[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