[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 212 (Wednesday, November 3, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 64110]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-24523]


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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. Apple Jacks Coal Company, Inc.

[Docket No. M-2004-043-C]

    Apple Jacks Coal Company, Inc., Box 584, North Tazewell, Virginia 
24630 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1710-
1 (Canopies and cabs; self-propelled diesel-powered and electric face 
equipment; installation requirements) to its Mine No. 3 (MSHA I.D. No. 
44-06939) located in Dickenson County, Virginia. The petitioner 
proposes to operate self-propelled electric face equipment without 
canopies in seam heights of 48 inches or less. The petitioner asserts 
that application of the existing standard at the Mine No. 3 will result 
in a diminution of safety to the miners.

2. Maple Creek Mining, Inc.

[Docket No. M-2004-044-C]

    Maple Creek Mining, Inc., 981 Route 917, Bentleyville, Pennsylvania 
15314 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.507 
(Power connection points) to its High Quality Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 36-
08375) located in Washington County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner 
proposes to use low and medium volt, three phase, alternating current, 
non-permissible, submersible pump(s) in return and bleeder entries and 
sealed areas, conditioned upon the specific terms and conditions listed 
in this petition for modification. The petitioner asserts that the 
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as the existing standard; pumps will be limited to low or 
medium voltages; and the pump motor will be maintained under water at 
all times to isolate it from the mine atmosphere.

3. Consolidation Coal Company

[Docket No. M-2004-045-C]

    Consolidation Coal Company, 1800 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, 
Pennsylvania 15241 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 
CFR 75.364(b) (Weekly examination) to its Blacksville No. 2 Mine (MSHA 
I.D. No. 46-01968) located in Monongalia County, West Virginia. The 
petitioner proposes to establish checkpoints in certain areas of the 
return aircourse due to deteriorating roof conditions. The petitioner 
will establish checkpoints numbers B-CK-10 and B-CK-11 to measure the 
quantity and quality of air at the inlet to the affected aircourse, and 
checkpoint number B-CK-12 to measure the quantity and quality of air at 
the outlet from the affected aircourse. The petitioner states that the 
checkpoints will be maintained in safe condition at all times; tests 
for methane and the quantity of air at each checkpoint will be 
determined weekly by a certified person; and the certified person will 
place his/her initials and date in a record book that will be kept on 
the surface and made available for inspection by interested persons. 
The certified person will also place his/her initials, and date on a 
date board at the checkpoint sites. The petitioner asserts 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 Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov; E-
mail: [email protected]; Fax: (202) 693-9441; or Regular Mail/Hand 
Delivery/Courier: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Office of 
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 
2350, Arlington, Virginia 22209. All comments must be postmarked or 
received in that office on or before December 3, 2004. Copies of these 
petitions are available for inspection at that address.

    Dated at Arlington, Virginia this 28th day of October 2004.
Marvin W. Nichols, Jr.,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 04-24523 Filed 11-2-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P