[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 5, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 17145]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-4939]



[[Page 17145]]

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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. Phelps Dodge Sierrita, Inc.

[Docket No. M-2006-002-M]

    Phelps Dodge Sierrita, Inc., 6200 W. Duval Mine Road, Green Valley, 
Arizona 85614 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 
56.6309 (Fuel oil requirements for ANFO) to its Sierrita Mine (MSHA 
I.D. No. 02-00144) located in Pima County, Arizona. The petitioner 
proposes to use recycled waste oil blended with diesel fuel to produce 
ammonium nitrate-fuel oil for use as a blasting agent. The petitioner 
has listed specific procedures in this petition for modification that 
would 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. Bridger Coal Company

[Docket No. M-2006-008-C]

    Bridger Coal Company, P.O. Box 68, Point of Rocks, Wyoming 82942 
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 Bridger Underground Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 48-01646) 
located in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. The petitioner requests a 
modification of the existing standard to permit the use of diesel-
powered graders that are equipped with service brakes on the four (4) 
rear wheels only, and limit the speed of the grader to a maximum speed 
of 10 mph by permanently blocking out gear(s) or any gear ratio(s) that 
provide higher speeds for both forward and reverse. The petitioner 
proposes to train the grader operators to recognize appropriate levels 
of speed consistent with roadway conditions and slopes, to lower the 
moldboard (grader blade) to provide additional stopping capability in 
emergencies, and to recognize the transmission gear blocking device and 
its proper application and requirements. The petitioner states that use 
of the grader will be in compliance with all other applicable 
requirements of 30 CFR parts 75 and 77. 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 May 5, 2006. 
Copies of these petitions are available for inspection at that address.

    Dated at Arlington, Virginia this 30th day of March 2006.
Robert F. Stone,
 Acting Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
 [FR Doc. E6-4939 Filed 4-4-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P