U.S. Department of Labor

Mine Safety and Health Administration 1100 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, Virginia 22209-3939

ISSUE DATE: July 16, 2002

PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P02-7

FROM:      for RAY McKINNEY  
                        Administrator for
                        Coal Mine Safety and Health

                        MARK E. SKILES
                        Director of Technical Support

SUBJECT:     Compliance with Diesel Particulate Matter Standard in Underground Coal
                      Mines

Scope
This Program Information Bulletin affects underground coal mine operators using diesel-powered equipment, manufacturers of diesel-powered underground mining equipment (including manufacturer's exhaust aftertreatment devices and systems), and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) enforcement personnel.

Purpose
The purpose of this bulletin is to inform underground coal mine operators and Coal Mine Safety and Health (CMS&H) enforcement personnel about compliance requirements with 30 CFR Section 72.500(b) (effective July 19, 2002) and sections 72.501(a), 72.502(a), and 72.503.

Information
MSHA published a final rule on diesel particulate matter (dpm) emissions in underground coal mines in the Federal Register on January 19, 2001 (66 FR 5526). This bulletin describes the compliance requirements for underground coal mine operators who intend to operate permissible and newly introduced diesel-powered equipment underground on or after July 19, 2002, with the exception of those engines as specified in Table 72.502-1.

1. Aftertreatment devices must be installed on newly introduced diesel-powered equipment, and as of July 19, 2002, on all permissible diesel-powered equipment. Mine operators who have installed diesel aftertreatment devices must maintain those units in accordance to the requirements of 30 CFR Section 72.503(d). Mine operators who do not comply will be cited for failure to implement or maintain dpm controls.

2. The Program Information Bulletin issued on May 31, 2002 (PIB-P02-04) on the "Potential Health Hazard Caused by Platinum-Based Catalyzed Diesel Particulate Matter Exhaust Filters" identified platinum-based particulate filters as a source for generation of increased concentrations of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). Platinum-based catalyzed filters currently installed on diesel-powered equipment must be used in accordance with the conditions outlined in item 4. However, particulate filters introduced into the underground mine after the date of this PIB must not cause an increase in NO2 concentrations in the raw exhaust. MSHA can assist the mine operator in choosing a filter that does not increase NO2.

3. If a mine operator is unable to meet the requirements of 30 CFR 72.500, 72.501(a), and 72.503, they should contact the District Manager. The District Manager will review the mine operator's compliance on a mine-by-mine basis. It is MSHA's intent to provide assistance to operators to help them achieve compliance with the dpm standards.

4. If a platinum-based catalyzed filter has been installed and is designated by MSHA as having the potential to generate NO2 in excess of the TLV, the mine operator must collect tailpipe NO2 emission data (as specified in the attached appendix), determine air quantities to dilute NO2 generated from platinum-based catalyzed filters, and submit the following information to the District Manager for approval:

a) Air quantities necessary to dilute NO₂ emissions to safe concentrations;
b) Necessary modifications to the mine's ventilation plan; and,
c) The time period it will take the mine operator to obtain and install a replacement aftertreatment system.