Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 69 / Thursday, April 10, 1997 / Notices 17641

A copy of the proposed information

collection request can be obtained by

contacting the employee listed below in

the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

section of this notice.

DATES: Submit comments on or before

June 9, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Written comments shall be

mailed to Patricia W. Silvey, Director,

Office of Standards, Regulations, and

Variances, 4015 Wilson Boulevard,

Room 627, Arlington, VA 22203–1984.

Commenters are encouraged to send

their comments on a computer disk, or

via E-mail to psilvey@msha.gov, along

with an original printed copy. Ms.

Silvey can be reached at (703) 235–1910

(voice) or (703) 235–5551 (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

George M. Fesak, Director, Office of

Program Evaluation and Information

Resources, U.S. Department of Labor,

Mine Safety and Health Administration,

Room 715, 4015 Wilson Boulevard,

Arlington, VA 22203–1984. Mr. Fesak

can be reached at gfesak@msha.gov

(Internet E-mail), (703) 235–8378

(voice), or (703) 235–1563 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

Section 101(c) of the Federal Mine

Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine

Act), 30 U.S.C. 811(c), provides that a

mine operator or a representative of

miners may petition the Secretary to

modify the application of a mandatory

safety standard. A petition for

modification may be granted if the

Secretary of Labor (Secretary)

determines (1) that an alternative

method of achieving the results of the

standard exists and that it will

guarantee, at all times, no less than the

same measure of protection for the

miners affected as that afforded by the

standard, or (2) that the application of

the standard will result in a diminution

of safety to the miners affected.

Petitions for Modification must be in

writing and contain the petitioner’s

name and address, the mailing address

and mine identification number of the

mine or mines affected, the mandatory

safety standard to which the petition is

directed, a concise statement of the

modification requested; a detailed

statement of the facts that show the

grounds upon which a modification is

claimed or warranted; and, if the

petitioner is a mine operator, the

identity of any representative of miners

at the affected mine.

II. Current Actions

Each petition for modification must

be investigated by MSHA on a mine-bymine basis and a decision reached on

the merits. A mine operator may only

request modification of one mandatory

safety standard per petition. However, a

mine operator may file a petition for

more than one mine by showing that

identical issues of law and fact exist for

each mine.

Type of Review: Extension.

Agency: Mine Safety and Health

Administration.

Title: Petitions for Modification—

Pertains to all mines.

OMB Number: 1219–0065.

Affected Public: Business or other forprofit institutions.

Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 44.9,

44.10, and 44.11.

Total Respondents: 217 mine

operators.

Frequency: On occasion.

Total Responses: 217.

Average Time per Response: 29 hours.

Estimated Total Burden Hours: 6,400

hours.

Estimated Total Burden Cost:

$256,000.

Comments submitted in response to

this notice will be summarized and/or

included in the request for office of

Management and Budget approval of the

information collection request; they will

also become a matter of public record.

Dated: April 3, 1997.

George M. Fesak,

Director, Program Evaluation and Information

Resources.

[FR Doc. 97–9235 Filed 4–9–97; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4510–43–M

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

Summary of Decisions Granting in

Whole or in Part Petitions for

Modification

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health

Administration (MSHA), Labor.

ACTION: Notice of affirmative decisions

issued by the Administrators for Coal

Mine Safety and Health and Metal and

Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health on

petitions for modification of the

application of mandatory safety

standards.

SUMMARY: Under section 101(c) of the

Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of

1977, the Secretary of Labor may modify

the application of a mandatory safety

standard to a mine if the Secretary

determines either that an alternate

method exists at a specific mine that

will guarantee no less protection for the

miners affected than that provided by

the standard, or that the application of

the standard at a specific mine will

result in a diminution of safety to the

affected miners.

Summaries of petitions received by

the Secretary appear periodically in the

Federal Register. Final decisions on

these petitions are based upon the

petitioner’s statements, comments and

information submitted by interested

persons, and a field investigation of the

conditions at the mine. MSHA has

granted or partially granted the requests

for modification submitted by the

petitioners listed below. In some

instances, the decisions are conditioned

upon compliance with stipulations

stated in the decision.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Petitions and

copies of the final decisions are

available for examination by the public

in the Office of Standards, Regulations,

and Variances, MSHA, Room 627, 4015

Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia

22203. Contact Barbara Barron at 703–

235–1910.

Dated: March 24, 1997.

Patricia W. Silvey,

Director, Standards, Regulations, and

Variances.

Affirmative Decisions on Petitions for

Modification

Docket No.: M–92–096–C.

FR Notice: 57 FR 43476.

Petitioner: Zeigler Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.352.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to ventilate the belt haulage

slope with return air and monitor the

belt slope with an automatic fire sensor

and warning device system considered

acceptable alternative method. Granted

for the Spartan Mine with conditions for

the use of the conveyor belt in the slope

portion of the main return.

Docket No.: M–92–097–C.

FR Notice: 57 FR 43476.

Petitioner: Costain Coal, Inc.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to install a low-level carbon

monoxide detection system in all belt

entries where a sensor location is

identified instead of a monitoring

system which identifies each belt flight

considered acceptable alternative

method. Granted for the Baker Mine

with conditions to allow air coursed

through conveyor belt entries to be used

to ventilate working places.

Docket No.: M–93–080–C.

FR Notice: 58 FR 39235.

Petitioner: Synder Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1405

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to use bar and pin or link and

pin couplers on underground haulage

equipment instead of automatic

couplers considered acceptable
17642 Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 69 / Thursday, April 10, 1997 / Notices

alternative method. Granted for the N

and L Slope Mine with conditions.

Docket No.: M–93–154–C.

FR Notice: 58 FR 39570.

Petitioner: Little Rock Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100–2(a)(2).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to use only portable fire

extinguishers to replace existing

requirements where rock dust, water

cars, and other water storage are not

practical considered acceptable

alternative method. Granted for the No.

1 Slope Mine with conditions for

firefighting equipment in the working

section.

Docket No.: M–93–158–C.

FR Notice: 58 FR 41294.

Petitioner: Mountain Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal that condition number 16

requiring sections to be designed by

entry location, by number of entries, or

by pressure differential to enhance the

protection of the intake escapeway from

contamination by fires in adjacent

entries of MSHA Proposed Decision and

Order, docket number M–90–061–C be

deleted considered acceptable

alternative method. Granted for the

West Elk Mine with conditions.

Docket No.: M–93–211–C.

FR Notice: 58 FR 44701.

Petitioner: Drummond Company, Inc.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to use all belt entries as intake

air courses to eliminate any possible

dead air areas and prevent air reversals

due to changes in ventilation pressure;

to continue separating the belt entries

used as intake entries from other intake

and return entries using a continuous

permanent type stopping; and to install

a carbon monoxide monitoring system

in all belt entries used as intake air

courses considered acceptable

alternative method. Granted for the

Shoal Creek Mine with conditions for

the use of belt air to ventilate active

working sections. Application for Relief

to Give Effect to April 22, 1996 Granted.

Docket No.: M–93–280–C.

FR Notice: 58 FR 58566.

Petitioner: Andalex Resources, Inc.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to use a two-entry

development system and use the belt

entry as a return air course during

longwall development and as an intake

air course during longwall extraction to

ensure adequate ventilation quantity to

dilute and render harmless any methane

or other noxious gases that otherwise

may accumulate considered acceptable

alternative method. Granted for the

Pinnacle Mine with conditions for the

use of belt air in two-entry mining

systems.

Docket No.: M–94–009–C.

FR Notice: 59 FR 6975.

Petitioner: SBM Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100–2(a)(2).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to use only portable fire

extinguishers to replace existing

requirements where rock dust, water

cars, and other water storage are not

practical considered acceptable

alternative method. Granted for the

M&R Slope Mine.

Docket No.: M–94–019–C.

FR Notice: 59 FR 10171.

Petitioner: Utah Fuel Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.380(d)(4).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to continue utilizing the fivefoot wide stairways at overcasts in the

secondary escapeway which was

installed prior to November 16, 1992

considered acceptable alternative

method. Granted for Skyline No. 1 Mine

with conditions for the use of the

existing steel stairways with 5-foot wide

stairs providing access to cross overcasts

which were constructed prior to

November 15, 1992.

Docket No.: M–94–067–C.

FR Notice: 59 FR 32465.

Petitioner: Andalex Resources, Inc.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.352.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to install a beltline in the

return air course during development of

two-entry longwall gate entries

considered acceptable alternative

method. Granted for the Pinnacle Mine

with conditions for the use of the

conveyor belt in a return aircourse

during development of a two-entry

mining system.

Docket No.: M–94–080–C.

FR Notice: 59 FR 35148.

Petitioner: K & S Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.360.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to examine each seal for

physical damage from the slope gunboat

during the preshift examination after an

air quantity reading is taken in by the

intake portal and to test for the quantity

and quality of air at the intake air split

locations off the slope in the gangway

portion of the working section

considered acceptable alternative

method. Granted for the First Chance

Slope with conditions for examinations

of seals (conducted from the gunboat) in

the intake air haulage slope of this mine.

Docket No.: M–94–101–C.

FR Notice: 59 FR 40924.

Petitioner: H. L. & W. Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.340.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to charge batteries on the

mine’s locomotive when all miners are

out of the mine and to have the intake

air which is used to ventilate the

charging station continue through its

normal route to the last open crosscut

and into the monkey airway considered

acceptable alternative method. Granted

for the No. 2 Slope Mine with

conditions for underground battery

charging station in the intake (gangway)

entry.

Docket No.: M–94–120–C.

FR Notice: 59 FR 43869.

Petitioner: Somerset Mining

Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to use belt air to ventilate

active working places in order to

enhance the operator’s ability to

ventilate remote sections of the mine

considered acceptable alternative

method. Granted for the Sanborn Creek

Mine with conditions to allow air

coursed through conveyor belt entries to

be used to ventilate working places.

Docket No.: M–94–147–C.

FR Notice: 59 FR 52840.

Petitioner: Leeco, Inc.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1103–4(a)(1).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to install a low-level carbon

monoxide detection system as an early

warning fire detection system in all belt

entries used as intake air courses

considered acceptable alternative

method. Granted for Mine No. 68 with

conditions for the use of a carbon

monoxide monitoring system that

identifies the location of sensors in lieu

of identifying belt flights.

Docket No.: M–94–148–C.

FR Notice: 59 FR 52840.

Petitioner: Leeco, Inc.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to use belt air to ventilate

active working places to aid in

controlling respirable dust and

dissipating methane considered

acceptable alternative method. Granted

for Mine No. 68 with conditions to

allow air coursed through conveyor belt

entries to be used to ventilate working

places.

Docket No.: M–94–157–C.

FR Notice: 59 FR 55298.

Petitioner: Arch of Illinois.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to use belt air to ventilate

active working faces to maintain and to

better control the air ventilating the belt

entries and the mining faces considered

acceptable alternative method. Granted

for the Conant Mine with conditions to

allow air coursed through conveyor belt

entries to be used to ventilate working

places.
Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 69 / Thursday, April 10, 1997 / Notices 17643

Docket No.: M–95–025–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 16165.

Petitioner: Southern Utah Fuel

Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.380(d)(3), (4),

and (5)

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to use the main return to #3

crosscut where the escapeway will then

enter the #1 beltline entry considered

acceptable alternative method. Granted

for the SUFCo Mine with conditions for

the use of 2 East alternate escapeway

with reduced travelway height or width

from the conveyor belt crossing,

alongside the belt conveyor and to the

surface.

Docket No.: M–95–040–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 18147.

Petitioner: C&B Mining Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.360.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to examine each seal for

physical damage from the slope gunboat

during the preshift examination after an

air quantity reading is taken in by the

intake portal and to test for the quantity

and quality of air at the intake air split

locations off the slope in the gangway

portion of the working section

considered acceptable alternative

method. The petitioner proposes also to

physically examine the entire length of

the slope once a month. Granted for the

No. 2 Vein Slope Mine with conditions

for examinations of seals (conducted

from the gunboat) in the intake air

haulage slope of this mine.

Docket No.: M–95–049–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 18148.

Petitioner: Kerr-McGee Coal

Corporation.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to use the air in the belt entry

to ventilate active working places; to

examine the belt conveyor entry at least

once during each coal producing shift at

intervals that would be most effective

while miners are working; to follow all

other MSHA fire protection

requirements, especially those

pertaining to water lines, fire hoses, fire

suppression systems, warning devices,

and flame-resistant belting; and to

install a low-level carbon monoxide

detection system in all belt entries used

as intake air courses as an early warning

fire detection system considered

acceptable alternative method. Granted

for Mine No. 10 with conditions to

allow air coursed through conveyor belt

entries to be used to ventilate working

places.

Docket No.: M–95–050–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 18148.

Petitioner: Cross Mountain Coal, Inc.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1103–4.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to install a low-level carbon

monoxide detection system as an early

warning fire detection system in all belt

entries where a monitoring system

would identify a sensor location instead

of each belt flight considered acceptable

alternative method. Granted for Mine

No. 10 with conditions for the use of a

carbon monoxide system that identifies

the location of sensors in lieu of

identifying belt flights.

Docket No.: M–95–052–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 18148.

Petitioner: Peabody Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.364(b).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to eliminate coverage of the 1

South seals, 2 South seals, 3 South

seals, 4 South seals, and 1 West seals off

the 1 Submain North in the Decision

because these areas have been sealed

considered acceptable alternative

method. Granted for Camp No. 1 Mine

with conditions.

Docket No.: M–95–066–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 26903.

Petitioner: Shell Energy Company,

Inc.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.364(b)(2)

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to establish monitor points

‘‘A’’ and ‘‘B’’ to test for methane and

quantity of air in the affected area; to

have a certified person examine each

monitoring point on a weekly basis and

record the results in a record book kept

on the surface available for inspection

by interested persons; to record daily

examinations of the water gauge on the

active section until corrective action has

been made; to cease mining if a 10

percent decrease in the quantity of air

is measured at either monitor point ‘‘A’’

or ‘‘B’’ in the active section until

corrective action has been made; and to

cease mining if an increase of .05 per

centum of methane is detected at either

monitor point in the active section until

corrective action has been made

considered acceptable alternative

method. Granted for the Stacy-Meranda

Mine with conditions for approximately

675-feet of the mine’s main return

aircourse beginning 130-feet inby the

mine’s return air portal.

Docket No.: M–95–068–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 29714.

Petitioner: C. H. & S. Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1711–2.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to install bat gates on openings

at Mine No. 3 and Portals C in addition

to the two bat gates already installed by

the Virginia Department of Mines,

Minerals and Energy at openings Portal

A and Portal B in 1987 considered

acceptable alternative method. Granted

for Mine No. 3 with conditions to allow

bat gates to be installed in Portal of the

No. 1 entry and Portal ‘‘C’’ in this mine.

Docket No.: M–95–070–C.

FR Notice: 60 CFR 29714.

Petitioner: Clinchfield Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.350.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to install a low-level carbon

monoxide monitoring system as an early

warning fire detection system in all belt

entries used as intake air courses to

ventilate the active working faces and to

dilute and render harmless respirable

dust and harmful gases considered

acceptable alternative method. Granted

for the McClure No. 2 Mine with

conditions to allow air coursed through

conveyor belt entries to be used to

ventilate working places.

Docket No.: M–95–080–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 31499.

Petitioner: Andalex Resources, Inc.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.325(b).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to mine panels by driving a set

of entries a specified distance and then

drive another set of entries parallel and

adjoining the first set; and to measure

the air volume in the panels at the

location indicated on the diagram

accompanying the petition considered

acceptable alternative method. Granted

for Island Mine No. 1 with conditions.

Docket No.: M–95–081–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 31499.

Petitioner: Andalex Resources, Inc.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.360(c)(1).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to mine panels by driving a set

of entries a specified distance and then

drive another set of entries parallel and

adjoining the first set; and to measure

the air volume in the panels at the

location indicated on the diagram

accompanying the petition considered

acceptable alternative method. Granted

for Island Mine No. 1 with conditions.

Docket No.: M–95–082–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 31499.

Petitioner: Andalex Resources, Inc.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.362(c)(1).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to mine panels by driving a set

of entries a specified distance and then

drive another set of entries parallel and

adjoining the first set; and to measure

the air volume in the panels at the

location indicated on the diagram

accompanying the petition considered

acceptable alternative method. Granted

for Island Mine No. 1 with conditions.

Docket No.: M–95–083–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 33437.

Petitioner: Birdeye Coal Company,

Inc.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.342.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to monitor continuously with
17644 Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 69 / Thursday, April 10, 1997 / Notices

a hand-held methane and oxygen

detector instead of using machinemounted methane monitors on threewheel tractors with drag bottom buckets

considered acceptable alternative

method. Granted for the No. 4 Mine

with conditions for the Mescher

permissible three-wheel batterypowered tractors used to load coal.

Docket No.: M–95–087–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 35236.

Petitioner: Keystone Coal Mining

Corporation.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.380(d)(4).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to continue utilizing its

secondary/alternate escapeway for the

Emilie No. 1 Mine through to the East

Mains Section cut through to the Emilie

No. 2 Mine’s main line track entry,

along the belt and track, and up the belt

slope to the surface; to have two features

in and about the slope area of the

escapeway less than the requirements of

the standard; and to have the distance

from the sidewall of the slope to the

edge of the belt 54 inches wide and the

two airlock doors in the slope 46 inches

wide considered acceptable alternative

method. Granted for the Emilie No. 1

Mine with conditions for the continued

use of the alternate escapeway at a

travel width of 54 inches through the

belt/track haulage slope.

Docket No.: M–95–089–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 35236.

Petitioner: R. S. Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1400.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal 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

considered acceptable alternate method.

Granted for the No. 1 Slope Mine with

conditions for the use of the gunboat

without safety catches.

Docket No.: M–95–092–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 39429.

Petitioner: Consolidation Coal

Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to use high-voltage (4,160

volts) cables inby the last open crosscut

to supply power to longwall mining

equipment considered acceptable

alternative method. Granted for the

Loveridge No. 22 Mine with conditions

for the 4,160-volt longwall equipment.

Docket No.: M–95–104–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 42921.

Petitioner: Old Hickory Coal

Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 77.1304(a).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to blend recycled oil, a

petroleum-based lubrication oil recycled

from equipment at the No. 7 Surface

Mine blended with fuel oil to create

ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO) for

use as a blasting agent considered

acceptable alternative method. Granted

for the Peat’s Branch No. 3 Mine with

conditions.

Docket No.: M–95–105–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 42921.

Petitioner: Hobet Mining, Inc.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 77.1304(a).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to blend recycled oil, a

petroleum-based lubrication oil recycled

from equipment at the No. 7 Surface

Mine blended with fuel oil to create

ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO) for

use as a blasting agent considered

acceptable alternative method. Granted

for the No. 7 Surface Mine with

conditions.

Docket No.: M–95–106–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 42921.

Petitioner: Hobet Mining, Inc.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 77.1304(a).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to blend recycled oil, a

petroleum-based lubrication oil recycled

from equipment at the No. 21 Surface

Mine blended with fuel oil to create

ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO) for

use as a blasting agent considered

acceptable alternative method. Granted

for the No. 21 Surface Mine with

conditions.

Docket No.: M–95–111–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 46871.

Petitioner: Solar Sources

Underground, L.L.C.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1700.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to plug and mine through oil

and gas wells considered acceptable

alternative method. Granted for the

Monroe City Mine with conditions for

mining through oil and gas wells.

Docket No.: M–95–117–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 52217.

Petitioner: Snyder Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200(d) & (j).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal 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 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 considered acceptable

alternative method. Granted for the N &

L Slope Mine with conditions for the

use of cross sections, in lieu of contour

lines, limiting the mapping of mines

above or below this mine to those

within 100 feet of the vein being mined.

Docket No.: M–96–119–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 52217.

Petitioner: Doverspike Bros. Coal

Company, Inc.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.380(d)(4).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to maintain an alternate

escapeway that would have a travelway

with a minimum width of four feet and

a total of 350 lineal feet instead of the

required six-foot-wide escapeway

considered acceptable alternate method.

Granted for the Dora No. 6 Mine with

conditions for top portion of the duel

compartment conveyor-belt slope for a

distance of 350 feet from the surface.

Docket No.: M–95–123–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 52218.

Petitioner: H & S Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.335.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

request for a modification of the

standard to permit alternative methods

of construction 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 considered

acceptable alternative method. Granted

for the No. 1 Slope Mine with

conditions for seals installed in this

mine.

Docket No.: M–95–128–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 52218.

Petitioner: H & S Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100–2.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to use only portable fire

extinguishers to replace existing

requirements where rock dust, water

cars, and other water storage are not

practical considered acceptable

alternative method. Granted for the No.

1 Slope Mine with conditions for

firefighting equipment in the working

section.

Docket No.: M–95–129–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 52218.

Petitioner: H & S Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d) & (i).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal 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
Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 69 / Thursday, April 10, 1997 / Notices 17645

veins being mined except when veins

are interconnected to other veins

beyond the 100-foot limit through rock

tunnels considered acceptable alternate

method. Granted for the No. 1 Slope

Mine with conditions for the use of

cross sections, in lieu of contour lines,

limiting the mapping of mines above or

below this mine to those within 100 feet

of the vein being mined.

Docket No.: M–95–130–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 52218.

Petitioner: H & S Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202–1(a).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to revise and supplement mine

maps annually instead of every 6

months, as required, and to update

maps daily by hand notations

considered acceptable alternative

method. Granted for the No. 1 Slope

Mine with conditions for annual

revisions and supplements of the mine

map.

Docket No.: M–95–131–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 52219.

Petitioner: Performance Coal

Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to use high-voltage (4,160

volts) cables to power longwall

equipment considered acceptable

alternate method. Granted for the Upper

Big Branch South Mine with conditions

for the 4,160-volt longwall equipment.

Docket No.: M–95–143–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 54392.

Petitioner: Three Way Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.335.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

request for a modification of the

standard to permit alternative methods

of construction 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 considered

acceptable alternative method. Granted

for the Little Vein Slope Mine with

conditions for seals installed in this

mine.

Docket No.: M–95–147–C.

F.R. Notice: 60 FR 54392.

Petitioner: Three Way Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1102.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to use only portable fire

extinguishers to replace existing

requirements where rock dust, water

cars, and other water storage are not

practical considered acceptable

alternative method. Granted for the

Little Vein Slope Mine with conditions

for firefighting equipment in the

working section.

Docket No.: M–95–148–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 54392.

Petitioner: Three Way Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d) & (i).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal 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 considered acceptable alternate

method. Granted for the Little Vein

Slope Mine with conditions for the use

of cross sections, in lieu of contour

lines, limiting the mapping of mines

above or below this mine to those

within 100 feet of the vein being mined.

Docket No.: M–95–149–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 54392.

Petitioner: Three Way Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202–1(a).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to revise and supplement mine

maps annually instead of every 6

months, as required, and to update

maps daily by hand notations

considered acceptable alternative

method. Granted for the Little Vein

Slope Mine with conditions for annual

revisions and supplements of the mine

map.

Docket No.: M–95–151–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 54393.

Petitioner: Heatherly Mining, Inc.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1700.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to plug and mine through

certain abandoned wells which lie in

the path of engineered mine workers

considered acceptable alternative

method. Granted for the Pollyanna No.

8 Mine with conditions for permanent

plugging prior to the mining within 300

feet of or through oil or gas wells.

Docket No.: M–95–158–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 64079.

Petitioner: R. S. Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.335.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

request for a modification of the

standard to permit alternative methods

of construction 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 considered

acceptable alternative method. Granted

for the No. 1 Slope Mine with

conditions for seals installed in this

mine.

Docket No.: M–95–160–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 64080.

Petitioner: R. S. Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100–2(a)(2).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to use only portable fire

extinguishers to replace existing

requirements where rock dust, water

cars, and other water storage are not

practical considered acceptable

alternative method. Granted for the No.

1 Slope Mine with conditions for

firefighting equipment in the working

section.

Docket No.: M–95–161–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 64080.

Petitioner: R. S. Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200 (d) & (i).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal 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 considered acceptable alternate

method. Granted for the No. 1 Slope

Mine with conditions for the use of

cross sections, in lieu of contour lines,

limiting the mapping of mines above or

below this mine to those within 100 feet

of the vein being mined.

Docket No.: M–95–162–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 64080.

Petitioner: R. S. Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202–1(a).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to revise and supplement mine

maps annually instead of every 6

months, as required, and to update

maps daily by hand notations

considered acceptable alternative

method. Granted for the No. 1 Slope

Mine with conditions for annual

revisions and supplements of the mine

map.

Docket No.: M–95–163–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 64080.

Petitioner: R. S. Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.804(a).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to use a high-voltage (4,160-

volt) cable with an internal ground

check conductor smaller than No. 10

(A.W.G.) as a part of its longwall mining

system considered acceptable

alternative method. Granted for the
17646 Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 69 / Thursday, April 10, 1997 / Notices

Blacksville No. 2 Mine with conditions

for Consolidation Coal Company’s,

Blacksville No. 2 Mine’s longwall

system.

Docket No.: M–95–164–C.

FR Notice: 60 FR 64080.

Petitioner: The Pittsburg & Midway

Coal Mining Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1700.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to plug and mine through oil

and gas wells considered acceptable

alternative method. Granted for the

North River No. 1 Mine with conditions.

Docket No.: M–96–001–C.

FR Notice: 61 FR 13881.

Petitioner: Energy West Mining

Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.326 (now

75.350).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

request to amend paragraph III(c)(4) and

paragraph (o) of MSHA’s Proposed

Decision and Order (PDO) for its

previously granted petition to permit

the use of longwall mining with two

entries in the longwall panels under

deep cover at the Deer Creek Mine, Case

No. 86–MSHA–3, Docket No. M–85–17–

C considered acceptable. Granted with

conditions. The PDO is modified to

permit the use of non-Part 36 dieselpowered equipment in the two entry

system, except in those areas where

permissible electric face equipment is

required and only Part 36 approved

diesel equipment is allowed.

Docket No.: M–96–022–C.

FR Notice: 61 FR 17734.

Petitioner: KenAmerican Resources,

Inc.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.380(g).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

request for a modification of the

standard to allow the primary

escapeway for the No. 9 Slope to be

separated from the belt entries after

completion of the two-phase Initial

Development Stage (the normal course

of mining in the No. 9 Seam, the time

required from the commencement of

mining until connection to the airshaft)

considered acceptable alternative

method. Granted for the No. 9 Slope

Mine with conditions for the slope,

during Phase 2 development, until

development can progress to the airshaft

and make the connections.

Docket No.: M–96–030–C.

FR Notice: 61 FR 20544.

Petitioner: Amax Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.503.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to extend the length of portable

trailing cables to 825 feet to carry

electrical power from the working face

transformer to the mobile roof supports

considered acceptable alternative

method. Granted with conditions for the

four(4) Voest-Alpine Mobile roof

supports, Model No. ABLS130/275–540,

Approved No. 2G–3736A.3, Serial Nos.

111, 112, 113 and 114 used in second

mining at the Wabash mine.

Docket No.: M–96–032–C.

FR Notice: 61 FR 20544.

Petitioner: Pittsburg & Midway Coal

Mining Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.325(b).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to provide positive ventilation

by using the stopping line constructed

to separate the intake and return air

courses in the rooms previously

developed on the same panel and

maintained in accordance with the

requirements in 30 CFR 75.333; to

construct permanent stopping lines

when rooms are driven more than 600

feet deep and to use temporary stopping

lines when rooms are driven 600 feet

deep or less, as measured from the

centerline of the panel from which the

rooms are driven; and to measure the air

flow volumes in accordance with 30

CFR 75.360(c)(1) and 75.362(c)(1)

considered acceptable alternative

method. Granted for the Sebree No. 1

Mine with conditions for the relocation

of the site at which air measurements

shall be taken in the last open crosscut.

Docket No.: M–96–033–C.

FR Notice: 61 FR 20544.

Petitioner: Pittsburg & Midway Coal

Mining Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.360(c)(1).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to provide positive ventilation

by using the stopping line constructed

to separate the intake and return air

courses in the rooms previously

developed on the same panel and

maintained in accordance with the

requirements in 30 CFR 75.333; to

construct permanent stopping lines

when rooms are driven more than 600

feet deep and to use temporary stopping

lines when rooms are driven 600 feet

deep or less, as measured from the

centerline of the panel from which the

rooms are driven; and to measure the air

flow volumes in accordance with 30

CFR 75.360(c)(1) and 75.362(c)(1)

considered acceptable alternative

method. Granted for the Sebree No. 1

Mine with conditions for the relocation

of the site at which air measurements

shall be taken in the last open crosscut.

Docket No.: M–96–034–C.

FR Notice: 61 FR 20544.

Petitioner: Pittsburg & Midway Coal

Mining Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.362(c)(1).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to provide positive ventilation

by using the stopping line constructed

to separate the intake and return air

courses in the rooms previously

developed on the same panel and

maintained in accordance with the

requirements in 30 CFR 75.333; to

construct permanent stopping lines

when rooms are driven more than 600

feet deep and to use temporary stopping

lines when rooms are driven 600 feet

deep or less, as measured from the

centerline of the panel from which the

rooms are driven; and to measure the air

flow volumes in accordance with 30

CFR 75.360(c)(1) and 75.362(c)(1)

considered acceptable alternative

method. Granted for the Sebree No. 1

Mine with conditions for the relocation

of the site at which air measurements

shall be taken in the last open crosscut.

Docket No.: M–96–035–C.

FR Notice: 61 FR 20544.

Petitioner: Pittsburg & Midway Coal

Mining Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.1700.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to mine through oil and gas

wells considered acceptable alternative

method. Granted for the Sebree No. 1

Mine with conditions for miningthrough oil and gas wells, in the

Kentucky No. 9 coalbed.

Docket No.: M–95–004–M.

FR Notice: 60 FR 18148.

Petitioner: Holnam, Inc.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 56.6901.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to destroy substandard model

rocket engines containing black powder

and desensitized black powder

sweepings in conjunction with high

explosives routinely detonated in

mining activities considered acceptable

alternative method. Granted for the

Portland Quarry with conditions.

Docket No.: M–95–008–M.

FR Notice: 60 FR 29715.

Petitioner: Cyprus Bagdad Copper

Corporation.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 56.6309.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to blend recycled oil with fuel

oil in preparing ammonium nitrate-fuel

oil (ANFO) for use as a blasting agent

considered acceptable alternative

method. Granted for the Bagdad Mine

with conditions.

Docket No.: M–94–047–M.

FR Notice: 60 FR 3437.

Petitioner: Pluess-Staufer (California),

Inc.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 56.13020.

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

proposal to establish blow-off stations

with a low pressure (2–6 psi)

compressed airflow at various areas in

the plant for employees to blow dust off

their clothing considered acceptable
Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 69 / Thursday, April 10, 1997 / Notices 17647

alternative method. Granted for the

Limestone Plant with conditions.

[FR Doc. 97–9241 Filed 4–9–97; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4510–43–P

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

Summary of Decision Granting a

Petition for Modification

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health

Administration (MSHA), Labor.

ACTION: Notice of affirmative decision

issued by the Administrator for Coal

Mine Safety and Health on a petition for

modification of the application of a

mandatory safety standard.

SUMMARY: Under section 101(c) of the

Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of

1977, the Secretary of Labor may modify

the application of a mandatory safety

standard to a mine if the Secretary

determines either that an alternate

method exists at a specific mine that

will guarantee no less protection for the

miners affected than that provided by

the standard, or that the application of

the standard at a specific mine will

result in a diminution of safety to the

affected miners.

Summaries of petitions received by

the Secretary appear periodically in the

Federal Register. Final decisions on

these petitions are based upon the

petitioner’s statements, comments and

information submitted by interested

persons, and a field investigation of the

conditions at the mine. MSHA has

granted the request for modification

submitted by the petitioner listed below.

In some instances, the decisions are

conditioned upon compliance with

stipulations stated in the decision.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

This petition and a copy of the final

decision is available for examination by

the public in the Office of Standards,

Regulations, and Variances, MSHA,

Room 627, 4015 Wilson Boulevard,

Arlington, Virginia 22203. Contact

Barbara Barron at 703–235–1910.

Dated: April 2, 1997.

Edward C. Hugler,

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety

and Health.

Affirmative Decision on a Petition for

Modification

Docket No.: M–96–037–C.

FR Notice: 61 FR 33140.

Petitioner: Monterey Coal Company.

Reg Affected: 30 CFR 75.380(d)(4).

Summary of Findings: Petitioner’s

request to allow the width of the

escapeway to be 5 feet instead of 6 feet

when using the belt conveyor as an

alternate escapeway during gateroad

development and longwall operation

considered acceptable alternative

method. Granted for the No. 1 Mine

with conditions for the conveyor belt

entry during the development of

longwall gate entries and subsequent

retreat of the panels.

[FR Doc. 97–9242 Filed 4–9–97; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4510–43–M

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Advisory Panel for Biomolecular

Processes; Notice of Meeting

In accordance with the Federal

Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–

463, as amended), the National Science

Foundation announces the following

meeting.

Name: Advisory Panel for Biomolecular

Processes—(5138) (Panel B).

Date and Time: Wednesday, Thursday, and

Friday, April 30–May 1 & 2, 1997 8:30 a.m.

to 5:00 p.m.

Place: National Science Foundation, 4201

Wilson Blvd., Room 310, Arlington, VA

22230.

Type of Meeting: Closed.

Contact Person: Dr. Charles Liarakos,

Program Director for Biochemistry of Gene

Expression, Room 655, National Science

Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard,

Arlington, Virginia 22230. (703/306–1441).

Purpose of Meeting: To provide advice and

recommendations concerning proposals

submitted to NSF for financial support.

Agenda: To review and evaluate research

proposals submitted to the Biochemistry of

Gene Expression Program as part of the

selection process for awards.

Reason for Closing: The proposals being

reviewed include information of a

proprietary or confidential nature, including

technical information; financial data, such as

salaries; and personal information

concerning individuals associated with the

proposals. These matters are exempt under 5

U.S.C. 552b(c), (4) and (6) of the Government

in the Sunshine Act.

Dated: April 7, 1997.

Linda Allen-Benton,

Deputy Director, Division of Human Resource

Management, Acting Committee Management

Officer.

[FR Doc. 97–9253 Filed 4–9–97; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 7555–01–M

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Advisory Panel for Biomolecular

Structure and Function; Notice of

Meeting

In accordance with the Federal

Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–

463, as amended), the National Science

Foundation announces the following

meeting.

Name: Advisory Panel for Biomolecular

Structure and Function—(1134) (Panel A).

Date and Time: Wednesday, Thursday, and

Friday, April 30–May 2, 1997, 8:30 a.m. to

6:00 p.m.

Place: National Science Foundation, 4201

Wilson Blvd., Room 340, Arlington, VA

22230.

Type of Meeting: Closed.

Contact Persons: Drs. Marcia Steinberg and

P.C. Huang, Program Directors for Molecular

Biochemistry, Room 655, National Science

Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard,

Arlington, Virginia 22230. (703/306–1443).

Purpose of Meeting: To provide advice and

recommendations concerning proposals

submitted to NSF for financial support.

Agenda: To review and evaluate research

proposals submitted to the Molecular

Biochemistry Program as part of the selection

process for awards.

Reason for Closing: The proposals being

reviewed include information of a

proprietary or confidential nature, including

technical information; financial data, such as

salaries; and personal information

concerning individuals associated with the

proposals. These matters are exempt under 5

U.S.C. 552b(c), (4) and (6) of the Government

in the Sunshine Act.

Dated: April 7, 1997.

Linda Allen-Benton,

Deputy Director, Division of Human Resource

Management, Acting Committee Management

Officer.

[FR Doc. 97–9251 Filed 4–9–97; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 7555–01–M

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Advisory Panel for Cell Biology; Notice

of Meeting

In accordance with the Federal

Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–

463, as amended), the National Science

Foundation announces the following

meeting.

Name: Advisory Panel for Cell Biology

(1136)—(Panel A).

Date and Time: April 30th, May 1–2, 1997,

8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Place: Room 390, National Science

Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard,

Arlington, VA 22230.

Type of Meeting: Closed.

Contact Persons: Dr. Barbara Zain and Dr.

Eliot Herman, Program Directors for the Cell

Biology Program, National Science

Foundation, Room 655 South, Arlington, VA

22230. Telephone: 703/306–1442.

Purpose of Meeting: To provide advice and

recommendations concerning proposals

submitted to NSF for financial support.

Agenda: To review and evaluate research

proposals submitted to the Signal

Transduction & Regulation Program as part of

the selection process for awards.

Reason For Closing: The proposals being

reviewed include information of a

proprietary or confidential nature, including