[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 19 (Wednesday, January 29, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4331-4336]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-2122]


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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. D & D Coal Company

[Docket No. M-96-166-C]

    D & D Coal Company, 139 E. Independence Street, Shamokin, 
Pennsylvania 17872 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 
CFR 75.335 (construction of seals) to its 7 Foot Drift Mine (I.D. 
No.36-08092) located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner 
requests a modification of the standard to permit alternative methods 
of construction of seals using wooden materials of moderate size and 
weight due to the difficulty in accessing previously driven headings 
and breasts containing inaccessible abandoned workings; to accept a 
design criteria in the 10 psi range; and to permit the water trap to be 
installed in the gangway seal and sampling tube in the monkey seal for 
seals installed in pairs. The petitioner asserts that the proposed 
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

2. D & D Coal Company

[Docket No. M-96-167-C]

    D & D Coal Company, 139 E. Independence Street, Shamokin, 
Pennsylvania 17872 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 
CFR 75.1100 (quantity and location of firefighting equipment) to its 7 
Foot Drift Mine (I.D. No. 36-08092) located in Schuylkill County, 
Pennsylvania. The petitioner proposes to use only portable fire 
extinguishers to replace existing requirements where rock dust, water 
cars, and other water storage are not practical. The petitioner asserts 
that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the same 
measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.

3. Apogee Coal Company dba Arch of Illinois

[Docket No. M-96-168-C]

    Apogee Coal Company dba Arch of Illinois, P.O. Box 308, Percy, 
Illinois 62272 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 
75.901(a) (protection of low- and medium-voltage three-phase circuits 
used underground) to its Conant Mine (I.D. No. 11-02886) located in 
Perry County, Illinois. The petitioner requests a modification of the 
standard to allow a diesel powered generator to be operated for 
supplying power to mobile mining equipment when such equipment is being 
moved from one area of the mine to another without grounding the 
neutral to a low resistance ground field. The petitioner states that 
mining personnel would be trained in the proper testing procedures to 
be used at the mine whenever this practice occurs. The petitioner 
asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the 
same measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.

4. Burnrite Slope Coal Company

[Docket No. M-96-169-C]

    Burnrite Slope Coal Company, 325 Mulberry Street, Atlas, 
Pennsylvania 17851 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 
CFR 75.1100 (quantity and location of firefighting equipment) to its 
Burnrite Slope (I.D. No. 36-08547) located in Columbia County, 
Pennsylvania. The petitioner proposes to use only portable fire 
extinguishers to replace existing requirements where rock dust, water 
cars, and other water storage are not practical. The petitioner asserts 
that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the same 
measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.

5. Burnrite Slope Coal Company

[Docket No. M-96-170-C]

    Burnrite Slope Coal Company, 325 Mulberry Street, Atlas, 
Pennsylvania 17851 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 
CFR 75.1200 (d) & (i) (mine map) to its Burnrite Slope Mine (I.D. No. 
36-08547) located in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner 
proposes to use cross-sections instead of contour lines through the 
intake slope, at locations of rock tunnel connections between veins, 
and at 1,000-foot intervals of advance from the intake slope and to 
limit the required mapping of the mine workings above and below to 
those present within 100 feet of the veins being mined except when 
veins are interconnected to other veins beyond the 100-foot limit 
through rock tunnels. The petitioner asserts that the proposed 
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

6. Burnrite Slope Coal Company

[Docket No. M-96-171-C]

    Burnrite Slope Coal Company, 325 Mulberry Street, Atlas, 
Pennsylvania 17851 has filed a petition to modify the

[[Page 4332]]

application of 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a) (temporary notations, revisions, and 
supplements) to its Burnrite Slope Mine (I.D. No. 36-08547) located in 
Columbia County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner proposes to revise and 
supplement mine maps annually instead of every 6 months, as required, 
and to update maps daily by hand notations. The petitioner asserts that 
the proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure 
of protection as would the mandatory standard.

7. Burnrite Slope Coal Company

[Docket No. M-96-172-C

    Burnrite Slope Coal Company, 325 Mulberry Street, Atlas, 
Pennsylvania 17851 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 
CFR 75.1400 (hoisting equipment; general) to its Burnrite Slope (I.D. 
No. 36-08547) located in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner 
proposes to use a slope conveyance (gunboat) in transporting persons 
without installing safety catches or other no less effective devices 
but instead use an increased rope strength/safety factor and secondary 
safety rope connection in place of such devices. The petitioner asserts 
that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the same 
measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.

8. Martin County Coal Corporation

[Docket No. M-96-173-C]

    Martin County Coal Corporation, P.O. Box 5002, Inez, Kentucky 41224 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.513-1 
(electric conductor; size) to its Pegasus Mine (I.D. No. 15-17330) 
located in Martin County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to install 
current limiting devices in conveyor belt drive electrical 
installations to ensure deenergization of the circuit before a rise in 
temperature from normal operation will damage the insulating materials 
of electrical conductors. The petitioner asserts that the proposed 
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

9. Mallie Coal Company. Inc.

[Docket No. M-96-174-C]

    Mallie Coal Company, Inc., Route 1, Box 173, Woodbine, Kentucky 
40771 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 
75.380(f)(4)(i) (escapeways; bituminous and lignite mines) to its Mine 
No. 5 (I.D. No. 15-17314) located in Knox County, Kentucky. The 
petitioner proposes to install two five-pound or one ten-pound portable 
chemical fire extinguisher in the operators deck of each Mescher 
tractor operated at the mine; to have the fire extinguisher readily 
accessible to the operator; and to have each fire extinguisher 
inspected daily by the equipment operator prior to entering the 
escapeway. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method 
would provide at least the same measure of protection as would the 
mandatory standard.

10. Apex Minerals, Inc.

[Docket No. M-96-175-C]

    Apex Minerals, Inc., P.O. Box 117, Kimper, Kentucky 41539 has filed 
a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.503 (permissible 
electric face equipment; maintenance) to its Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 15-
02096) located in Pike County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use 
permanently installed, spring-loaded locking devices on mobile battery-
powered equipment to prevent unintentional loosening of battery plugs 
from battery receptacles to eliminate the hazards associated with 
difficult removal of padlocks during emergency situations. 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.

11. Rawl Sales and Processing Company

[Docket No. M-96-176-C]

    Rawl Sales and Processing Company, P.O. Box 722, Matewan, West 
Virginia 25678 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 Tall Timber Mine (I.D. No. 15-13720) located 
in Pike County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use a diesel 
generator to power mobile equipment in and out of its mine. The 
petitioner asserts that the use of this generator as a mobile unit used 
in conjunction with the tramming of mobile equipment does not enable 
attaching the unit to the mine's ground fields. The petitioner has 
outlined in this petition specific changes and adjustments that would 
be made to the generator set to ensure that the proposed alternative 
method would provide at least the same measure of protection as would 
the mandatory standard.

12. Road Fork Development Company

[Docket No. M-96-177-C]

    Road Fork Development Company, P.O. Box 565, Matewan, West Virginia 
25678 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 Calloway Mine (I.D. No. 15-17252); its Pegs Branch 
Mine (I.D. No. 15-17541); its Burnwell Energy Mine (I.D. No. 15-16599); 
and its Extra Energy Mine (I.D. No. 15-15386) all located in Pike 
County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use a diesel generator to 
power mobile equipment in and out of the mines. The petitioner asserts 
that the use of this generator as a mobile unit used in conjunction 
with the tramming of mobile equipment does not enable attaching the 
unit to the mine's ground fields. The petitioner asserts that the 
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

13. Dry Fork Energy, Inc.

[Docket No. M-96-178-C]

    Dry Fork Energy, Inc., P.O. Box 157, McCarr, Kentucky 41544 has 
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.503 
(permissible electric face equipment) to its Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 15-
17385) located in Pike County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use 
permanently installed, spring-loaded locking devices on mobile battery-
powered machines to prevent unintentional loosening of battery plugs 
from battery receptacles to eliminate the hazards associated with 
difficult removal of padlocks during emergency situations. 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.

14. Dry Fork Energy, Inc.

[Docket No. M-96-179-C]

    Dry Fork Energy, Inc., P.O. Box 157, McCarr, Kentucky 41544 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 Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 15-17385) located in Pike County, Kentucky. 
The petitioner proposes to use a diesel generator to power mobile 
equipment in and out of the mines. The petitioner asserts that the use 
of this generator as a mobile unit used in conjunction with the 
tramming of mobile equipment does not enable attaching the unit to the 
mine's ground fields. The petitioner has outlined in this petition 
specific changes and adjustments that would be made to the

[[Page 4333]]

generator set to ensure that the proposed alternative method would 
provide at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory 
standard.

15. Dry Fork Energy, Inc.

[Docket No. M-96-180-C]

    Dry Fork Energy, Inc., P.O. Box 157, McCarr, Kentucky 41544 has 
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.901(a) 
(protection of low- and medium-voltage three-phase circuits used 
underground) to its Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 15-17385) located in Pike 
County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use a diesel generator to 
power mobile equipment in and out of its mine. The petitioner asserts 
that the use of this generator as a mobile unit used in conjunction 
with the tramming of mobile equipment does not enable attaching the 
unit to the mine's ground fields. The petitioner has outlined in this 
petition specific changes and adjustments that would be made to the 
generator set to ensure that the proposed alternative method would 
provide at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory 
standard.

16. Apex Minerals, Inc.

[Docket No. M-96-181-C]

    Apex Minerals, Inc., P.O. Box 329, Sidney, Kentucky 41564 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 Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 15-02096) located in Pike County, Kentucky. 
The petitioner proposes to use a diesel generator to power mobile 
equipment in and out of its mine. The petitioner asserts that the use 
of this generator as a mobile unit used in conjunction with the 
tramming of mobile equipment does not enable attaching the unit to the 
mine's ground fields. The petitioner has outlined in this petition 
specific changes and adjustments that would be made to the generator 
set to ensure that the proposed alternative method would provide at 
least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.

17. Apex Minerals, Inc.

[Docket No. M-96-182-C]

    Apex Minerals, Inc., P.O. Box 329, Sidney, Kentucky 41564 has filed 
a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.901(a) (protection of 
low- and medium-voltage three-phase circuits used underground) to its 
Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 15-02096) located in Pike County, Kentucky. The 
petitioner proposes to use a diesel generator to power mobile equipment 
in and out of its mine. The petitioner asserts that the use of this 
generator as a mobile unit used in conjunction with the tramming of 
mobile equipment does not enable attaching the unit to the mine's 
ground fields. The petitioner has outlined in this petition specific 
changes and adjustments that would be made to the generator set to 
ensure that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the 
same measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.

18. Kerr-McGee Coal Corporation

[Docket No. M-96-183-C]

    Kerr-McGee Coal Corporation, Caller Box 3013, Gillette, Wyoming 
82717 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 
77.1304(a) (blasting agents; special provisions) to its Jacobs Ranch 
Mine (I.D. No. 48-00997) located in Campbell County, Wyoming. The 
petitioner proposes to use petroleum-based lubrication oil, which would 
be drained from its Jacobs Ranch Mine equipment, blended with fuel oil 
to create an Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) blasting agent. The 
petitioner also proposes to submit proposed revisions to its part 48 
training plan, which include initial and refresher training regarding 
compliance to its petition, to the District Manager within 60 days 
after granting of this petition. The petitioner has outlined in this 
petition specific procedures that would be followed in creating the 
ANFO and using the blasting agent. The petitioner asserts that the 
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

19. M & H Coal Company

[Docket No. M-96-184-C]

    M & H Coal Company, P.O. Box 559, Hegins, Pennsylvania 17938 has 
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1200 (d) & (i) 
(mine map) to its Mercury Slope (I.D. No. 36-01920) located in 
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner proposes to use cross-
sections instead of contour lines through the intake slope, at 
locations of rock tunnel connections between veins, and at 1,000-foot 
intervals of advance from the intake slope and to limit the required 
mapping of the mine workings above and below to those present within 
100 feet of the veins being mined except when veins are interconnected 
to other veins beyond the 100-foot limit through rock tunnels. The 
petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide 
at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory 
standard.

20. M & H Coal Company

[Docket No. M-96-185-C]

    M & H Coal Company, P.O. Box 559, Hegins, Pennsylvania 17938 has 
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a) 
(temporary notations, revisions, and supplements) to its Mercury Slope 
(I.D. No. 36-01920) located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. The 
petitioner proposes to revise and supplement mine maps annually instead 
of every 6 months, as required, and to update maps daily by hand 
notations. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method 
would provide at least the same measure of protection as would the 
mandatory standard.

21. M & H Coal Company

[Docket No. M-96-186-C]

    M & H Coal Company, P.O. Box 559, Hegins, Pennsylvania 17938 has 
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.335 
(construction of seals) to its Mercury Slope (I.D. No. 36-01920) 
located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner requests a 
modification of the standard to permit alternative methods of 
construction of seals using wooden materials of moderate size and 
weight due to the difficulty in accessing previously driven headings 
and breasts containing inaccessible abandoned workings; to accept a 
design criteria in the 10 psi range; and to permit the water trap to be 
installed in the gangway seal and sampling tube in the monkey seal for 
seals installed in pairs. The petitioner asserts that the proposed 
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

22. Sheldon Derck

[Docket No. M-96-187-C]

    Sheldon Derck, 133 E. Academy Street, Shamokin, Pennsylvania 17872 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1202-1(a) 
(temporary notations, revisions, and supplements) to its Slope No. 1 
Mine (I.D. No. 07018) located in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. 
The petitioner proposes to revise and supplement mine maps annually 
instead of every 6 months, as required, and to update maps daily by 
hand notations. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative 
method would provide at least the same measure of protection as would 
the mandatory standard.

[[Page 4334]]

23. Sheldon Derck

[Docket No. M-96-188-C]

    Sheldon Derck, 133 E. Academy Street, Shamokin, Pennsylvania 17872 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1200 (mine 
map) to its Slope No. 1 Mine (I.D. No. 07018) located in Northumberland 
County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner proposes to use cross-sections 
instead of contour lines through the intake slope, at locations of rock 
tunnel connections between veins, and at 1,000-foot intervals of 
advance from the intake slope and to limit the required mapping of the 
mine workings above and below to those present within 100 feet of the 
veins being mined except when veins are interconnected to other veins 
beyond the 100-foot limit through rock tunnels. The petitioner asserts 
that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the same 
measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.

24. Sheldon Derck

[Docket No. M-96-189-C]

    Sheldon Derck, 133 E. Academy Street, Shamokin, Pennsylvania 17872 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1100 
(quantity and location of firefighting equipment) to its Slope No. 1 
Mine (I.D. No. 07018) located in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. 
The petitioner proposes to use only portable fire extinguishers to 
replace existing requirements where rock dust, water cars, and other 
water storage are not practical. The petitioner asserts that the 
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

25. Jordan Coal Company

[Docket No. M-96-190-C]

    Jordan Coal Company, 133 E. Academy Street, Shamokin, Pennsylvania 
17872 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1202-
1(a) (temporary notations, revisions, and supplements) to its Jordan 
No. 1 Slope Mine (I.D. No. 07681) located in Northumberland County, 
Pennsylvania. The petitioner proposes to revise and supplement mine 
maps annually instead of every 6 months, as required, and to update 
maps daily by hand notations. The petitioner asserts that the proposed 
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

26. Jordan Coal Company

[Docket No. M-96-191-C]

    Jordan Coal Company, 133 E. Academy Street, Shamokin, Pennsylvania 
17872 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1200 
(mine map) to its Jordan No. 1 Slope Mine (I.D. No. 36-07681) located 
in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner proposes to use 
cross-sections instead of contour lines through the intake slope, at 
locations of rock tunnel connections between veins, and at 1,000-foot 
intervals of advance from the intake slope and to limit the required 
mapping of the mine workings above and below to those present within 
100 feet of the veins being mined except when veins are interconnected 
to other veins beyond the 100-foot limit through rock tunnels. The 
petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide 
at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory 
standard.

27. Jordan Coal Company

[Docket No. M-96-192-C]

    Jordan Coal Company has filed a petition to modify the application 
of 30 CFR 75.1100 (quantity and location of firefighting equipment) to 
its Jordan No. 1 Slope Mine (I.D. No. 36-07681) located in 
Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner proposes to use 
only portable fire extinguishers to replace existing requirements where 
rock dust, water cars, and other water storage are not practical. The 
petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide 
at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory 
standard.

28. Consolidation Coal Company

[Docket No. M-96-193-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 
Shoemaker Mine (I.D. No. 46-01436) located in Marshall County, West 
Virginia. Due to deteriorating roof and rib conditions in certain areas 
of the return aircourse, traveling the area in entirety would be 
unsafe. The petitioner proposes to establish two check points to 
monitor the affected area; to maintain these check points in a safe 
condition; to have a certified person test for methane and the quantity 
of air on a weekly basis at each check point; and to have the person 
making examinations and tests record their initials, date, and time in 
a record book kept on the surface and made available for inspection by 
interested persons. The petitioner asserts that the proposed 
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of 
protection as would the mandatory standard.

29. Apogee Coal Company dba Arch of Illinois

[Docket No. M-96-194-C]

    Apogee Coal Company dba Arch of Illinois, P.O. Box 308, Percy, 
Illinois 62272-0308 has filed a petition to modify the application of 
30 CFR 75.333(b)(3) (ventilation controls) to its Conant Mine (I.D. No. 
11-02886) located in Perry County, Illinois. The petitioner requests a 
modification of the standard to allow permanent stoppings to be built 
and maintained to a point not to exceed 900 feet from the point of 
deepest penetration in the conveyor belt entry or to a distance from 
the point of deepest penetration in the conveyor belt entry not to 
exceed 1\1/2\ time the length of the Archveyor continuous face haulage 
system. 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.

30. Sargent Hollow Mining Corporation

[Docket No. M-96-195-C]

    Sargent Hollow Mining Corporation, P.O. Box 2560, Wise, Virginia 
24293 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 
75.364(b)(2) (weekly examination) to its Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 44-06795) 
located in Wise County, Virginia. Due to deteriorating roof conditions 
in certain areas of the return aircourse, traveling the area in 
entirety would be unsafe. The petitioner proposes to evaluate the 
quality and quantity of air in the affected area at S.S. No. 323 inby, 
and S.S. No. 270 outby the dangerous roof area. The petitioner asserts 
that the proposed alternative method would not result in a diminution 
of safety to the miners.

31. Freedom Energy Mining Company

[Docket No. M-96-196-C]

    Freedom Energy Mining Company, P.O. Box 239, Sidney, Kentucky 41564 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.503 
(permissible electric face equipment; maintenance) to its Mine No. 1 
(I.D. No. 15-07082) located in Pike County, Kentucky. The petitioner 
proposes to use permanently installed, spring-loaded locking devices on 
mobile battery-powered equipment to prevent

[[Page 4335]]

unintentional loosening of battery plugs from battery receptacles to 
eliminate the hazards associated with difficult removal of padlocks 
during emergency situations. 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.

32. Rockhouse Energy Mining Company

[Docket No. M-96-197-C]

    Rockhouse Energy Mining Company, P.O. Box 239, Sidney, Kentucky 
41564 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.503 
(permissible electric face equipment; maintenance) to its Rockhouse 
Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 15-17651) located in Pike County, Kentucky. The 
petitioner proposes to use permanently installed, spring-loaded locking 
devices on mobile battery-powered equipment to prevent unintentional 
loosening of battery plugs from battery receptacles to eliminate the 
hazards associated with difficult removal of padlocks during emergency 
situations. 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.

33. Solid Energy Mining Company

[Docket No. M-96-198-C]

    Solid Energy Mining Company, P.O. Box 368, Sidney, Kentucky 41564 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.503 
(permissible electric face equipment; maintenance) to its Mine No. 1 
(I.D. No. 15-07475) located in Pike County, Kentucky. The petitioner 
proposes to use permanently installed, spring-loaded locking devices on 
mobile battery-powered equipment to prevent unintentional loosening of 
battery plugs from battery receptacles to eliminate the hazards 
associated with difficult removal of padlocks during emergency 
situations. 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.

34. Clean Energy Mining Company

[Docket No. M-96-199-C]

    Clean Energy Mining Company, P.O. Box 267, Sidney, Kentucky 41564 
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.503 
(permissible electric face equipment; maintenance) to its Mine No. 1 
(I.D. No. 15-10753) located in Pike County, Kentucky. The petitioner 
proposes to use permanently installed, spring-loaded locking devices on 
mobile battery-powered equipment to prevent unintentional loosening of 
battery plugs from battery receptacles to eliminate the hazards 
associated with difficult removal of padlocks during emergency 
situations. 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.

35. Sidney Coal Company, Inc.

[Docket No. M-96-200-C]

    Sidney Coal Company, Inc., P.O. Box 299, Sidney, Kentucky 41564 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 subsidiaries: the Black Diamond Coal Company, Mine No. 1 (I.D. 
No. 15-17356); the Clean Energy Mining Company, Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 
15-10753); the Freedom Energy Mining Company, Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 15-
07082); the Rockhouse Energy Mining Company, Rockhouse Mine No. 1 (I.D. 
No. 15-17651); and the Solid Energy Mining Company, Mine No. 1 (I.D. 
No. 15-07475) all located in Pike County, Kentucky. The petitioner 
proposes to use a diesel generator to power mobile equipment in and out 
of these mines. The petitioner asserts that the use of this generator 
as a mobile unit used in conjunction with the tramming of mobile 
equipment does not enable attaching the unit to the mines' ground 
fields. The petitioner has outlined in this petition specific changes 
and adjustments that would be made to the generator set to ensure that 
the proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure 
of protection as would the mandatory standard.

36. Golden Oak Mining Company, L.P.

[Docket No. M-96-201-C]

    Golden Oak Mining Company, L.P., HC 85, Box 177, Whitesburg, 
Kentucky 41858 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 
75.362(d)(2) (on-shift examination) to its Tango Mine (I.D. No. 15-
13294), its Golden Oak 3-A Mine (I.D. No. 15-02046), its Golden Oak No. 
3 Mine (I.D. No. 15-17372) all located in Letcher County, Kentucky; and 
its Black Oak Mine No. 10 (I.D. No. 15-17592) located in Knott County, 
Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use a 20-foot probe to conduct 
methane tests in all unbolted places; in all working places where roof 
bolting is being performed; in working places where a continuous miner 
is actively cutting coal, and to attach a device to the continuous 
miner holding a methane detector to conduct the test within 36 inches 
of the deepest point of penetration in the cut, if the cut is deeper 
than 20 feet; and to calibrate the methane monitor on the continuous 
miner to warn the operator at 1.0% methane and to deenergize the 
machine at 1.5% methane. The petitioner has outlined in this petition 
specific procedures to be followed when using its alternative method. 
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.

37. Blue Mountain Energy, Inc.

[Docket No. M-96-202-C]

    Blue Mountain Energy, Inc., Box 1067, Rangely, Colorado 81648 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 Deserado Mine (I.D. No. 05-03505) located in Rio 
Blanco County, Colorado. The petitioner proposes to use 2,400-volt 
cables to power longwall equipment in the active pillar workings; to 
implement additional safety procedures and devices; and to provide 
training to all mining personnel before the proposed alternative method 
is implemented. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative 
method would provide at least the same measure of protection as would 
the mandatory standard.

38. Elk Run Coal Company, Inc.

[Docket No. M-96-203-C]

    Elk Run Coal Company, Inc., P.O. Box 497, Sylvester, West Virginia 
25193 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1002 
(location of trolley wires, trolley feeder wires, and high-voltage 
cables and transformers) to its Black Knight II Mine (I.D. No. 46-
08402) located in Boone County, West Virginia. The petitioner proposes 
to use 2,300-volt cables to power longwall equipment in the active 
pillar workings; to implement additional safety

[[Page 4336]]

procedures devices; and to provide training to all mining personnel 
before the proposed alternative method is implemented. 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 February 28, 1997. 
Copies of these petitions are available for inspection at that address.

    Dated: January 22, 1997.
Patricia W. Silvey,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 97-2122 Filed 1-28-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P