[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 118 (Tuesday, June 21, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35710-35711]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-12184]


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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. Mammoth Coal Company

[Docket No. M-2005-039-C]

    Mammoth Coal Company, P.O. Box 120, Leviasy, West Virginia 26676 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1002 
(Installation of electric equipment and conductors; permissibility) to 
its Winifrede 1 Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 46-08867) located in 
Kanawha County, West Virginia. The petitioner proposes to use 2,300 
volts to operate the Joy Technologies, Inc., (Joy) continuous miner. 
The petitioner states that the nominal voltage of the power circuits 
for the new miners will not exceed 2,300 volts, the nominal voltage of 
the control circuits will not exceed 120 volts, and all electrical 
personnel will receive training before the proposed alternative method 
is implemented. The petitioner also proposes to use a 2,400 volt power 
center to power a continuous miner with high voltage trailing cable 
inby the last open crosscut and within 150 feet of pillar workings. The 
petitioner asserts that application of the existing standard will 
result in a diminution of safety and that the proposed alternative 
method would provide at least the same measure of protection as the 
existing standard.

2. Foundation Coal West

[Docket No. M-2005-040-C]

    Foundation Coal West, P.O. Box 3040, Gillette, Wyoming 82717-3040 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 77.802 
(Protection of high-voltage circuits; neutral grounding resistors; 
disconnecting devices) to its Belle Ayr Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 48-00732) 
and Eagle Butte Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 48-01078) both located in Campbell 
County, Wyoming. The petitioner requests a modification of the existing 
standard to permit an alternative method of compliance for the 
grounding of a diesel electric generator. The petitioner proposes to 
use a portable diesel powered electric generator for temporary power 
and/or to move electrically powered mining equipment in and around the 
mine. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would 
provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing 
standard.

3. McElroy Coal Company

[Docket No. M-2005-041-C]

    McElroy Coal Company, 1800 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, 
Pennsylvania 15241 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 
CFR 75.507 (Power connection points) to its McElroy Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 
46-01437) located in Marshall County, West Virginia. The petitioner 
proposes to use non-permissible submersible pumps installed in bleeder 
and return entries and sealed areas of the McElroy Mine. The petitioner 
has listed specific procedures in this petition 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.

4. Consolidation Coal Company

[Docket No. M-2005-042-C]

    Consolidation Coal Company, 1800 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, 
Pennsylvania 15241 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 
CFR 75.507 (Power connection points) to its Shoemaker Mine (MSHA I.D. 
No. 46-01436) located in Marshall County, West Virginia. The petitioner 
proposes to use non-permissible submersible pumps installed in bleeder 
and return entries and sealed areas of the Shoemaker Mine. The 
petitioner has listed specific procedures in this petition 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.

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 July 21, 2005. Copies of these 
petitions are available for inspection at that address.


[[Page 35711]]


    Dated at Arlington, Virginia this 15th day of June 2005.
Rebecca J. Smith,
Acting Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 05-12184 Filed 6-20-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P