[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 248 (Monday, December 29, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 74983]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-31797]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Petitions for Modification

    The following parties have filed petitions to modify the 
application of existing safety standards under section 101(c) of the 
Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.

1. Kingwood Mining Company, LLC

[Docket No. M-2003-091-C]

    Kingwood Mining Company, LLC, Route 1, Box 294C, Newburg, West 
Virginia 26410 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 
75.350 (Air courses and belt haulage entries) to its Whitetail K-Mine 
(MSHA I.D. No. 46-08751) located in Preston County, West Virginia. The 
petitioner requests that paragraph 1(e) of its previously approved 
petition for modification, docket number M-2001-049-C be amended to 
read as follows: Sensors shall be installed not more than 100 feet 
downwind of all electrical installations in the belt or neutral 
entry(s) and any equipment or location in the conveyor belt entry where 
a potential fire source exists. Where an electrical installation is 
part of a belt drive installation, then only one sensor per statement 
1(d) above is required at the belt drive location. The petitioner 
asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the 
same measure of protection as the existing standard.

2. Genwal Resources, Inc.

[Docket No. M-2003-092-C]

    Genwal Resources, Inc., PO Box 1077, Price, Utah 84501 has filed a 
petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.352 (Return air 
courses) to its South Crandall Canyon Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 42-02356) 
located in Emery County, Utah. The petitioner requests a modification 
of the existing standard to allow the use of the belt entry as a return 
air course during longwall development. The petitioner asserts that the 
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as the existing standard.

3. The Banner Company

[Docket No. M-2003-094-C]

    The Banner Company, 2700 Lee Highway, Bristol, Virginia 24609 has 
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.364(b)(2) and 
(4) (Weekly examination) to its Honey Branch Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 44-
06599) located in Wise County, Virginia. The petitioner states that due 
to deteriorating roof and rib conditions in a portion of the main 
return entry extending from the surface to a point approximately 150 
feet inby, combined with a roof fall in this area, which extends from 
the outby 1E seal location to the main return travelway, 
traveling the area to perform weekly examinations would be unsafe. The 
petitioner proposes to establish evaluation points and have a certified 
person monitor the affected area to determine the quantity and quality 
of air at each monitoring station. The petitioner has listed specific 
terms and conditions in this petition that would be followed when its 
proposed alternative method is implemented. The petitioner asserts that 
the proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure 
of protection as the existing standard.

4. Dickenson-Russell Coal Company, LLC

[Docket No. M-2003-095-C]

    Dickenson-Russell Coal Company, LLC, P.O. Box 2345, Abingdon, 
Virginia 24212 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 
75.1710-1(a) (Canopies or cabs; self-propelled diesel-powered and 
electric face equipment; installation requirements) to its Laurel 
Mountain Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 44-06444) located in Russell County, 
Virginia. The petitioner proposes to operate self-propelled electric 
face equipment without canopies or cabs in mining heights less than 50 
inches. The petitioner asserts that application of the existing 
standard would result in a diminution of safety to the miners.

5. Sierra Minerals Corporation

[Docket No. M-2003-005-M]

    Sierra Minerals Corporation, 6164 S. Newport Street, Suite 2000, 
Centennial, Colorado 80111 has filed a petition to modify the 
application of 30 CFR 57.15031 (Location of self-rescue devices) to its 
Yule Quarry Operation (MSHA I.D. No. 05-04438) located in Gunnison 
County, Colorado. The petitioner requests a modification of the 
existing standard to eliminate the use of self-rescue devices for 
persons underground during non-operating hours. The petitioner asserts 
that application of the existing standard would result in a diminution 
of safety to visitors at the mine and that the proposed alternative 
method would provide at least the same measure of protection as the 
existing standard.

Request for Comments

    Persons interested in these petitions are encouraged to submit 
comments via e-mail to [email protected], or on a computer disk along 
with an original hard copy to the Office of Standards, Regulations, and 
Variances, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 1100 Wilson 
Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, Virginia 22209. All comments must be 
postmarked or received in that office on or before January 28, 2004. 
Copies of these petitions are available for inspection at that address.

    Dated at Arlington, Virginia, this 19th day of December, 2003.
Marvin W. Nichols, Jr.,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 03-31797 Filed 12-24-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P