ISSUE DATE: 4/13/2011 

PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P11-26

FROM: KEVIN G. STRICKLIN

 Administrator for 

 Coal Mine Safety and Health

 LINDA F. ZEILER

 Acting Director of Technical Support

SUBJECT: Reissue of P02-07 - Compliance with Diesel Particulate Matter

 Standard in Underground Coal Mines 

Scope

This Program Information Bulletin (PIB) 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 PIB is to inform underground coal mine operators and Coal Mine 

Safety and Health (CMS&H) enforcement personnel about compliance requirements 

with 30 C.F.R. 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.
2

Mine operators who have installed diesel aftertreatment devices must maintain 

those units in accordance to the requirements of 30 C.F.R. Section 72.503(d). Mine 

operators who do not comply will be cited for failure to implement or maintain dpm 

controls.

2. The PIB issued on May 31, 2002 (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 C.F.R. 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.

5. If the mine operator does not have an aftertreatment device installed on or after July 

19, 2002, MSHA will issue a citation. To abate the citation, the mine operator shall 

submit to the District Manager a compliance implementation schedule. In 

establishing or extending an abatement period, the District Manager will consider 

whether the failure to install an aftertreatment device was due to non-availability 

from the engine manufacturer, retrofit control manufacturer, or a documented 

design incompatibility. The District Manager also will consider the mine operator’s 

good faith efforts to install an effective aftertreatment device to meet the dpm 

emission requirements (such as purchase orders, with delivery dates, or active 

involvement in testing of feasibility and modifications of aftertreatment devices). 
3

Background

This bulletin clarifies the compliance responsibilities of underground coal mine 

operators with 30 C.F.R. Sections 72.500, 72.501(a), 72.502(a), and 72.503. MSHA’s final 

coal diesel particulate rule established new requirements for the emission limits for 

permissible and non-permissible diesel-powered equipment over a phased-in schedule. 

Authority

30 C.F.R. Part 72 Subpart D and 30 C.F.R. Part 75 Subpart T

Issuing Offices and Contact Persons

Coal Mine Safety and Health, Health Division 

Robert Thaxton, (202) 693-9515

E-mail: thaxton.robert@dol.gov

Technical Support, Approval and Certification Center

Jeffrey Moninger, (304) 547-2324

E-mail: moninger.jeffrey@dol.gov

Technical Support, Approval and Certification Center

Robert Setren, (304) 547-2070

E-mail: setren.robert@dol.gov

Attachment

Appendix: Tailpipe Test Protocol 

(http://www.msha.gov/regs/complian/PIB/2002/pib02-07appendix.htm)

Internet Availability

This information bulletin may be viewed on the Internet by accessing MSHA’s home 

page at (http://www.msha.gov) by choosing “Statutory and Regulatory Information” 

and “Compliance Assistance Information.”

Distribution

Coal and All-Volume Program Policy Manual Holders

Underground Coal Mine Operators

Special Interest Groups

Equipment Manufacturers