99-26695. Petitions for Modification  

  • [Federal Register Volume 64, Number 197 (Wednesday, October 13, 1999)]
    [Notices]
    [Pages 55492-55495]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 99-26695]
    
    
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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 mandatory safety standards under section 101(c) of the 
    Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.
    
    1. CONSOL of Kentucky, Inc.
    
    [Docket No. M-1999-074-C]
    
        CONSOL of Kentucky, Inc., Consol Plaza, 1800 Washington Road, 
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15241-1421 has filed a petition to modify the 
    application of 30 CFR 75.1101-8 (water sprinkler systems; arrangement 
    of sprinklers) to its Mousie H4 Mine (I.D. No. 15-18166) located in 
    Knott County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use a single 
    overhead pipe system with \1/2\-inch orifice automatic sprinklers 
    located on 10-foot centers, to cover 50 feet of fire-resistant belt or 
    150 feet of non-fire resistant belt, with actuation temperatures 
    between 200 and 230 degrees Fahrenheit and with water pressure equal to 
    or greater than 10 psi, and to locate the automatic sprinklers not more 
    than 10 feet apart so that the discharge of water will extend over the 
    belt drive, belt take-up, electrical control, and gear reducing unit. 
    The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would 
    provide at least the same measure of protection as the mandatory 
    standard.
    
    2. Independence Coal Company, Inc.
    
    [Docket No. M-1999-075-C]
    
        Independence Coal Company, Inc., HC 78, Box 1800, Madison, West 
    Virginia 25130 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 
    75.1700 (oil and gas wells) to its Cedar Grove Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 46-
    08603)
    
    [[Page 55493]]
    
    located in Boone County, West Virginia. The petitioner proposes to plug 
    and mine through oil and gas wells and to notify the District Manager 
    or designee prior to mining within 300 feet of the well. The petitioner 
    asserts that the proposed alternative method will not result in a 
    diminution of safety to the miners.
    
    3. Consolidation Coal Company
    
    [Docket No. M-1999-076-C]
    
        Consolidation Coal Company, Consol Plaza, 1800 Washington Road, 
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15241-1421 has filed a petition to modify the 
    application of 30 CFR 75.503 (permissible electric face equipment; 
    maintenance) to its Shoemaker Mine (I.D. No. 46-01436) located in 
    Marshall County, West Virginia. The petitioner proposes to use trailing 
    cables greater than 500 feet in length on face equipment during 
    longwall panel development. The cables would not exceed 1,000 feet in 
    length. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method 
    would provide at least the same measure of protection as the mandatory 
    standard.
    
    4. CONSOL of Kentucky, Inc.
    
    [Docket No. M-1999-077-C]
    
        CONSOL of Kentucky, Inc., Consol Plaza, 1800 Washington Road, 
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15241-1421 has filed a petition to modify the 
    application of 30 CFR 75.701 (grounding metallic frames, casings, and 
    other enclosures of electric equipment) to its Mousie H4 Mine (I.D. No. 
    15-18166) located in Knott County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to 
    obtain a low and medium voltage, three-phase, alternating current for 
    use underground from a portable diesel-driven generator and to connect 
    the neutral of the generator's transformer secondary through a suitable 
    resistor to the frame of the diesel generator. The petitioner states 
    that the frame of the diesel generator will not have solid connection 
    to a borehole casing, a metal waterline, or a grounding conductor with 
    a low resistance to earth. The petitioner has listed in this petition 
    specific terms and conditions for implementing its proposed alternative 
    method. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method 
    would provide at least the same measure of protection as the mandatory 
    standard.
    
    5. Consolidation Coal Company
    
    [Docket No. M-1999-078-C]
    
        Consolidation Coal Company, Consol Plaza, 1800 Washington Road, 
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15241-1421 has filed a petition to modify the 
    application of 30 CFR 75.503 (permissible electric face equipment; 
    maintenance) to its Dilworth Mine (I.D. No. 36-04281) located in Greene 
    County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner proposes to use trailing cables 
    greater than 500 feet in length on face equipment during longwall panel 
    development. The cables would not exceed 900 feet in length. The 
    petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide 
    at least the same measure of protection as the mandatory standard.
    
    6. Freeman United Coal Mining Company
    
    [Docket No. M-1999-079-C]
    
        Freeman United Coal Mining Company, 1999 Wabash Avenue, Suite 200B, 
    Springfield, Illinois 62704-5364 has filed a petition to modify the 
    application of 30 CFR 75.332(a)(2) (working sections and working 
    places) to its Crown II Mine (I.D. No. 11-02236) located in Macoupin 
    County, Illinois. The petitioner proposes to cut coal simultaneously 
    using a reliable radio communication between two continuous miners on 
    each of the mine's supersections to ensure that the continuous miners 
    are not cutting coal simultaneously. The petitioner states that the 
    continuous miner will not cut roof, ribs, face, or bottom during the 
    cleanup phase when loading out loose coal or rock from the mine floor. 
    The petitioner has listed in this petition specific procedures and 
    conditions for implementing its proposed alternative method. The 
    petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide 
    at least the same measure of protection as the mandatory standard.
    
    7. Wayne Processing, Inc.
    
    [Docket No. M-1999-080-C]
    
        Wayne Processing, Inc., PO Box 262, Toler, Kentucky 41569 has filed 
    a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.503 (permissible 
    electric face equipment; maintenance) to its No. 1 Mine (I.D. No. 46-
    01329) located in Boone County, West Virginia. The petitioner proposes 
    to use a spring-loaded locking device to secure battery plugs to 
    machine mounted receptacles instead of using padlocks. The petitioner 
    asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the 
    same measure of protection as the mandatory standard.
    
    8. Sheep Fork Energy, Inc.
    
    [Docket No. M-1999-081-C]
    
        Sheep Fork Energy, Inc., PO Box 262, Toler, Kentucky 41569 has 
    filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.503 
    (permissible electric face equipment; maintenance) to its No. 6 Mine 
    (I.D. No. 15-17826) located in Pike County, Kentucky. The petitioner 
    proposes to use a spring-loaded locking device to secure battery plugs 
    to machine mounted receptacles instead of using padlocks. The 
    petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide 
    at least the same measure of protection as the mandatory standard.
    
    9. Jim Walter Resources, Inc.
    
    [Docket No. M-1999-082-C]
    
        Jim Walter Resources, Inc., PO Box 133, Brookwood, Alabama 35444 
    has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.701 
    (grounding metallic frames, casings, and other enclosures of electric 
    equipment) to its No. 4 Mine (I.D. No. 01-01247), its No. 5 Mine (I.D. 
    No. 01-01322) and its No. 7 Mine (I.D. No. 01-01401) all located in 
    Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The petitioner proposes to use one 480-
    volt, three-phase, 260 KW/325KVA diesel-powered generator set supplying 
    power to a 250 KVA three-phase transformer and three-phase circuits to 
    move equipment in and out of the mine and to perform minor mining 
    activities in the mine. The petitioner has listed in this petition 
    specific terms and conditions for using the generator system. The 
    petitioner states that proper testing procedures and training will be 
    conducted for all operators prior to using the generator system. The 
    petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide 
    at least the same measure of protection as the mandatory standard.
    
    10. Garrett Mining, Inc.
    
    [Docket No. M-1999-083-C]
    
        Garrett Mining, Inc., PO Box 262, Toler, Kentucky 41569 has filed a 
    petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.503 (permissible 
    electric face equipment; maintenance) to its Hazard Mine (I.D. No. 15-
    17612), and its No. 2 Mine (I.D. No. 15-08079) both located in Pike 
    County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use a spring-loaded 
    locking device to secure battery plugs to machine mounted receptacles 
    instead of using padlocks. The petitioner asserts that the proposed 
    alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
    protection as the mandatory standard.
    
    11. Hutchinson Salt Company
    
    [Docket No. M-1999-012-M]
    
        Hutchinson Salt Company, 3300 Carey Blvd., Hutchinson, Kansas 
    67501-
    
    [[Page 55494]]
    
    9604 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 49.5 
    (mine rescue station) to its Hutchinson Salt Company Mine (I.D. No. 14-
    00412) located in Reno County, Kansas. The petitioner proposes to: (i) 
    Have mine rescue equipment centrally located at each individual mine 
    for easier inspection, test, and required oxygen training every two 
    months; (ii) have six approved contained oxygen breathing apparatus and 
    other rescue equipment available at each mine site; and (iii) have 
    rescue equipment available for re-entry after an electrical malfunction 
    that causes smoke evacuation or as back-up units for local fire 
    departments during community disasters. The petitioner states that 
    rescue stations located at each mine will lessen the chance of rescue 
    equipment being destroyed by an act of nature or theft. In addition, 
    the petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method will not 
    reduce the safety of the miners.
    
    12. Lyons Salt Company
    
    [Docket No. M-1999-013-M]
    
        Lyons Salt Company, 1660 Ave. N, P.O. Box 87, Lyons, Kansas 67554 
    has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 49.5 (mine 
    rescue station) to its Lyons Salt Company Mine (I.D. No. 14-00413) 
    located in Rice County, Kansas. The petitioner proposes to: (i) Have 
    mine rescue equipment centrally located at each individual mine for 
    easier inspection, test, and required oxygen training every two months; 
    (ii) have six approved contained oxygen breathing apparatus and other 
    rescue equipment available at each mine site; and (iii) have the 
    equipment available for re-entry after an electrical malfunction that 
    causes smoke evacuation or as back-up units for local fire departments 
    during community disasters. The petitioner states that rescue stations 
    located at each mine will lessen the chance of rescue equipment being 
    destroyed by an act of nature or theft. In addition, the petitioner 
    asserts that the proposed alternative method will not reduce the safety 
    of the miners.
    
    13. G-P Gypsum Corporation
    
    [Docket No. M-1999-014-M]
    
        G-P Gypsum Corporation, 2127 Highway 77 North, Blue Rapids, Kansas 
    66411 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 49.5 
    (mine rescue station) to its Blue Rapids Mine and Mill (I.D. No. 14-
    00309) located in Marshall County, Kansas. The petitioner proposes to: 
    (i) Have mine rescue equipment centrally located at each individual 
    mine for easier inspection, test, and required oxygen training every 
    two months; (ii) have six approved contained oxygen breathing apparatus 
    and other rescue equipment available at each mine site; and (iii) have 
    the equipment available for re-entry use after an electrical 
    malfunction that causes smoke evacuation or as back-up units for local 
    fire departments during community disasters. The petitioner states that 
    rescue stations located at each mine will lessen the chance of rescue 
    equipment being destroyed by an act of nature or theft. In addition, 
    the petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method will not 
    reduce the safety of the miners.
    
    14. Lyons Salt Company
    
    [Docket No. M-1999-015-M]
    
        Lyons Salt Company, 1660 Ave. N, P.O. Box 87, Lyons, Kansas 67554 
    has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 49.6(a)(4) 
    (equipment and maintenance requirements) to its Lyons Salt Company Mine 
    (I.D. No. 14-00413) located in Rice County, Kansas. The petitioner 
    requests a modification of the standard relating to equipment for 
    recharging cylinders since suppliers of oxygen with capabilities of 
    pumping the cylinders are within the time limit provided by the extra 
    cylinders required by each unit. The petitioner states that the Kansas 
    Mine Rescue Association members will have a total of twenty-four 
    breathing apparatus at their disposal so immediate turn-around of any 
    single unit is not extremely critical, and that shortly after 
    notification of a mine disaster the district MSHA rescue team will 
    arrive at the mine site with a portable oxygen pump. The petitioner 
    asserts that application of the proposed alternative method will not 
    compromise the safety to the miners.
    
    15. Hutchinson Salt Company
    
    [Docket No. M-1999-016-M]
    
        Hutchinson Salt Company, 3300 Carey Blvd., Hutchinson, Kansas 
    67501-9604 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 
    49.6(a)(4) (equipment and maintenance requirements) to its Hutchinson 
    Salt Company Mine (I.D. No. 14-00412) located in Reno County, Kansas. 
    The petitioner requests a modification of the standard relating to 
    equipment for recharging cylinders since suppliers of oxygen with 
    capabilities of pumping the cylinders are within the time limit 
    provided by the extra cylinders required by each unit. The petitioner 
    states that the Kansas Mine Rescue Association members will have a 
    total of twenty-four breathing apparatus at their disposal so immediate 
    turn-around of any single unit is not extremely critical, and that 
    shortly after notification of a mine disaster the district MSHA rescue 
    team will arrive at the mine site with a portable oxygen pump. The 
    petitioner asserts that application of the proposed alternative method 
    will not compromise the safety of the miners.
    
    16. G-P Gypsum Corporation
    
    [Docket No. M-1999-017-M]
    
        G-P Gypsum Corporation, 2127 Highway 77 North, Blue Rapids, Kansas 
    66411 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 
    49.6(a)(4) (equipment and maintenance requirements) to its (I.D. No. 
    14-00309) located in Marshall County, Kansas. The petitioner requests a 
    modification of the standard relating to equipment for recharging 
    cylinders since suppliers of oxygen with capabilities of pumping the 
    cylinders are within the time limit provided by the extra cylinders 
    required by each unit. The petitioner states that the Kansas Mine 
    Rescue Association members will have a total of twenty-four breathing 
    apparatus at their disposal so immediate turn-around of any single unit 
    is not extremely critical, and that shortly after notification of a 
    mine disaster the district MSHA rescue team will arrive at the mine 
    site with a portable oxygen pump. The petitioner asserts that 
    application of the proposed alternative method will not compromise the 
    safety of the miners.
    
    17. Independent Salt Company
    
    [Docket No. M-1999-018-M]
    
        Independent Salt Company, PO Box 36, Kanopolis, Kansas 67454 has 
    filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 49.5 (mine rescue 
    station) to its Independent Salt Company Mine (I.D. No.14-00411) 
    located in Ellsworth County, Kansas. The petitioner proposes to: (i) 
    Have mine rescue equipment centrally located each individual mine for 
    easier inspection, test, and required oxygen training every two months; 
    (ii) have six approved contained oxygen breathing apparatus and other 
    rescue equipment available at each mine site; and (iii) have the 
    equipment available for re-entry use after an electrical malfunction 
    that causes smoke evacuation or as back-up units for local fire 
    departments during community disasters. The petitioner states that to 
    have rescue stations located at each mine will lessen the chance of 
    rescue equipment being destroyed by an act of nature or theft. In 
    addition, the petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method 
    will not reduce the safety of the miners.
    
    [[Page 55495]]
    
    18. Independent Salt Company
    
    [Docket No. M-1999-019-M]
    
        Independent Salt Company, PO Box 36, Kanopolis, Kansas 67454 has 
    filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 49.6(a)(4) 
    (equipment and maintenance requirements) to its Independent Salt 
    Company Mine (I.D. No. 14-00411) located in Ellsworth County, Kansas. 
    The petitioner requests a modification of the standard relating to 
    equipment for recharging cylinders since suppliers of oxygen with 
    capabilities of pumping the cylinders are within the time limit 
    provided by the extra cylinders required by each unit. The petitioner 
    states that the Kansas Mine Rescue Association members will have a 
    total of twenty-four breathing apparatus at their disposal so immediate 
    turn-around of any single unit is not extremely critical, and that 
    shortly after notification of a mine disaster the district MSHA rescue 
    team will arrive at the mine site with a portable oxygen pump. The 
    petitioner asserts that application of the proposed alternative method 
    will not compromise the safety of the miners.
    
    Request for Comments
    
        Persons interested in these petitions are encouraged to submit 
    comments via e-mail to comments@msha.gov,'' or on a computer disk 
    along with an original hard copy to the Office of Standards, 
    Regulations, and Variances, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 4015 
    Wilson Boulevard, Room 627, Arlington, Virginia 22203. All comments 
    must be postmarked or received in that office on or before November 12, 
    1999. Copies of these petitions are available for inspection at that 
    address.
    
        Dated: October 4, 1999.
    Carol J. Jones,
    Acting Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
    [FR Doc. 99-26695 Filed 10-12-99; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4510-43-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
10/13/1999
Department:
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Entry Type:
Notice
Document Number:
99-26695
Pages:
55492-55495 (4 pages)
PDF File:
99-26695.pdf