[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 43 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8304-8307]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4866]
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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. Mackie J. Coal Company, Inc.
[Docket No. M-95-169-C]
Mackie J. Coal Company, Inc., Route 2, Box 530, Grundy, Virginia
24614 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1710-
1 (canopies or cabs; self-propelled electric face equipment;
installation requirements) to its Mine No. 4 (I.D. No. 44-06051)
located in Buchanan County, Virginia. The petitioner proposes to use
self-propelled electric face equipment without cabs or canopies in
mining heights of 48 inches or less. The petitioner states that
application of the standard would result in a diminution of safety to
the equipment operator.
2. Marfork Coal Company, Inc.
[Docket No. M-95-170-C]
Marfork Coal Company, Inc., P.O. Box 457, Whitesville, West
Virginia 25209 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.333(d)(1) (ventilation controls) to its Outpost East Mine (I.D. No.
46-08296); its Outpost West Mine (I.D. No. 46-08295); its White Queen
Mine (I.D. No. 46-08297); its Brushy Eagle Mine (I.D. No. 46-08315);
its Low Gap Mine (I.D. No. 46-08442); and its Birch Fork Mine (I.D. No.
46-08493) all located in Raleigh County, West Virginia. The petitioner
proposes to use electronically operated Roll-Down Doors constructed of
rubber material similar to those used in conveyor belts to control
ventilation within the air course in the main entries instead of using
heavy Metal Doors. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative
method would provide at least the same measure of protection as would
the mandatory standard.
3. Leeco, Inc.
[Docket No. M-95-171-C]
Leeco, Inc., 100 Coal Drive, London, Kentucky 40741 has filed a
petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.388(a)(1) (boreholes in
advance of mining) to its Mine No. 63 (I.D. No. 15-16413); its Mine No.
68 (I.D. No. 15-17497) located in Perry County, Kentucky; its Mine No.
60 (I.D. No. 15-12941); and its Mine No. 66 (I.D. No. 15-17172) located
in Leslie County, Kentucky. Instead of drilling boreholes,
[[Page 8305]]
the petitioner proposes to advance panels parallel to gob areas
maintaining a nominal distance of 35 feet and to second mine the panel;
and to mine out the 35 foot barrier to the previous gob as the panel
retreats. The petitioner states that this alternative method would only
apply to working sections mining within 50 feet of the pillared areas
in the same coal mine. The petitioner asserts that application of the
standard would result in a diminution of safety to the miners. In
addition, the petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method
would provide at least the same measure of protection as would the
mandatory standard.
4. Basin Resources, Inc.
[Docket No. M-95-172-C]
Basin Resources, Inc., 14300 Highway 12, Weston, Colorado 81091 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1002 (location
of trolley wires, trolley feeder wires, high-voltage cables and
transformers) to its Golden Eagle Mine (I.D. No. 05-02820) located in
Las Animas, Colorado. The petitioner proposes to use high-voltage
(2,400 volts) cables to supply power to longwall mining equipment. The
petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide
at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory
standard.
5. Genwal Resources, Inc.
[Docket No. M-95-173-C]
Genwal Resources, Inc., P.O. Box 1420, Huntington, Utah 84528 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.352 (return air
courses) to its Crandall Canyon Mine (I.D. No. 42-01715) located in
Emery County, Utah. The petitioner proposes to use belt air in a two-
entry mining system and install a low-level carbon monoxide detection
system as an early warning fire-detection system in the intake
escapeway and the belt entry using specific procedures outlined in its
petition for modification. The petitioner asserts that the proposed
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as would the mandatory standard.
6. Bituminous-Laurel Mining, Inc.
[Docket No. M-95-174-C]
Bituminous-Laurel Mining, Inc., 100 Coal Drive, London, Kentucky
40741 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.388(a)(1) (boreholes in advance of mining) to its Mine No. 4 (I.D.
No. 15-11065) located in Leslie County, Kentucky. Instead of drilling
boreholes, the petitioner proposes to advance panels parallel to gob
areas maintaining a nominal distance of 35 feet and to second mine the
panel; and to mine out the 35 foot barrier to the previous gob as the
panel retreats. The petitioner states that this alternative method
would only apply to working sections mining within 50 feet of the
pillared areas in the same coal mine. The petitioner asserts that
application of the standard would result in a diminution of safety to
the miners. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method
would provide at least the same measure of protection as would the
mandatory standard.
7. Philippi Development, Inc.
[Docket No. M-95-175-C]
Philippi Development, Inc., 2708 Cranberry Square, Morgantown, West
Virginia 26505 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.503 (permissible electric face equipment; maintenance) to its
Sentinel Mine (I.D. No. 46-04168) located in Barbour County, West
Virginia. The petitioner proposes to increase the maximum length of its
trailing cables to 900 feet for supplying power to shuttle cars, roof
bolters and mobile roof supports. The petitioner has outlined specific
procedures in its petition for modification to support its proposed
alternative method; and states that proposed revisions to the part 48
training plan would be submitted to the District Manager within 60 days
after the Proposed Decision and Order becomes final that would specify
task training for all miners designated to examine and verify the
short-circuit settings and circuit interrupting device(s). The
petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide
at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory
standard.
8. Consolidation Coal Company
[Docket No. M-95-176-C]
Consolidation Coal Company, Consol Plaza, 1800 Washington Road,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15241-1421 has filed a petition to modify the
application of 30 CFR 75.364(b)(2) (weekly examination) to its Robinson
Run No. 95 Mine (I.D. No. 46-01318) located in Harrison County, West
Virginia. Due to deteriorating roof and rib conditions and roof falls
in certain areas of the intake air course, traveling the area would be
unsafe. The petitioner proposes to establish evaluation points to
monitor the quantity and quality of air in the affected area. The
petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide
at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory
standard.
9. McElroy Coal Company
[Docket No. M-95-177-C]
McElroy Coal Company, Consol Plaza, 1800 Washington Road,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15241-1421 has filed a petition to modify the
application of 30 CFR 75.804(a) (underground high-voltage cables) to
its McElroy Mine (I.D. No. 46-01437) located in Marshall County, West
Virginia. The petitioner proposes to use a high-voltage cable with an
internal ground check conductor smaller than No. 10 (A.W.G.) as part of
its 4,160-volt longwall mining system. The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as would the mandatory standard.
10. Leeco, Inc.
[Docket No. M-95-178-C]
Leeco, Inc., 100 Coal Drive, London, Kentucky 40741 has filed a
petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.333(a) to its Mine No.
63 (I.D. No. 15-16413) located in Perry County, Kentucky. The
petitioner proposes to use semipermanent stoppings in rooms where
second mining is projected. The petitioner states that the
semipermanent stoppings would be constructed of 6-inch, hollow-core
concrete blocks, dry stacked and coated on one side with wood-fiber
based plaster; and that application of the standard would result in a
diminution of safety to the miners. In addition, the petitioner asserts
that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the same
measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.
11. White Oak Mining & Construction Company, Inc.
[Docket No. M-95-179-C]
White Oak Mining & Construction Company, Inc., Scofield Route,
Helper, Utah 84526 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30
CFR 75.364(b)(4) to its White Oak Mine #2 (I.D. No. 42-01280) located
in Carbon County, Utah. Due to deteriorating roof conditions, the Main
East intake at the 2nd Right seals and the bleeder entry at the north
end of the 2nd & 3rd Left panels cannot be traveled safely. The
petitioner proposes to establish evaluation points to monitor the
quantity and quality of air in the affected area. The petitioner states
that application of the standard would result in a diminution of safety
to the miners. In addition, the petitioner asserts that the proposed
alternative method would
[[Page 8306]]
provide at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory
standard.
12. Performance Coal Company
[Docket No. M-95-180-C]
Performance Coal Company, P.O. Box 69, Naoma, West Virginia 25140
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.333(d)(1)
(ventilation controls) to its Upper Big Branch Mine South (I.D. No. 46-
08436) located in Raleigh County, West Virginia. The petitioner
proposes to use electronically operated Roll-Down Doors constructed of
rubber material similar to those used in conveyor belts to control
ventilation within the air course in the main entries instead of using
heavy Metal Doors. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative
method would provide at least the same measure of protection as would
the mandatory standard.
13. Philippi Development, Inc.
[Docket No. M-95-181-C]
Philippi Development, Inc., 2708 Cranberry Square, Morgantown, West
Virginia 26505 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.350 (air course and belt haulage entries) to its Sentinel Mine (I.D.
No. 46-04168) located in Barbour County, West Virginia. The petitioner
proposes to install a carbon monoxide monitoring system as an early
warning fire detection system in all belt entries used as intake air
courses. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method
would provide at least the same measure of protection as would the
mandatory standard.
14. Jacks Branch Coal Company
[Docket No. M-95-182-C]
Jacks Branch Coal Company, P.O. Box 567, Madison, West Virginia
25130 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.333(d)(1) (ventilation controls) to its Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 46-
07273) located in Boone County, West Virginia. The petitioner proposes
to use electronically operated Roll-Down Doors constructed of rubber
material similar to those used in conveyor belts to control ventilation
within the air course in the main entries instead of using heavy Metal
Doors. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method
would provide at least the same measure of protection as would the
mandatory standard.
15. Mountain Coal Company
[Docket No. M-95-183-C]
Mountain Coal Company, P.O. Box 591, Somerset, Colorado 81434 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1002-1(a)
(location of other electric equipment; requirements for permissibility)
to its West Elk Mine (I.D. No. 05-03672) located in Gunnison County,
Colorado. The petitioner proposes to use non-permissible electronic
testing or diagnostic equipment within 150 feet of pillar workings. The
petitioner proposes to use low-voltage or battery operated non-
permissible equipment such as, but not limited to, laptop computers,
oscilloscopes, vibration analysis machines, and cable fault detectors.
The petitioner states that application of the standard would result in
a diminution of safety to the miners. In addition, the petitioner
asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the
same measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.
16. Mountain Coal Company
[Docket No. M-95-184-C]
Mountain Coal Company, P.O. Box 591, Somerset, Colorado 81434 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.500(d)
(permissible electric equipment) to its West Elk Mine (I.D. No. 05-
03672) located in Gunnison County, Colorado. The petitioner proposes to
use non-permissible electronic testing or diagnostic equipment in or
inby the last open crosscut. The petitioner proposes to use low-voltage
or battery operated non-permissible equipment such as, but not limited
to, laptop computers, oscilloscopes, vibration analysis machines, and
cable fault detectors. The petitioner states that application of the
standard would result in a diminution of safety to the miners. In
addition, the petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method
would provide at least the same measure of protection as would the
mandatory standard.
17. Rock of Ages Quarries, Inc.
[Docket No. M-95-12-M]
Rock of Ages Quarries, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Barre, Vermont 05641-
0482 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 56.19003
(driving mechanism connections) to its Rock of Ages Light Side (I.D.
No. 43-00024), U-13 American Hoist, Serial Number H-4121, Model 380/2
located in Washington County, Vermont. The petitioner requests relief
from the mandatory standard as it applies to chain drives between the
driving mechanism and the gear train of the hoists, allowing the use of
chain drives for such application. The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as would the mandatory standard.
18. Rock of Ages Quarries, Inc.
[Docket No. M-95-13-M]
Rock of Ages Quarries, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Barre, Vermont 05641-
0482 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 56.19003
(driving mechanism connections) to its Rock of Ages Light Side (I.D.
No. 43-00024), U-11 American Hoist, Serial Number H-3783, Model 250/4
located in Washington County, Vermont. The petitioner requests relief
from the mandatory standard as it applies to chain drives between the
driving mechanism and the gear train of the hoists, allowing the use of
chain drives for such application. The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as would the mandatory standard.
19. Rock of Ages Quarries, Inc.
[Docket No. M-95-14-M]
Rock of Ages Quarries, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Barre, Vermont 05641-
0482 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 56.19003
(driving mechanism connections) to its Rock of Ages Light Side (I.D.
No. 43-00024), W-2 American Hoist, Serial Number 21878, Model 180/3
located in Washington County, Vermont. The petitioner requests relief
from the mandatory standard as it applies to chain drives between the
driving mechanism and the gear train of the hoists, allowing the use of
chain drives for such application. The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as would the mandatory standard.
20. Rock of Ages Quarries, Inc.
[Docket No. M-95-15-M]
Rock of Ages Quarries, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Barre, Vermont 05641-
0482 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 56.19003
(driving mechanism connections) to its Rock of Ages Light Side (I.D.
No. 43-00024), U-1 American Hoist, Serial Number 22440, Model 180/3
located in Washington County, Vermont. The petitioner requests relief
from the mandatory standard as it applies to chain drives between the
driving mechanism and the gear train of the hoists, allowing the use of
chain drives for such application. The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as would the mandatory standard.
[[Page 8307]]
21. Rock of Ages Quarries, Inc.
[Docket No. M-95-16-M]
Rock of Ages Quarries, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Barre, Vermont 05641-
0482 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 56.19003
(driving mechanism connections) to its Rock of Ages Light Side (I.D.
No. 43-00024), Clyde JJ/Hoist, Serial Number 11430 located in
Washington County, Vermont. The petitioner requests relief from the
mandatory standard as it applies to chain drives between the driving
mechanism and the gear train of the hoists, allowing the use of chain
drives for such application. The petitioner asserts that the proposed
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as would the mandatory standard.
22. Swenson Granite Company, Inc.
[Docket No. M-95-17-M]
Swenson Granite Company, Inc., 369 North State Street, Concord, New
Hampshire 03301 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30
CFR 56.19003 (driving mechanism connections) to its Gray Quarry (I.D.
No. 27-00083), Hilltop Derrick, Timberland Hoist, Serial Number 65-
10943, Model 480-2-IR-100E located in Merrimack County, New Hampshire.
The petitioner requests relief from the mandatory standard as it
applies to chain drives between the driving mechanism and the gear
train of the hoists, allowing the use of chain drives for such
application. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative
method would provide at least the same measure of protection as would
the mandatory standard.
23. Swenson Granite Company, Inc.
[Docket No. M-95-18-M]
Swenson Granite Company, Inc., 369 North State Street, Concord, New
Hampshire 03301 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30
CFR 56.19003 (driving mechanism connections) to its Gray Quarry (I.D.
No. 27-00083), Lower Quarry, Clyde Hoist, Serial Number 21850, Frame 6/
2 Drum located in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. The petitioner
requests relief from the mandatory standard as it applies to chain
drives between the driving mechanism and the gear train of the hoists,
allowing the use of chain drives for such application. The petitioner
asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the
same measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.
24. Rock of Ages Quarries, Inc.
[Docket No. M-94-37-M]
This notice amends this petition document published in the Federal
Register on August 25, 1994 (59 FR 43869), to modify the application of
30 CFR 56.19003. This document is only for the Rock of Ages Light Side
(I.D. No. 43-00024), for U-2 American Hoist, Serial Number 5645, Model
180/3 located in Washington County, Vermont. The petitioner requests
relief from the mandatory standard as it applies to chain drives
between the driving mechanism and the gear train of the hoists,
allowing the use of chain drives for such application. The petitioner
asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the
same measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.
Request for Comments
Persons interested in these petitions may furnish written comments.
These comments must be filed with the Office of Standards, Regulations
and Variances, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 627, 4015
Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22203. All comments must be
postmarked or received in that office on or before April 3, 1996.
Copies of these petitions are available for inspection at that address.
Date: February 23, 1996.
Patricia W. Silvey,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations and Variances.
[FR Doc. 96-4866 Filed 3-1-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P
