[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 177 (Thursday, September 16, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51679-51683]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19992]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory 
Safety Standards

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice is a summary of a petition for modification 
submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) by the 
party listed below.

DATES: All comments on the petition must be received by MSHA's Office 
of Standards, Regulations, and Variances on or before October 18, 2021.

ADDRESSES: You may submit your comments including the docket number of 
the petition by any of the following methods:
    1. Electronic Mail: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#add7d7e0fee5ec80cec2c0c0c8c3d9deedc9c2c183cac2db"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6a10102739222b47090507070f041e192a0e0506440d051c">[email protected]</span></a>. Include the docket 
number of the petition in the subject line of the message.
    2. Facsimile: 202-693-9441.
    3. Regular Mail or Hand Delivery: Regular Mail or Hand Delivery: 
MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Street 
South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, Virginia 22202-5452, Attention: Jessica 
D. Senk, Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances. 
MSHA will consider only comments postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service 
or proof of delivery from another delivery service such as UPS or 
Federal Express on or before the deadline for comments. Persons 
delivering documents are required to check in at the receptionist's 
desk in Suite 4E401. Individuals may inspect copies of the petition and 
comments during normal business hours at the address listed above. 
Before visiting MSHA in person, call 202-693-9455 to make an 
appointment, in keeping with the Department of Labor's COVID-19 policy. 
Special health precautions may be required.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jessica D. Senk, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances at 202-693-9440 (voice), 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2e7d4b404500644b5d5d474d4f6e4a414200494158"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d685b3b8bdf89cb3a5a5bfb5b796b2b9baf8b1b9a0">[email protected]</span></a> (email), or 202-693-9441 (facsimile). [These are 
not toll-free numbers.]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety 
and Health Act of 1977 and Title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations 
(CFR) part 44 govern the application, processing, and disposition of 
petitions for modification.

I. Background

    Section 101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 
(Mine Act) allows the mine operator or representative of miners to file 
a petition to modify the application of any mandatory safety standard 
to a coal or other mine if the Secretary of Labor determines that:
    1. An alternative method of achieving the result of such standard 
exists which will at all times guarantee no less than the same measure 
of protection afforded the miners of such mine by such standard; or
    2. The application of such standard to such mine will result in a 
diminution of safety to the miners in such mine.
    In addition, sections 44.10 and 44.11 of 30 CFR establish the 
requirements for filing petitions for modification.

II. Petition for Modification

    Docket Number: M-2021-030-C.
    Petitioner: Rosebud Mining Company, 301 Market Street, Kittanning, 
Pennsylvania (ZIP 16201).
    Mine: Heilwood Mine, MSHA ID No. 36-09407, located in Indiana 
County, Pennsylvania.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1700 (Oil and gas wells).
    Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the 
existing standard, 30 CFR 75.1700, as it relates to oil and gas wells 
at the mine. Specifically, the petitioner is proposing procedures for: 
Cleaning out and preparing oil and gas wells prior to plugging or re-
plugging; procedures for plugging or re-plugging oil or gas wells to 
the surface; procedures for plugging or replugging oil or gas wells for 
use as degasification boreholes; alternative procedures for preparing 
and plugging or re-plugging oil or gas wells; and procedures after 
approval has been granted to mine through a plugged or re-plugged well.
    The petitioner states that:
    (a) The Heilwood Mine is opened into the Lower Kittanning Coal seam 
and accesses the Brookville coal seam via an inter mine slope. Coal is 
produced in one underground section using a continuous mining machine 
and a continuous haulage system. The mine operates one production shift 
per day, 5 to 6 days per week, producing an average of 800 tons of raw 
coal per day. The mine employs 20 persons underground and 5 on the 
surface.
    (b) The Heilwood Mine uses a room and pillar method of mining. A 
continuous miner with attached haulage develops main entries. After the 
mains are established butts, rooms, and/or panels are developed off of 
the mains. The length of the rooms and/or panels can typically extend a 
distance of 600 feet to over 6,000 feet, depending on permit 
boundaries, projections, and conditions.
    (c) The Heilwood Mine permit contains oil or gas wells that have 
been depleted of oil or gas production, producing wells, and oil or gas 
wells that have not produced oil or gas and may have been plugged. 
These wells would alter the mining projections for the life of the mine 
and not allow for the most efficient use of air available to the mine 
if the barrier established by 30 CFR 75.1700 were to remain in place.
    The petitioner proposes the following alternative method:
    (a) District Manager's approval is required.
    (1) The type of oil or gas well that will be considered under this 
petition includes wells that have been depleted of oil or gas 
production, have not produced oil or gas and may have been plugged, and 
active wells. No Marcellus and Utica wells are contained within the 
Heilwood Mine Permit and subject to this modification.
    (2) A safety barrier of 300 feet in diameter (150 feet between any 
mined area and a well) shall be maintained around all oil and gas wells 
(to include: All active, inactive, abandoned, shut-in, and previously 
plugged wells; water injection wells; and carbon dioxide sequestration 
wells) until approval to proceed with mining has been obtained from the 
District Manager. Wells that were drilled into potential oil or gas 
producing formations that did not produce commercial quantities of 
either gas or oil (exploratory wells, wildcat wells, or dry holes) are 
classified as oil or gas wells by MSHA.
    (3) Prior to mining within the safety barrier around any well that 
the mine plans to intersect, the mine operator shall provide to the 
District Manager a sworn affidavit or declaration executed by a company 
official stating that all mandatory procedures for cleaning out, 
preparing, and plugging each gas or oil well have been completed as 
described by the terms and conditions of the Decision and Order.
    (4) The affidavit or declaration must be accompanied by all logs 
described in (b)(8) and (b)(9) below and any other records which the 
District Manager may request. The District Manager will review the 
affidavit or declaration, the logs, and any other records, may inspect

[[Page 51680]]

the well itself, and will then determine if the operator has complied 
with the procedures for cleaning out, preparing, and plugging each well 
as described by the terms and conditions of the Decision and Order. If 
the District Manager determines that the procedures have been complied 
with, he will provide his approval, and the mine operator may then mine 
within the safety barrier of the well, subject to the terms of the 
Decision and Order. If well intersection is not planned, the mine 
operator may request a permit to reduce the 300 foot diameter of the 
safety barrier that does not include intersection of the well. The 
District Manager may require documentation that help verify the 
accuracy of the location of the well in respect to the mine maps and 
mining projections. This information may include survey closure data, 
down-hole well deviation logs, historical well intersection location 
data, and any additional data required by the District Manager. If the 
District Manager determines that the proposed barrier reduction is 
reasonable, he will provide his approval, and the mine operator may 
then mine within the safety barrier of the well.
    (5) The terms and conditions of the Decision and Order apply to all 
types of underground coal mining.
    (b) The petitioner proposes to use the following mandatory 
procedures for cleaning out and preparing vertical oil and gas wells 
prior to plugging or re-plugging.
    (1) The mine operator shall test for gas emissions inside the hole. 
The District Manager shall be contacted if gas is being produced.
    (2) A diligent effort shall be made to clean the well to the 
original total depth. The mine operator shall contact the District 
Manager prior to stopping the operation to pull casing or clean out the 
total depth of the well.
    (3) If this depth cannot be reached, and the total depth of the 
well is less than 4,000 feet, the operator shall completely clean out 
the well from the surface to at least 200 feet below the base of the 
lowest mineable coal seam, unless the District Manager requires 
cleaning to a greater depth.
    (4) The operator shall provide the District Manager with all 
information it possesses concerning the geological nature of the strata 
and the pressure of the well.
    (5) If the total depth of the well is 4,000 feet or greater, the 
operator shall completely clean out the well from the surface to at 
least 400 feet below the base of the lowest mineable coal seam. The 
operator shall remove all material from the entire diameter of the 
well, wall to wall.
    (6) If the total depth of the well is unknown and there is no 
historical information, the mine operator must contact the District 
Manager before proceeding.
    (7) The operator shall prepare down-hole logs for each well. Logs 
shall consist of a caliper survey, a gamma log, a bond log, and a 
deviation survey for determining the top, bottom, and thickness of all 
coal seams down to the lowest minable coal seam, potential hydrocarbon 
producing strata, and the location of any existing bridge plug. A 
journal shall be maintained describing the depth of each material 
encountered; the nature of each material encountered; bit size and type 
used to drill each portion of the hole; length and type of each 
material used to plug the well; length of casing(s) removed, 
perforated, ripped, or left in place; any sections where casing was cut 
or milled; and other information concerning cleaning and sealing the 
well. Invoices, work-orders, and other records relating to all work on 
the well shall be maintained as part of this journal and provided to 
MSHA upon request.
    (8) When cleaning out the well as provided for in (b) above, the 
operator shall make a diligent effort to remove all of the casing in 
the well. After the well is completely cleaned out and all the casing 
removed, the well should be plugged to the total depth by pumping 
expanding cement slurry and pressurizing to at least 200 pounds per 
square inch (psi). If the casing cannot be removed, it must be cut, 
milled, perforated, or ripped at all mineable coal seam levels to 
facilitate the removal of any remaining casing in the coal seam by the 
mining equipment. Any remaining casing shall be perforated or ripped to 
permit the injection of cement into voids within and around the well.
    (9) All casing remaining at mineable coal seam levels shall be 
perforated or ripped at least every 5 feet from 10 feet below the coal 
seam to 10 feet above the coal seam. Perforations or rips are required 
at least every 50 feet from 200 feet (400 feet if the total well depth 
is 4,000 feet or greater) below the base of the lowest mineable coal 
seam up to 100 feet above the uppermost mineable coal seam. The mine 
operator must take appropriate steps to ensure that the annulus between 
the casing and the well walls are filled with expanding (minimum 0.5% 
expansion upon setting) cement and contain no voids.
    (10) If it is not possible to remove all of the casing, the 
operator shall notify the District Manager before any other work is 
performed. If the well cannot be cleaned out or the casing removed, the 
operator shall prepare the well as described from the surface to at 
least 200 feet below the base of the lowest mineable coal seam for 
wells less than 4,000 feet in depth and 400 feet below the lowest 
mineable coal seam for wells 4,000 feet or greater, unless the District 
Manager requires cleaning out and removal of casing to a greater depth.
    (11) If the operator using a casing bond log can demonstrate to the 
satisfaction of the District Manager that all annuli in the well are 
already adequately sealed with cement, the operator will not be 
required to perforate or rip the casing for that particular well. When 
multiple casing and tubing strings are present in the coal horizon(s), 
any remaining casing shall be ripped or perforated and filled with 
expanding cement as indicated above. An acceptable casing bond log for 
each casing and tubing string is needed if used in lieu of ripping or 
perforating multiple strings.
    (12) If the District Manager concludes that the completely cleaned-
out well is emitting excessive amounts of gas, the operator must place 
a mechanical bridge plug in the well. It must be placed in a competent 
stratum at least 200 feet (400 feet if the total well depth is 4,000 
feet or greater) below the base of the lowest mineable coal seam, but 
above the top of the uppermost hydrocarbon-producing stratum, unless 
the District Manager requires a greater distance. The operator shall 
provide the District Manager with all information it possesses 
concerning the geological nature of the strata and the pressure of the 
well. If it is not possible to set a mechanical bridge plug, an 
appropriately sized packer may be used. The mine operator shall 
document what has been done to ``kill the well'' and plug the carbon 
producing strata.
    (12) If the upper-most hydrocarbon-producing stratum is within 300 
feet of the base of the lowest minable coal seam, the operator shall 
properly place mechanical bridge plugs as described in (b)(11) above to 
isolate the hydrocarbon-producing stratum from the expanding cement 
plug. The operator shall place a minimum of 200 feet (400 feet if the 
total well depth is 4,000 feet or greater) of expanding cement below 
the lowest mineable coal seam, unless the District Manager requires a 
greater distance.
    (c) The petitioner proposes to use the following mandatory 
procedures for plugging or re-plugging oil or gas wells to the surface. 
After completely cleaning out the well as specified in (b) above:
    (1) The operator shall pump expanding cement slurry down the well 
to form a plug which runs from at least

[[Page 51681]]

200 feet (400 feet if the total well depth is 4,000 feet or greater) 
below the base of the lowest mineable coal seam (or lower if required 
by the District Manager) to the surface. The expanding cement will be 
placed in the well under a pressure of at least 200 psi. Portland 
cement or a lightweight cement mixture may be used to fill the area 
from 100 feet above the top of the uppermost mineable coal seam (or 
higher if required by the District Manager) to the surface.
    (2) The operator shall embed steel turnings or other small magnetic 
particles in the top of the cement near the surface to serve as a 
permanent magnetic monument of the well. In the alternative, a 4-inch 
or larger diameter casing, set in cement, shall extend at least 36 
inches above the ground level with the American Petroleum Institute 
(API) well number engraved or welded on the casing. When the hole 
cannot be marked with a physical monument (e.g., prime farmland), high-
resolution GPS coordinates (one-half meter resolution) are required.
    (d) The petitioner proposes to use the following mandatory 
procedures for plugging or re-plugging oil and gas wells for use as 
degasification wells. After completely cleaning out the well as 
specified in (b) above, the following procedures shall be utilized:
    (1) The operator shall set a cement plug in the well by pumping an 
expanding cement slurry down the tubing to provide at least 200 feet 
(400 feet if the total well depth is 4,000 feet or greater) of 
expanding cement below the lowest mineable coal seam, unless the 
District Manager requires a greater depth.
    (i) The expanding cement will be placed in the well under a 
pressure of at least 200 psi.
    (ii) The top of the expanding cement shall extend at least 50 feet 
above the top of the coal seam being mined, unless the District Manager 
requires a greater distance.
    (2) The operator shall securely grout into the bedrock of the upper 
portion of the degasification well a suitable casing in order to 
protect it. The remainder of this well may be cased or uncased.
    (3) The operator shall fit the top of the degasification casing 
with a wellhead equipped as required by the District Manager in the 
approved Ventilation Plan. Such equipment may include check valves, 
shut-in valves, sampling ports, flame arrestor equipment, and security 
fencing.
    (4) Operation of the degasification well shall be addressed in the 
approved Ventilation Plan. This may include periodic tests of methane 
levels and limits on the minimum methane concentrations that may be 
extracted.
    (5) After the area of the coal mine that is degassed by a well is 
sealed or the coal mine is abandoned, the operator must plug all 
degasification wells using the following procedures:
    (i) The operator shall insert a tube to the bottom of the well or, 
if not possible, to within 100 feet above the coal seam being mined. 
Any blockage must be removed to ensure that the tube can be inserted to 
this depth.
    (ii) The operator shall set a cement plug in the well by pumping 
Portland cement or lightweight cement mixture down the tubing until the 
well is drilled to the surface.
    (iii) The operator shall embed steel turnings or other small 
magnetic particles in the top of the cement near the surface to serve 
as a permanent magnetic monument of the well. Alternatively, a 4-inch 
or larger casing, set in cement, shall extend at least 36 inches above 
the ground level with the API well number engraved or welded on the 
casing.
    (e) The petitioner proposes to use the following mandatory 
alternative procedures for preparing and plugging or re-plugging oil or 
gas wells. The following provisions apply to all wells which the 
operator determines, and with which the MSHA District Manager agrees, 
cannot be completely cleaned out due to damage to the well caused by 
subsidence, caving, or other factors.
    (1) The operator shall drill a hole adjacent and parallel to the 
well, to a depth of at least 200 feet (400 feet if the total well depth 
is 4,000 feet or greater) below the lowest mineable coal seam, unless 
the District Manager requires a greater depth.
    (2) The operator shall use a geophysical sensing device to locate 
any casing which may remain in the well.
    (3) If the well contains casing(s), the operator shall drill into 
the well from the parallel hole. From 10 feet below the coal seam to 10 
feet above the coal seam, the operator shall perforate or rip all 
casings at least every 5 feet. Beyond this distance, the operator shall 
perforate or rip at least every 50 feet from at least 200 feet (400 
feet if the total well depth is 4,000 feet or greater) below the base 
of the lowest mineable coal seam up to 100 feet above the seam being 
mined, unless the District Manager requires a greater distance. The 
operator shall fill the annulus between the casings and the well wall 
with expanding (minimum 0.5% expansion upon setting) cement and shall 
ensure that these areas contain no voids. If the operator, using a 
casing bond log, can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the District 
Manager that the annulus of the well is adequately sealed with cement, 
then the operator will not be required to perforate or rip the casing 
for that particular well or fill these areas with cement. When multiple 
casing and tubing strings are present in the coal horizon(s), any 
remaining casing shall be ripped or perforated and filled with 
expanding cement as indicated above. An acceptable casing bond log for 
each casing and tubing string is needed if used in lieu of ripping or 
perforating multiple strings.
    (4) Where the operator determines, and the District Manager agrees, 
that there is insufficient casing in the well to allow the method 
outlined in (e)(3) above to be used, the operator shall use a 
horizontal hydraulic fracturing technique to intercept the original 
well. From at least 200 feet (400 feet if the total well depth is 4,000 
feet or greater) below the base of the lowest mineable coal seam to a 
point at least 50 feet above the seam being mined, the operator shall 
fracture in at least six places at intervals to be agreed upon by the 
operator and the District Manager. The operator shall then pump 
expanding cement into the fractured well to fill all intercepted voids.
    (5) The operator shall prepare down-hole logs for each well. Logs 
shall consist of a caliper survey, a gamma log, a bond log, and a 
deviation survey for determining the top, bottom, and thickness of all 
coal seams down to the lowest minable coal seam, potential hydrocarbon 
producing strata, and the location of any existing bridge plug. The 
operator may obtain the logs from the adjacent hole rather than the 
well if the condition of the well makes it impractical to insert the 
equipment necessary to obtain the log.
    (6) A journal shall be maintained describing the depth of each 
material encountered; the nature of each material encountered; bit size 
and type used to drill each portion of the hole; length and type of 
each material used to plug the well; length of casing(s) removed, 
perforated, ripped, or left in place; any sections where casing was cut 
or milled; and other pertinent information concerning sealing the well. 
Invoices, work orders, and other records relating to all work on the 
well shall be maintained as part of this journal and provided to MSHA 
upon request.
    (7) After the operator has plugged the well as described in (e)(3) 
and/or (e)(4) above, the operator shall plug the adjacent hole, from 
the bottom to the surface, with Portland cement or a lightweight cement 
mixture. The operator shall embed steel turnings or other small 
magnetic particles in the top

[[Page 51682]]

of the cement near the surface to serve as a permanent magnetic 
monument of the well. Alternatively, a 4-inch or larger casing, set in 
cement, shall extend at least 36 inches above the ground level. A 
combination of the methods outlined in (e)(3) and (e)(4) above may have 
to be used in a single well, depending upon the conditions of the hole 
and the presence of casings. The operator and the District Manager 
shall discuss the nature of each hole. The District Manager may require 
that more than one method be utilized. The mine operator may submit an 
alternative plan to the District Manager for approval to use different 
methods to address wells that cannot be completely cleaned out. The 
District Manager may require additional documentation and certification 
by a registered petroleum engineer to support the proposed alternative 
methods.
    (f) The petitioner proposes to use the following mandatory when 
mining within a 100-foot diameter barrier around a well.
    (1) A representative of the operator, a representative of the 
miners, the appropriate State agency, or the MSHA District Manager may 
request that a conference be conducted prior to intersecting any 
plugged or re-plugged well. Upon receipt of any such request, the 
District Manager shall schedule such a conference. The party requesting 
the conference shall notify all other parties listed above within a 
reasonable time prior to the conference to provide opportunity for 
participation. The purpose of the conference shall be to review, 
evaluate, and accommodate any abnormal or unusual circumstance related 
to the condition of the well or surrounding strata when such conditions 
are encountered.
    (2) The operator shall intersect a well on a shift approved by the 
District Manager. The operator shall notify the District Manager and 
the miners' representative in sufficient time prior to intersecting a 
well in order to provide an opportunity to have representatives 
present.
    (3) When using continuous mining methods, the operator shall 
install drivage sights at the last open crosscut near the place to be 
mined to ensure intersection of the well. The drivage sites shall not 
be more than 50 feet from the well.
    (4) The operator shall ensure that fire-fighting equipment 
including fire extinguishers, rock dust, and sufficient fire hose to 
reach the working face area of the well intersection (when either the 
conventional or continuous mining method is used) is available and 
operable during all well intersections. The fire hose shall be located 
in the last open crosscut of the entry or room. The operator shall 
maintain the water line to the belt conveyor tailpiece along with a 
sufficient amount of fire hose to reach the farthest point of 
penetration on the section.
    (5) The operator shall ensure that sufficient supplies of roof 
support and ventilation materials are available and located at the last 
open crosscut. In addition, emergency plugs and suitable sealing 
materials shall be available in the immediate area of the well 
intersection.
    (6) On the shift prior to intersecting the well, the operator shall 
service all equipment and check it for permissibility. Water sprays, 
water pressures, and water flow rates used for dust and spark 
suppression shall be examined and any deficiencies corrected.
    (7) The operator shall calibrate the methane monitor(s) on the 
longwall, continuous mining machine, or cutting machine and loading 
machine on the shift prior to intersecting the well.
    (8) When mining is in progress, the operator shall perform tests 
for methane with a handheld methane detector at least every 10 minutes 
from the time that mining with the continuous mining machine is within 
30 feet of the well until the well is intersected. During the actual 
cutting process, no individual shall be allowed on the return side 
until the well intersection has been completed and the area has been 
examined and declared safe. The operator's most current approved 
Ventilation Plan will be followed at all times unless the District 
Manager deems a greater air velocity for the intersect is necessary.
    (9) When using continuous or conventional mining methods, the 
working place shall be free from accumulations of coal dust and coal 
spillages, and rock dust shall be placed on the roof, rib, and floor to 
within 20 feet of the face when intersecting the well. When the well is 
intersected, the operator shall deenergize all equipment, and 
thoroughly examine and determine the area to be safe before permitting 
mining to resume.
    (10) After a well has been intersected and the working place 
determined to be safe, mining shall continue inby the well a sufficient 
distance to permit adequate ventilation around the area of the well.
    (11) If the casing is cut or milled at the coal seam level, the use 
of torches should not be necessary. However, in rare instances, torches 
may be used for inadequately or inaccurately cut or milled casings. No 
open flame shall be permitted in the area until adequate ventilation 
has been established around the well bore and methane levels of less 
than 1.0% are present in all areas that will be exposed to flames and 
sparks from the torch. The operator shall apply a thick layer of rock 
dust to the roof, face, floor, ribs, and any exposed coal within 20 
feet of the casing prior to the use of torches.
    (12) Non-sparking (brass) tools will be located on the working 
section and will be used exclusively to expose and examine cased wells.
    (13) No person shall be permitted in the area of the well 
intersection except those actually engaged in the operation.
    (14) The operator shall alert all personnel in the mine to the 
planned intersection of the well prior to their going underground if 
the planned intersection is to occur during their shift. This warning 
shall be repeated for all shifts until the well has been mined through.
    (15) The well intersection shall be under the direct supervision of 
a certified individual. Instructions concerning the well intersection 
shall be issued only by the certified individual in charge.
    (16) If the mine operator cannot find the well in the middle of the 
panel or room and misses the anticipated intersection, mining shall 
cease and the District Manager shall be notified.
    (17) The provisions of the Decision and Order do not impair the 
authority of representatives of MSHA to interrupt or halt the well 
intersection and issue a withdrawal order when they deem it necessary 
for the safety of the miners. MSHA may order an interruption or 
cessation of the well intersection and/or a withdrawal of personnel by 
issuing either a verbal or written order to that effect to a 
representative of the operator. Operations in the affected area of the 
mine may not resume until a representative of MSHA permits resumption. 
The mine operator and miners shall comply with verbal or written MSHA 
orders immediately. All verbal orders shall be committed to writing 
within a reasonable time as conditions permit.
    (18) A copy of the Decision and Order shall be maintained at the 
mine and be available to the miners.
    (19) If the well is not plugged to the total depth of all minable 
coal seams identified in the core hole logs, any coal seams beneath the 
lowest plug will remain subject to the barrier requirements of 30 CFR 
75.1700 should those coal seams be developed in the future.
    (20) All necessary safety precautions and safe practices according 
to industry

[[Page 51683]]

standards, required by MSHA regulations and State regulatory agencies 
having jurisdiction over the plugging site will be followed to provide 
the upmost protection to the miners involved in the process.
    (21) All miners involved in the plugging or re-plugging operations 
will be trained on the contents of the Decision and Order prior to 
starting the process, and a copy of the Decision and Order will be 
posted at the well site until the plugging or re-plugging has been 
completed.
    (22) Mechanical bridge plugs should incorporate the best available 
technologies that are either required or recognized by the State 
regulatory agency and/or oil and gas industry.
    (23) Within 30 days after the Decision and Order becomes final, the 
operator shall submit proposed revisions for its approved 30 CFR part 
48 training plan to the District Manager. These proposed revisions 
shall include initial and refresher training on compliance with the 
terms and conditions stated in the Decision and Order. The operator 
shall provide all miners involved in well intersection with training on 
the requirements of the Decision and Order prior to mining within 150 
feet of the next well intended to be mined through.
    (24) The responsible person required under 30 CFR 75.1501 Emergency 
Evacuations is responsible for well intersection emergencies. The well 
intersection procedures should be reviewed by the responsible person 
prior to any planned intersection.
    (25) Within 30 days after the Decision and Order becomes final, the 
operator shall submit proposed revisions for its approved mine 
emergency evacuation and firefighting program of instruction required 
under 30 CFR 75.1502. The operator will revise the program of 
instruction to include the hazards and evacuation procedures to be used 
for well intersections. All underground miners will be trained in this 
revised plan within 30 days of submittal. The procedure as specified in 
30 CFR 48.3 for approval of proposed revisions to already approved 
training plans shall apply.
    The petitioner asserts that the alternate method proposed will at 
all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection 
afforded the miners under the mandatory standard.

Jessica Senk,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 2021-19992 Filed 9-15-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4520-43-P


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