[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 231 (Monday, December 3, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67970-67972]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-23395]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Affirmative Decisions on Petitions for Modification

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Labor.

ACTION: Notice of Affirmative Decisions on Petitions for Modification 
Granted in Whole or in Part.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) enforces mine 
operator compliance with mandatory safety and health standards that 
protect miners and improve safety and health conditions in U.S. Mines. 
This Federal Register Notice (FR Notice) notifies the public that it 
has investigated and issued a final decision on certain mine operator 
petitions to modify a safety standard.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the final decisions are posted on MSHA's Web Site 
at http://www.msha.gov/indexes/petition.htm. The public may inspect 
the petitions and final decisions during normal business hours in 
MSHA's Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson 
Boulevard, Room 2349, Arlington, Virginia 22209. All visitors must 
first stop at the receptionist desk on the 21st Floor to sign-in.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Edward Sexauer, Chief, Regulatory 
Development Division at 202-693-9444 (Voice), [email protected] 
(E-mail), or 202-693-9441 (Telefax), or Barbara Barron at 202-693-9447 
(Voice), [email protected] (E-mail), or 202-693-9441 (Telefax). 
[These are not toll-free numbers].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Introduction

    Under section 101 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 
1977, a mine operator may petition and the Secretary of Labor 
(Secretary) may modify the application of a mandatory safety standard 
to that mine if the Secretary determines that: (1) An alternative 
method exists that will guarantee no less protection for the miners 
affected than that provided by the standard; or (2) that the 
application of the standard will result in a diminution of safety to 
the affected miners.
    MSHA bases the final decision on the petitioner's statements, any 
comments and information submitted by interested persons, and a field 
investigation of the conditions at the mine. In some instances, MSHA 
may approve a petition for modification on the condition that the mine 
operator complies with other requirements noted in the decision.

II. Granted Petitions for Modification

    On the basis of the findings of MSHA's investigation, and as 
designee of the Secretary, MSHA has granted or partially granted the 
following petitions for modification:
     Docket Number: M-2005-056-C:
    FR Notice: 70 FR 48984 (August 22, 2005).
    Petitioner: Hawthorne Coal Company, Inc., 2708 Cranberry Square, 
Morgantown, West Virginia 26505.
    Mine: Hawthorne Preparation Plant, MSHA I.D. No. 46-05544.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 77.214(a) (Refuse piles; general).

     Docket Number: M-2005-074-C:
    FR Notice: 70 FR 71861 (November 30, 2005).
    Petitioner: Brooks Run Mining Company, LLC, 25 Little Birch Road, 
Sutton, West Virginia 25601.
    Mine: Saylor Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-09126.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002 (Installation of electric 
equipment and conductors; permissibility).

     Docket Number: M-2005-079-C:
    FR Notice: 70 FR 76892 (December 28, 2005).
    Petitioner: R S & W Coal Company, Inc., 207 Creek Road, 
Klingerstown, Pennsylvania 17941.
    Mine: R S & W Drift Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-01818 .
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75-1312(a), (b), and (e)(1) (Explosives 
and detonators in underground magazines).

     Docket Number: M-2005-080-C:
    FR Notice: 70 FR 76892 (December 28, 2005).
    Petitioner: Canyon Fuel Company, LLC, 397 South 800 West, Salina, 
Utah 84654.
    Mine: West Elk Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 05-03672; SUFCO Mine, MSHA I.D. 
No. 42-00089; Skyline Mine No. 3, MSHA I.D. No. 42-01566; and Dugout 
Canyon Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 42-01890.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1909(b)(6) (Nonpermissible diesel-
powered equipment; design and performance requirements).

     Docket Number: M-2005-085-C:
    FR Notice: 71 FR 3890 (January 24, 2006).
    Petitioner: Anthracite Underground Rescue, Inc., 44 Crescent 
Street, Tremont, Pennsylvania 17981, for the following Anthracite 
Underground Coal Mines in District 1: R S & W Coal Company, R S & W 
Drift Mine, (MSHA I.D. No. 36-01818); Orchard Coal Company, Orchard 
Slope Mine, (MSHA I.D. No. 36-08346); S & M Coal Company, Buck Mountain 
Slope Mine, (MSHA I.D. No. 36-02022); R & R Coal Company, R & R Coal 
Company Mine, (MSHA I.D. No. 36-08498); R & D Coal Company, R & D Coal 
Co., Inc. Mine, (MSHA I.D. No. 36-02053); F.K.Z. Coal Company, No. 1 
Slope Mine, (MSHA I.D. No. 36-08637); Snyder Coal Company, N & L Slope 
Mine, (MSHA I.D. No. 36-02203); Joliett Coal Company, 3 Vein 
Slope Mine, (MSHA I.D. No. 36-08702); Tito Coal Company, Whites Vein 
Slope Mine, (MSHA I.D. No. 36-06815); Alfred Brown Coal Company, 7 Ft. 
Slope Mine, (MSHA I.D. No. 36-08893); Chestnut Coal Company, No. 10 
Slope Mine, (MSHA I.D. No. 36-07059); Six M Coal Company No. 1 Slope 
Mine, (MSHA I.D. No. 36-09138); B & B Coal Company, Rockridge No. 1 
Slope Mine, (MSHA I.D. No. 36-07741); Snyder Coal Company, Rock Slope 
1 Mine, (MSHA I.D. No. 36-09256); UAE Coalcorp Association, 
Harmony Mine, (MSHA I.D. No. 36-07838); Little Buck Coal Company, No. 2 
Slope Mine, (MSHA I.D. No. 36-08299); Bear Gap Coal Company, Bear Gap 
6 Slope Mine, (MSHA I.D. No. 36-09296); D & D Anthracite Coal 
Company, Primrose Slope Mine, (MSHA I.D. No. 36-08341).
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 49.6(a)(1) & (5) (Equipment and 
maintenance requirements).

     Docket Number: M-2006-008-C:
    FR Notice: 71 FR 17145 (April 5, 2006).
    Petitioner: Bridger Coal Company, P.O. Box 68, Point of Rocks, 
Wyoming 82942.
    Mine: Bridger Underground Coal Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 48-01646.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1909(b)(6) (Non-permissible diesel-
powered equipment; design and performance; requirements).

     Docket Number: M-2006-013-C:
    FR Notice: 71 FR 28715 (May 17, 2006).

[[Page 67971]]

    Petitioner: Twentymile Coal Company, Three Gateway Center, Suite 
1340, 401 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222.
    Mine: Foidel Creek Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 05-03836.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.362(a)(2) (On-shift examination).

     Docket Number: M-2006-017-C:
    FR Notice: 71 FR 50947 (August 28, 2006).
    Petitioner: AMFIRE Mining Company, LLC, One Energy Place, Latrobe, 
Pennsylvania 15650.
    Mine: Gillhouser Run Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-09033.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(e)(2) (Quantity and location 
of firefighting equipment).

     Docket Number: M-2006-018-C:
    FR Notice: 71 FR 50947 (August 28, 2006).
    Petitioner: Eastern Associated Coal Company, LLC, Three Gateway 
Center, Suite 1340, 401 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222.
    Mine: Federal No. 2 Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-01456.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1700 (Oil and gas wells).

     Docket Number: M-2006-019-C:
    FR Notice: 71 FR 53134 (September 8, 2006).
    Petitioner: F K Z Coal, Inc., P.O. Box 62, Locust Gap, Pennsylvania 
17840.
    Mine: No. 1 Slope Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-08637.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1400 (Hoisting equipment; general).

     Docket Number: M-2006-020-C:
    FR Notice: 71 FR 53135 (September 8, 2006).
    Petitioner: McElroy Coal Company, RD 4, Box 425, Route 2, 
Moundsville, West Virginia 26041.
    Mine: McElroy Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-01437.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 77.214(a) (Refuse piles; general).

     Docket Number: M-2006-021-C:
    FR Notice: 71 FR 53135 (September 8, 2006).
    Petitioner: AMFIRE Mining Company, One Energy Place, Latrobe, 
Pennsylvania 15650.
    Mine: Madison Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-09127.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(e)(2) (Quantity and location 
of firefighting equipment).

     Docket Number: M-2006-042-C:
    FR Notice: 71 FR 56179 (September 26, 2006).
    Petitioner: Drummond Company, Inc., P.O. Box 10246, Birmingham, 
Alabama 35202.
    Mine: Shoal Creek Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 01-02901.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.507 (Power connection points).

     Docket Number: M-2006-057-C:
    FR Notice: 71 FR 56180 (September 26, 2006).
    Petitioner: Excel Coal Company, RD 2, Box 665, Shamokin, 
Pennsylvania 17872.
    Mine: Three S Slope Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-09309.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1400 (Hoisting equipment; general).

     Docket Number: M-2006-059-C:
    FR Notice: 71 FR 56180 (September 26, 2006).
    Petitioner: Excel Coal Company, RD 2, Box 665, Shamokin, 
Pennsylvania 17872.
    Mine: Three S Slope Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-09309.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200(d) and (i) (Mine map).

     Docket Number: M-2006-060-C:
    FR Notice: 71 FR 56180 (September 26, 2006).
    Petitioner: Excel Coal Company, RD 2, Box 665, Shamokin, 
Pennsylvania 17872.
    Mine: Three S Slope Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-09309.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 49.2(b) (Availability of mine rescue 
teams).

     Docket Number: M-2006-061-C:
    FR Notice: 71 FR 56180 (September 26, 2006).
    Petitioner: Big River Mining, LLC, P.O. Box 186, New Haven, West 
Virginia 25626.
    Mine: Broad Run Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-09136.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.900 (Low- and medium-voltage 
circuits serving three-phase alternating current equipment; circuit 
breakers).

     Docket Number: M-2006-064-C:
    FR Notice: 71 FR 58434 (October 3, 2006).
    Petitioner: Bridger Coal Company, P.O. Box 68, Point of Rocks, 
Wyoming 82942.
    Mine: Bridger Underground Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 48-01646.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.500(d) (Permissible electric 
equipment).

     Docket Number: M-2006-065-C:
    FR Notice: 71 FR 58434 (October 3, 2007).
    Petitioner: Bridger Coal Company, P.O. Box 68, Point of Rocks, 
Wyoming 82942.
    Mine: Bridger Underground Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 48-01646.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002 (Installation of electric 
equipment and conductors, permissibility).

     Docket Number: M-2006-071-C:
    FR Notice: 71 FR 70549 (December 5, 2006).
    Petitioner: Excel Coal Company, RD 2, Box 665, Shamokin, 
Pennsylvania 17872.
    Mine: Three S Slope Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-09309.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202 and 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a) 
(Temporary notations, revisions, and supplements).

     Docket Number: M-2006-072-C:
    FR Notice: 71 FR 70549 (December 5, 2006).
    Petitioner: Excel Coal Company, RD 2, Box 665, Shamokin, 
Pennsylvania 17872.
    Mine: Three S Slope Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-09309.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 49.6(a)(1) & (5) (Equipment and 
maintenance requirements).

     Docket Number: M-2006-073-C:
    FR Notice: 71 FR 70550 (December 5, 2006).
    Petitioner: T.J.S. Mining, Inc., 2340 Smith Road, Shelocta, 
Pennsylvania 15774.
    Mine: Rossmoyne No. 1 Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-09075; T.J.S. No. 5 
Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-09159; T.J.S. No. 6 Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-
09464.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(e)(2) (Quantity and location 
of firefighting equipment).

     Docket Number: M-2006-082-C:
    FR Notice: 72 FR 8202 (February 23, 2007).
    Petitioner: Rosebud Mining Company, 301 Market Street, Kittanning, 
Pennsylvania 16201.
    Mine: Penfield Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-09355.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(e)(2) (Quantity and location 
of firefighting equipment).

     Docket Number: M-2006-083-C:
    FR Notice: 72 FR 8203 (February 23, 2007).
    Petitioner: Dominion Coal Corporation, P.O. Box 70, Vansant, 
Virginia 24656.
    Mine: Dominion No. 22 Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 44-06645.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 77.214(a) (Refuse piles; general).

     Docket Number: M-2006-084-C:
    FR Notice: 72 FR 8203 (February 23, 2007).
    Petitioner: The North American Coal Corporation, P.O. Box 399, 
Jourdanton, Texas 78026.
    Mine: San Miguel Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 41-02840.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 77.803 (Fail safe ground check circuits 
on high-voltage resistance grounded systems).

     Docket Number: M-2006-087-C:
    FR Notice: 72 FR 8204 (February 23, 2007).

[[Page 67972]]

    Petitioner: Energy West Mining Company, P.O. Box 310, Huntington, 
Utah 84528.
    Mine: Deer Creek Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 42-00121 and Bridger 
Underground Coal Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 48-01646.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1909(b)(6) (Nonpermissible diesel-
powered equipment; design and performance requirements).

     Docket Number: M-2006-089-C:
    FR Notice: 72 FR 8205 (February 23, 2007).
    Petitioner: The Ohio Valley Coal Company, 56854 Pleasant Ridge 
Road, Alledonia, Ohio 43902.
    Mine: Powhatan No. 6 Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 33-01159.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.507 (Power connection points).

     Docket Number: M-2006-090-C:
    FR Notice: 72 FR 20886 (April 26, 2007).
    Petitioner: Dominion Coal Corporation, P.O. Box 207, Tazewell, 
Virginia 24651.
    Mine: Mine No. 26, MSHA I.D. No. 44-06718.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 77.214(a) (Refuse files; general).

     Docket Number: M-2007-003-C:
    FR Notice: 72 FR 20887 (April 26, 2007).
    Petitioner: Summit Engineering, Inc., on behalf of Stirrat Coal 
Company, P.O. Box 484, Omar, West Virginia 25638.
    Mine: Mine No. 21, MSHA I.D. No. 46-02515.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 77.214(a) (Refuse piles; general).

     Docket Number: M-2007-015-C:
    FR Notice: 72 FR 31860 (June 8, 2007).
    Petitioner: Summit Engineering, Inc., on behalf of Spartan Mining 
Company, P.O. Box 130, 3016 Route 10, Chapmanville, West Virginia 
25508.
    Mine: No. 38 Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-07874.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 77.214(a) (Refuse piles; general).

     Docket Number: M-2007-021-C:
    FR Notice: 72 FR 30396 (May 31, 2007).
    Petitioner: Black Beauty Coal Company, P.O. Box 347, Francisco, 
Indiana 47649.
    Mine: Francisco Mine-Underground Pit, MSHA I.D. No. 12-02295.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1909(b)(6) (Nonpermissible diesel-
powered equipment; design and performance requirements).

     Docket Number: M-2007-023-C:
    FR Notice: 72 FR 31862 (June 8, 2007).
    Petitioner: Little Buck Coal Company, 57 Lincoln Road, Pine Grove, 
Pennsylvania 17963.
    Mine: Bottom Split Slope Mine, MSHA I.D. 36-09491.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200(d) and (i) (Mine map).

     Docket Number: M-2007-024-C:
    FR Notice: 72 FR 31862 (June 8, 2007).
    Petitioner: Little Buck Coal Company, 57 Lincoln Road, Pine Grove, 
Pennsylvania 17963.
    Mine: Bottom Split Slope Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-09491.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a) (Temporary notations, 
revisions, and supplements).

     Docket Number: M-2007-025-C:
    FR Notice: 72 FR 31862 (June 8, 2007).
    Petitioner: Little Buck Coal Company, 57 Lincoln Road, Pine Grove, 
Pennsylvania 17963.
    Mine: Bottom Split Slope Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-09491.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1400 (Hoisting equipment; general).

     Docket Number: M-2006-013-M:
    FR Notice: 72 FR 8202 (February 23, 2007).
    Petitioner: Vulcan Construction Materials, L.P., 3001 Alcoa 
Highway, Knoxville, Tennessee 37920.
    Mine: Richmond Road Underground Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 15-00107.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 49.2(c) (Availability of mine rescue 
teams).

     Docket Number: M-2006-014-M:
    FR Notice: 72 FR 8202 (February 23, 2007).
    Petitioner: Vulcan Construction Materials, L.P., 3001 Alcoa 
Highway, Knoxville, Tennessee 37920.
    Mine: Central Underground Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 15-00016.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 49.2 (Availability of mine rescue 
teams).

     Docket Number: M-2006-015-M:
    FR Notice: 72 FR 8202 (February 23, 2007).
    Petitioner: Rogers Group, Inc., 2182 West Industrial Park Drive, 
Bloomington, Indiana 47404.
    Mine: Jefferson County Stone Underground Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 15-
18157.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 49.2 (Availability of mine rescue 
teams).

    Dated: November 27, 2007.
Jack Powasnik,
Deputy Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. E7-23395 Filed 11-30-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P