[Federal Register: December 29, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 248)]
[Notices]
[Page 74983]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29de03-91]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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. Kingwood Mining Company, LLC
[Docket No. M-2003-091-C]
Kingwood Mining Company, LLC, Route 1, Box 294C, Newburg, West
Virginia 26410 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.350 (Air courses and belt haulage entries) to its Whitetail K-Mine
(MSHA I.D. No. 46-08751) located in Preston County, West Virginia. The
petitioner requests that paragraph 1(e) of its previously approved
petition for modification, docket number M-2001-049-C be amended to
read as follows: Sensors shall be installed not more than 100 feet
downwind of all electrical installations in the belt or neutral
entry(s) and any equipment or location in the conveyor belt entry where
a potential fire source exists. Where an electrical installation is
part of a belt drive installation, then only one sensor per statement
1(d) above is required at the belt drive location. The petitioner
asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the
same measure of protection as the existing standard.
2. Genwal Resources, Inc.
[Docket No. M-2003-092-C]
Genwal Resources, Inc., PO Box 1077, Price, Utah 84501 has filed a
petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.352 (Return air
courses) to its South Crandall Canyon Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 42-02356)
located in Emery County, Utah. The petitioner requests a modification
of the existing standard to allow the use of the belt entry as a return
air course during longwall development. The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as the existing standard.
3. The Banner Company
[Docket No. M-2003-094-C]
The Banner Company, 2700 Lee Highway, Bristol, Virginia 24609 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.364(b)(2) and
(4) (Weekly examination) to its Honey Branch Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 44-
06599) located in Wise County, Virginia. The petitioner states that due
to deteriorating roof and rib conditions in a portion of the main
return entry extending from the surface to a point approximately 150
feet inby, combined with a roof fall in this area, which extends from
the outby 1E seal location to the main return travelway,
traveling the area to perform weekly examinations would be unsafe. The
petitioner proposes to establish evaluation points and have a certified
person monitor the affected area to determine the quantity and quality
of air at each monitoring station. The petitioner has listed specific
terms and conditions in this petition that would be followed when its
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.
4. Dickenson-Russell Coal Company, LLC
[Docket No. M-2003-095-C]
Dickenson-Russell Coal Company, LLC, P.O. Box 2345, Abingdon,
Virginia 24212 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.1710-1(a) (Canopies or cabs; self-propelled diesel-powered and
electric face equipment; installation requirements) to its Laurel
Mountain Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 44-06444) located in Russell County,
Virginia. The petitioner proposes to operate self-propelled electric
face equipment without canopies or cabs in mining heights less than 50
inches. The petitioner asserts that application of the existing
standard would result in a diminution of safety to the miners.
5. Sierra Minerals Corporation
[Docket No. M-2003-005-M]
Sierra Minerals Corporation, 6164 S. Newport Street, Suite 2000,
Centennial, Colorado 80111 has filed a petition to modify the
application of 30 CFR 57.15031 (Location of self-rescue devices) to its
Yule Quarry Operation (MSHA I.D. No. 05-04438) located in Gunnison
County, Colorado. The petitioner requests a modification of the
existing standard to eliminate the use of self-rescue devices for
persons underground during non-operating hours. The petitioner asserts
that application of the existing standard would result in a diminution
of safety to visitors at the mine and 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 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, 1100 Wilson
Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, Virginia 22209. All comments must be
postmarked or received in that office on or before January 28, 2004.
Copies of these petitions are available for inspection at that address.
Dated at Arlington, Virginia, this 19th day of December, 2003.
Marvin W. Nichols, Jr.,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 03-31797 Filed 12-24-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P