for the Tiny Creek No. 2 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 Tiny Creek No. 2 Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2001-097-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 52156.
    Petitioner: American Energy Corporation.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1700.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to plug and mine 
through oil and gas wells at the Century Mine using specific procedures 
outlined in its petition for modification. This is considered an 
acceptable alternative method for the Century 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 Pittsburgh No. 8 Coal Seam and other mineable 
coal seams at the Century Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2001-101-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 64992.
    Petitioner: Canyon Fuel Company, LLC.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.500(d).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use the following 
non-permissible low-voltage or battery powered electronic testing and 
diagnostic equipment inby the last open

[[Page 69044]]

crosscut: lap top computers, oscilloscopes, vibration analysis 
machines, cable fault detectors, point temperature probes, infrared 
temperature devices and recorders, pressure and flow measurement 
devices, signal analyzer devices, ultrasonic thickness gauges, 
electronic component testers, and electronic tachometers, and to use 
other testing and diagnostic equipment if approved by the District 
Office. The petitioner states that all other test and diagnostic 
equipment use in or inby the last open crosscut will be permissible. 
The petitioner has listed in this petition for modification specific 
procedures that would be followed when using this equipment. This is 
considered an acceptable alternative method for the Dugout Canyon Mine. 
MSHA grants the petition for modification for the use of low voltage or 
battery powered non-permissible electronic testing and diagnostic 
equipment in or inby the last open crosscut, under controlled 
conditions, for testing and diagnosing the mining equipment at the 
Dugout Canyon Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2001-102-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 64993.
    Petitioner: Canyon Fuel Company, LLC.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002-1(a).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use the following 
non-permissible low-voltage or battery powered electronic testing and 
diagnostic equipment inby the last open crosscut: lap top computers, 
oscilloscopes, vibration analysis machines, cable fault detectors, 
point temperature probes, infrared temperature devices and recorders, 
pressure and flow measurement devices, signal analyzer devices, 
ultrasonic thickness gauges, electronic component testers, and 
electronic tachometers, and may use other testing and diagnostic 
equipment if approved by the District Office. The petitioner states 
that all other test and diagnostic equipment used in or inby the last 
open crosscut will be permissible. This is considered an acceptable 
alternative method for the Dugout Canyon Mine. MSHA grants the petition 
for modification for the use of low-voltage or battery-powered non-
permissible electronic testing and diagnostic equipment within 150 feet 
of pillar workings, for testing and diagnosing the mining equipment, 
under controlled conditions at the Dugout Canyon Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2001-107-C.
    FR Notice: 67 FR 1368.
    Petitioner: Ohio County Coal Company, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1700.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to mine through oil 
and gas wells located within an approved mining area using the specific 
procedures outlined in its petition for modification. This is 
considered an acceptable alternative method for the Freedom Mine. MSHA 
grants the petition for modification with conditions, 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 Western 
Kentucky No. 9 seam and other mineable coal seams for the Freedom Mine.

    Docket No.: M-2001-108-C.
    FR Notice: 67 FR 1368.
    Petitioner: Addington, Inc.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503 [18.41(f) of Part 18].
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a spring-
loaded locking device instead of a padlock on mobile battery-powered 
equipment to prevent unintentional loosening of battery plugs from 
battery receptacles to eliminate the hazards associated with difficult 
removal of padlocks during emergency situations. This is considered an 
acceptable alternative method for the Pond Creek No. 1 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 Pond Creek Mine No. 1 with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2001-115-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 67551.
    Petitioner: Centralia Mining.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d) and (i).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use cross-sections 
instead of contour lines through the intake slope, at locations of rock 
tunnel connections between veins, and at 1,000 foot intervals of 
advance from the intake slope; and to limit the required mapping of the 
mine workings above and below to those present within 100 feet of the 
vein being mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins 
beyond the 100-foot limit through rock tunnels. The petitioner asserts 
that due to the steep pitch encountered in mining anthracite coal 
veins, contours provide no useful information and their presence would 
make portions of the map illegible. The petitioner further asserts that 
use of cross-sections in lieu of contour lines has been practiced since 
the late 1800's thereby providing critical information relative to the 
spacing between veins and proximity to other mine workings which 
fluctuate considerably. This is considered an acceptable alternative 
method for the Skidmore Slope Mine. MSHA grants the petition for 
modification for the Skidmore Slope Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2001-116-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 67551.
    Petitioner: Centralia Mining.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to revise and 
supplement mine maps annually instead of every 6 months as required, 
and to update maps daily by hand notations. The petitioner also 
proposes to conduct surveys prior to commencing retreat mining and 
whenever either 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 Skidmore Slope 
Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for annual revisions 
and supplements of the mine map at the Skidmore Slope Mine with 
conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2001-117-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 67551.
    Petitioner: Centralia Mining.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1400(c).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a slope 
conveyance (gunboat) in transporting persons without installing safety 
catches or other no less effective devices but instead use increased 
rope strength and secondary rope connection in place of such devices. 
This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the Skidmore 
Slope Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the use of 
the hoist conveyance (gunboat) without safety catches at the Skidmore 
Slope Mine with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2001-120-C.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 67552.
    Petitioner: White County Coal, L.L.C.
    Regulation Affected: 75.901(a).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use a 200KW, 480-
volt, diesel powered generator set with an approved diesel drive engine 
to power electrical equipment that would only move equipment in, out, 
and around the mine and to perform work in areas outby section loading 
points where equipment is not required to be maintained as permissible. 
This is considered an acceptable alternative method for the Pattiki 
Mine II. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the 480-volt, 
three-phase, 200KW diesel powered generator (DPG) set, supplying power 
to a 250 KVA three-phase

[[Page 69045]]

transformer and three-phase 480- and 995-volt power circuits at the 
Pattiki Mine II with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-1999-035-C.
    FR Notice: 64 FR 32552.
    Petitioner: Sea ``B'' Mining Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CR 75.1710-1(a).
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to amend the Proposed 
Decision and Order for its previously granted petition, docket number 
M-98-033-C, to include the following equipment: three center-driven Joy 
21SC shuttle cars, Serial Nos. ET10956, ET11195, ET14880; Long Airdox 
Scoop 482, Serial No. 482-2229; and Fletcher Roof Bolting Machine, 
Model RRII-15 W/T-Bar ATRS, Serial No. 96053. The petitioner asserts 
that using canopies on this equipment in mining heights less that 46 
inches would result in a diminution of safety to the miners. This is 
considered an acceptable alternative method for the Silver Creek Mine. 
MSHA grants the petition for modification for the Silver Creek Mine 
with conditions.

    Docket No.: M-2001-001-M.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 9725.
    Petitioner: New Tech Oil Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 57.11050.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use its hoist and 
ladder man-way as two separate escapeways. This is considered an 
acceptable alternative method for the North Tisdale Shaft 1 
Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the North Tisdale 
Shaft 1 Mine with conditions.
    Docket No.: M-2001-002-M.
    FR Notice: 66 FR 9725.
    Petitioner: New Tech Oil Company.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 57.19054.
    Summary of Findings: Petitioner's proposal is to use bridge strand 
wire rope in lieu of locked coil wire rope on the mine hoist. This is 
considered an acceptable alternative method for the North Tisdale Shaft 
No. 1 Mine. MSHA grants the petition for modification for the North 
Tisdale Shaft No. 1 Mine with conditions.

[FR Doc. 02-28918 Filed 11-13-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P