[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 204 (Monday, October 24, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 61473-61474]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-21201]


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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. Big Ridge, Inc.

[Docket No. M-2005-067-C]

    Big Ridge, Inc., 420 Long Lane Road, Equality, Illinois 62934 has 
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.901 (Protection 
of low- and medium-voltage three-phase circuits used underground) to 
its Willow Lake Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 11-03054) located in Saline County, 
Illinois. The petitioner proposes to use a 480-volt, three-phase 
diesel-powered generator to move equipment throughout the Willow Lake 
Mine. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would 
provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing 
standard.

2. Six M Coal Company

[Docket No. M-2005-068-C]

    Six M Coal Company, 482 High Road, Ashland, Pennsylvania 17921 has 
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1100-2(a)(2) 
(Quantity and location of firefighting equipment) to its No. 1 Slope 
Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 36-09138) located in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. 
The petitioner requests a modification of the existing standard to 
permit the use of portable fire extinguishers to replace existing 
requirements where rock dust, water cars, and other water storage 
equipped with three 10 quart pails are not practical. The petitioner 
proposes to use two portable fire extinguishers near the slope bottom 
and an additional portable fire extinguisher within 500 feet of the 
working face for equivalent fire protection at the No. 1 Slope Mine. 
The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would 
provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing 
standard.

3. Twentymile Coal Company

[Docket No. M-2005-069-C]

    Twentymile Coal Company, Gateway Center, Suite 1340, 401 Liberty 
Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222 has filed a petition to modify 
the application of 30 CFR 75.500(d) (Permissible electric equipment) to 
its Foidel Creek Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 05-03836) located in Routt County, 
Colorado. The petitioner requests a modification of the existing 
standard to permit the use of battery-powered non-permissible surveying 
equipment in or inby the last open crosscut including in the return 
airways. The petitioner has listed in this petition for modification 
specific terms and conditions 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. Twentymile Coal Company

[Docket No. M-2005-070-C]

    Twentymile Coal Company, Gateway Center, Suite 1340, 401 Liberty 
Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222 has filed a petition to modify 
the application of 30 CFR 75.1002(a) (Installation of electric 
equipment and conductors; permissibility) to its Foidel Creek Mine 
(MSHA I.D. No. 05-03836) located in Routt County, Colorado. The 
petitioner requests a modification of the existing standard to permit 
the use of battery-powered non-permissible surveying equipment on 
longwall faces or within 150 feet of pillar workings. The petitioner 
has listed in this petition for modification specific terms and 
conditions 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 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 November 23, 
2005. Copies of these petitions are available for inspection at that 
address.


[[Page 61474]]


    Dated at Arlington, Virginia this 19th day of October 2005.
Rebecca J. Smith,
Acting Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 05-21201 Filed 10-21-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P