[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 82 (Friday, April 29, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22376-22377]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-8573]


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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. Spartan Mining Company

[Docket No. M-2005-026-C]

    Spartan Mining Company, HC78 Box 1800, Madison, West Virginia 25130 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1002 
(Installation of electric equipment and conductors; permissibility) to 
its Scotch Pine Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 46-09095) and Midway Mine (MSHA 
I.D. No. 46-09045) located in Boone County, West Virginia. The 
petitioner proposes to use a 2400-volt power center to power a 
continuous miner with high-voltage trailing cables inby the last open 
crosscut and within 150 feet of pillar workings. The petitioner has 
outlined in this petition specific procedures that will be followed 
when the 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.

2. Aracoma Coal Company

[Docket No. M-2005-027-C]

    Aracoma Coal Company, P.O. Box 1120, Holden, West Virginia 25625 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1909(b)(6) 
(Nonpermissible diesel-powered equipment; design and performance 
requirements) to its Alma 1 Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 46-08801) 
located in Logan County, West Virginia. The petitioner proposes to 
operate the one (1) six-wheel Getman Roadbuilder grader, model RDG-
1504A, serial number 6782, as it was originally designed without front 
brakes. The petitioner states that the Getman Roadbuilder has dual 
brake systems on the four (4) rear wheels and is designed to prevent 
loss of braking due to a single component failure. The petitioner will 
provide training for the grader operators to lower the moldboard for 
additional stopping capability in emergency situations; to recognize 
the appropriate speeds to use on different roadway conditions; and to 
limit the maximum speed of the grader to 10 miles per hour. The 
petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method will not result 
in a diminution of safety to the miners.

3. Genesis, Inc.

[Docket No. M-2005-028-C]

    Genesis, Inc., P.O. Box 552, Somerset, Pennsylvania 15501-0552 has 
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1100-2(e)(2) 
(Quantity and location of firefighting equipment) to its Genesis 
17 Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 36-08980) located in Somerset County, 
Pennsylvania. The petitioner requests a modification of the existing 
standard to permit the use of an alternative method of compliance for 
firefighting equipment at temporary electrical installations. The 
petitioner proposes to use two (2) fire extinguishers or one fire 
extinguisher of twice the required capacity at all temporary electrical 
installations in lieu of one fire extinguisher and 240 pounds of rock 
dust. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would 
provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing 
standard.

4. Parkwood Resources, Inc.

[Docket No. M-2005-029-C]

    Parkwood Resources, Inc., P.O. Box 552, Somerset, Pennsylvania 
15501-0552 has filed a petition to modify the

[[Page 22377]]

application of 30 CFR 75.1100-2(e)(2) (Quantity and location of 
firefighting equipment) to its Cherry Tree Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 36-
09224) located in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner 
requests a modification of the existing standard to permit the use of 
an alternative method of compliance for firefighting equipment at 
temporary electrical installations. The petitioner proposes to use two 
(2) fire extinguishers or one fire extinguisher of twice the required 
capacity at all temporary electrical installations in lieu of one fire 
extinguisher and 240 pounds of rock dust. The petitioner asserts that 
the proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure 
of protection as the existing standard.

5. FMC Corporation

[Docket No. M-2005-001-M]

    FMC Corporation, Box 872, Green River, Wyoming 82935 has filed a 
petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 57.22305 (Approved 
equipment (III mines)) to its FMC Trona Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 48-00152) 
located in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. The petitioner requests a 
modification of the existing standard to permit the use of a portable 
Leica DISTO laser distance meter inby the last open bread or face areas 
of the mine. The petitioner requests the use of an alternative method 
so that the equipment in areas covered by 30 CFR 57.22305 can be used 
safely. The petitioner states that examinations for methane in the mine 
atmosphere will be conducted prior to utilizing the laser distance 
meter and at a minimum every ten minutes during use; employees will 
complete a training form and will be instructed in the requirements for 
using the equipment; and that the equipment will not be operated in 
1.0% or more methane. The petitioner asserts that the safety of the 
miners will not be reduced because ergonomic safety will be increased 
since the surveys will be better able to determine mining distances to 
the face that cannot safely be measured due to the roof being unbolted.

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 May 31, 2005. Copies of these 
petitions are available for inspection at that address.

    Dated in Arlington, Virginia, this 22nd day of April 2005.
Rebecca J. Smith,
Acting Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 05-8573 Filed 4-28-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P