i 

July 2015 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

COMMISSION DECISIONS 

07-23-15 MILL BRANCH COAL 

CORPORATION 

VA 2012-435-R Page 1383 

COMMISSION ORDERS 

07-15-15 POCAHONTAS COAL COMPANY, 

LLC 

WEVA 2014-395-R Page 1399 

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DECISIONS 

07-02-15 PORTABLE, INC. EAJA 2015-1-M Page 1405 

07-02-15 MARK GRAY v. NORTH FORK 

COAL CORPORATION 

KENT 2010-430-D Page 1415 

07-02-15 MILL BRANCH COAL 

CORPORATION 

VA 2013-366 Page 1471 

07-02-15 SEC. OF LABOR O/B/O RICHARD 

B. HARRISON v. CONSOLIDATION 

COAL CO. 

WEVA 2015-811-D Page 1497 

07-07-15 NORTHERN ILLINOIS SERVICE 

COMPANY 

LAKE 2012-0871-M Page 1514 

07-13-15 WM D. SCEPANIAK, INC. LAKE 2015-138 Page 1539 

07-13-15 LINCOLN LEASING CO., INC. WEVA 2012-1783 Page 1551 
ii 

07-13-15 PARAMONT COAL COMPANY 

VIRGINIA LLC 

VA 2010-458 Page 1570 

07-15-15 SEC. OF LABOR O/B/O THOMAS 

HARPER v. KINGSTON MINING 

INC. 

WEVA 2015-816-D Page 1577

07-16-15 WARRIOR INVESTMENT 

COMPANY, INC. 

SE 2014-388 Page 1594

07-17-15 THE AMERICAN COAL COMPANY LAKE 2007-215-R Page 1601 

07-27-15 ELLIS & EASTERN COMPANY CENT 2014-0451 Page 1607

07-29-15 CONSOL PENNSYLVANIA COAL 

COMPANY, LLC 

PENN 2013-385 Page 1616

07-30-15 CAM MINING, LLC KENT 2009-856 Page 1663

07-30-15 CAM MINING, LLC KENT 2009-1008 Page 1665

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE ORDERS 

07-01-15 JEPPESEN GRAVEL CENT 2014-298-M Page 1667 

07-02-15 POCAHONTAS COAL COMPANY, 

LLC 

WEVA 2014-395-R Page 1669 

07-16-15 MARK L. LUJAN v. SIGNAL PEAK 

ENERGY, LLC 

WEST 2015-765-D Page 1674

07-20-15 REMINGTON, LLC WEVA 2012-533 Page 1676
iii 

Review was denied in the following cases during the month of July 2015: 

Secretary of Labor v. Northern Illinois Service Company, Docket No. LAKE 2013-616-M, et al 

(Judge Barbour, June 5, 2015) 

Secretary of Labor v. Pocahontas Coal Company, LLC, Docket No. WEVA 2014-395-R (Judge 

Miller, June 18, 2015) 

There were no cases in which review was granted during the month of July 2015. 

COMMISSION DECISIONS

FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION 

1331 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, NW, SUITE 520N 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20004-1710 

July 23, 2015 

MILL BRANCH COAL CORPORATION 

v. Docket Nos. VA 2012-435-R 

VA 2012-436-R 

SECRETARY OF LABOR, VA 2012-439-R 

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH VA 2012-440-R 

 ADMINISTRATION 

BEFORE: Cohen, Nakamura, and Althen, Commissioners1

DECISION

BY THE COMMISSION: 

In these contest proceedings, arising under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 

1977, 30 U.S.C. § 801 et seq. (2012) (“Mine Act” or “Act”), the Department of Labor’s Mine 

Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) issued a citation and multiple orders, including an 

imminent danger order, to Mill Branch Coal Corporation after observing deteriorating conditions 

in the operator’s Low Splint A Mine. A Commission Administrative Law Judge upheld the 

imminent danger order and a citation alleging a significant and substantial (“S&S”)2 violation of 

an escapeway standard.3

 34 FMSHRC 2090, 2137 (Aug. 2012) (ALJ). He also upheld two 

1

 Chairman Jordan and Commissioner Young assumed office after this case had been 

considered at a Commission meeting. A new Commissioner possesses legal authority to 

participate in pending cases, but such participation is discretionary. Mid-Continent Res., Inc., 

16 FMSHRC 1218, 1218 n.2 (June 1994). In the interest of efficient decision-making, 

Chairman Jordan and Commissioner Young have elected not to participate in this matter. 

2

 The S&S terminology is taken from section 104(d)(1) of the Act, which distinguishes 

as more serious any violation that “could significantly and substantially contribute to the cause 

and effect of a . . . mine safety or health hazard.” 30 U.S.C. § 814(d)(1). 

3

 That standard, 30 C.F.R. § 75.380, provides in relevant part: 

(d) Each escapeway shall be – 

(1) Maintained in a safe condition to always assure 

passage of anyone, including disabled persons[.] 

37 FMSHRC Page 1383
orders alleging S&S violations of standards mandating weekly safety examinations. 4 Id. The 

Judge concluded, however, that the weekly examination violations had not resulted from an 

unwarrantable failure to comply with the standards.5

 Id. 

Mill Branch and the Secretary of Labor filed cross-petitions for discretionary review, 

which we granted. For the reasons set forth below, we affirm the Judge’s decision: (1) 

upholding the imminent danger order; (2) concluding that the violation of the escapeway 

standard was S&S; and (3) holding that the operator violated the weekly examination standards. 

As to the examination violations, we remand the Judge’s S&S determinations for further findings 

and analysis and vacate the Judge’s unwarrantable failure determinations and remand for 

findings and analysis consistent with this decision. 

I. 

Factual and Procedural Background 

The Low Splint A Mine is an underground coal mine located in Wise, Virginia, which 

exists at a middle level between two other mines. The Taggart seam, which lies approximately 

250 feet below the Low Splint A Mine, is mined out, and the mine formerly in that seam is now 

closed. The mining of the Taggart seam created pressures in the Low Splint A Mine, including 

the creation of “floor heave.”6 

Mining was performed in the Low Splint A Mine in the following sequence: 

development of the Southeast Mains, A Left and B Left sections; retreat mining of the B Left 

section; development of the B Right and the 5 West sections; and retreat mining of the 5 West 

4

 The standard, 30 C.F.R. § 75.364(b), provides in relevant part: 

At least every 7 days, an examination for hazardous 

conditions . . . shall be made by a certified person . . . at the 

following locations: 

(1) In at least one entry of each intake air course, in 

its entirety, so that the entire air course is traveled. 

(2) In at least one entry of each return air course, in 

its entirety, so that the entire air course is traveled. 

5

 The unwarrantable failure terminology is taken from section 104(d)(1) of the Mine Act, 

which establishes more severe sanctions for any violation that is caused by “an unwarrantable 

failure of [an] operator to comply with . . . mandatory health or safety standards.” 30 U.S.C. § 

814(d)(1). 

6

 Floor “heave” is defined as a “rising of the floor of a mine caused by its being too soft 

to resist the weight on the pillars.” See Am. Geological Institute, Dictionary of Mining, Mineral, 

and Related Terms 258 (2d ed. 1997). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1384
and B Right sections. On May 21, 2012, the only producing section in the mine was the B Right 

section, where retreat mining was being conducted using a continuous miner.7

 

On May 22, 2012, MSHA Inspector Christopher Cain, accompanied by his supervisor, 

Gary Hall, visited the mine in order to conduct a monthly retreat-mining review, a six-month 

evaluation of the roof control plan, and a regular underground inspection. Inspector Cain had 

driven by the mine the day before and had seen coal coming out of the mine on the stacker belt, 

so he knew that production had been occurring. He had previously inspected the mine in January 

2012, when another MSHA inspector had asked him to consult on floor heaval along the 

Southeast Mains, and a citation had been issued alleging a failure to maintain the roof and ribs 

along the No. 5 belt. 

Inspector Cain stated that when he arrived, Randy Hensley, who had been acting as 

superintendent at the mine since earlier that month, informed him that they were no longer 

mining and that they were pulling equipment from the B Right area because the belt could no 

longer run. 34 FMSHRC at 2094; 5 Tr. 28-29; 6 Tr. 6.8 Hensley explained that the floor heaval 

under the belt had required the belt to be raised to the point that it was too close to the roof to 

run. 5 Tr. 29, 40-41, 165, 218. Cain checked the weekly examination book, which did not 

describe the conditions described by Hensley. 

Cain, Hall, and Hensley travelled toward the face via the No. 3 entry, which was the 

secondary escapeway (also referred to as the “return entry” or “alternate escapeway”), through 

the Southeast Mains panel. The secondary escapeway served as the travelway for men and 

equipment from the No. 5 belt drive to the working face. Inspector Cain observed that the floor 

heaving that he had previously seen in January was worse, and that the ribs had deteriorated 

more. 

In the A Left panel, they got out of the mantrip and continued on foot. Conditions 

worsened, as documented by photographs, and included floor heaval, heaved floor material 

scooped and dumped into crosscuts and entries, bent and tilted 100-ton jacks, knocked-out jacks, 

and spalling ribs. Some of the jacks had been recently set, as demonstrated by the lack of rock 

dust on them. Some jacks had been knocked out and not reset. 

When Cain and Hall traveled through the B Right area, they observed seven miners 

working underground to remove mining equipment, including one mechanic who was removing 

the canopy from a shuttle car. They also observed a “cutter,” or crack, where the roof met the 

ribs, indicating deterioration, and they directed that area to be dangered-off. 5 Tr. 170-71. 

7

 A mine map is attached to this decision as Attachment A. 

8

 The hearing in this case occurred over two days (June 5, 2012 and June 6, 2012), and 

each day has its own transcript that begins on page 1. The transcript for June 5 will be referred 

to as “5 Tr.,” and the transcript for June 6 will be referred to as “6 Tr.” 

37 FMSHRC Page 1385
Inspector Cain asked Hensley if they could use the mantrip to travel through the primary 

escapeway (sometimes referred to as the “intake escapeway”). Cain stated that Hensley replied 

that the mantrip would not make it through the primary escapeway due to the heaving bottom. 

5 Tr. 68-69; S. Ex. F1 at p. 4. As the inspectors walked through the primary escapeway, they 

observed conditions similar to those they observed in the secondary escapeway, which they also 

documented with photographs. Both inspectors noted that, unlike the secondary escapeway, 

there was no evidence that the operator had attempted to scoop the heaving floor. In addition, 

there was a roof fall which required the primary escapeway to be re-routed. 

After traveling past the roof fall in the primary escapeway, Cain and Hall could not find a 

door that would open between the primary and secondary escapeways. Inspector Cain stated that 

for 1400 feet they could not find a door that would open and allow access into and out of the 

intake escapeway. In addition, he stated that the door positioned just outby the seven drive, 

where he had seen miners working, would not open. The doors would not open because of the 

pressure exerted on them by the floor heaval. 

Before returning to the surface, Cain issued a verbal imminent danger order for the 

Southeast Mains and the A Left and B Right areas of the mine due to the excessive pressure in 

the area. Once on the surface, Inspector Cain issued one citation and several additional orders. 

Following the inspection by Cain and Hall on May 22, there were other visits to the mine 

to inspect conditions. On the night of May 22, Daniel McGlothlin, the safety manager for Alpha 

Natural Resources, and General Manager John Richardson went into the mine to look at 

conditions and to mark the location of the remaining equipment. On May 23, Mill Branch 

personnel accompanied state mine inspectors through the area. On May 24, accompanied by 

some of the operator’s personnel, Cain and Hall inspected the mine with Mike Gauna, a mine 

engineer from MSHA’s Office of Technical Support. On June 1, MSHA went underground 

again because the Judge granted a motion permitting the operator’s technical experts to observe 

the conditions, and the Judge ordered MSHA representatives to accompany them. 

Mill Branch contested the citation and orders, and an expedited hearing was conducted 

on: (1) the imminent danger order (Order No. 8178569); (2) Citation No. 8178570, alleging that 

the operator failed to adequately maintain the primary escapeway in violation of section 

75.380(d)(1) and that the violation was S&S and caused by unwarrantable failure; and (3) Order 

Nos. 8178573 and 8178574, alleging that Mill Branch failed to inspect and record in the weekly 

examination books the hazards present in the intake and return escapeways in violation of 

sections 75.364(b)(1) and (b)(2), and that the violations were S&S and caused by unwarrantable 

failures. 

After the hearing, the Judge affirmed imminent danger Order No. 8178569 and the S&S 

primary escapeway violation alleged in Citation No. 8178570. The Judge concluded that the 

inspector did not abuse his discretion in issuing the imminent danger order given: (1) the 

conditions that comprised an S&S violation of section 75.380(d) and (2) evidence that there 

might be a massive failure of the structural integrity of the mine. He found, however, that the 

violation of section 75.380(d) had not resulted from unwarrantable failure. The Judge further 

concluded that the operator violated sections 75.364(b)(1) and (b)(2) because there were 

37 FMSHRC Page 1386
numerous observable hazards in the escapeways that the weekly examiner essentially failed to 

recognize, record, or report. The Judge adopted the Secretary’s rationale expressed in his posthearing brief that the violations were S&S, but concluded that they were not unwarrantable 

because there was some question regarding the length of time that the conditions were known to 

the operator and the weekly examiner had not recorded the hazards because they were already 

known to the operator. 

Mill Branch filed a petition for discretionary review with the Commission, challenging 

the Judge’s determinations upholding the imminent danger order, that the violation of section 

75.380(d)(1) was S&S, that it had violated sections 75.364(b)(1) and (b)(2), and that those 

violations were S&S. The Secretary challenged the Judge’s determination that the violations of 

sections 75.364(b)(1) and (b)(2) had not resulted from unwarrantable failures.9

 The Commission 

granted both petitions and heard oral argument. 

II. 

Disposition

A. Order No. 8178569 – The Imminent Danger Order

Mill Branch argues that the Judge erred in affirming the imminent danger order because 

the Judge failed to properly consider the imminence of the danger associated with the conditions 

present, and that there was no objective evidence that a collapse or an emergency situation would 

occur in a short time. The operator asserts that Cain’s and Hall’s concerns about the conditions 

were belied by the repeated investigations permitted in the area after issuance of the order. In 

addition, it contends that the Judge erred in his imminent danger analysis by improperly 

assuming the occurrence of an emergency requiring the use of the primary escapeway. 

Section 107(a) of the Mine Act provides in relevant part that if an MSHA inspector 

“finds that an imminent danger exists, [the inspector] shall . . . issue an order requiring the 

operator of such mine to cause all persons . . . to be withdrawn from” the relevant area until the 

danger no longer exists. 30 U.S.C. § 817(a). Section 3(j) of the Act defines an “imminent 

danger” as a condition “which could reasonably be expected to cause death or serious physical 

harm before such condition or practice can be abated.” 30 U.S.C. § 802(j). The Commission has 

held that “there must be some degree of imminence to support a section 107(a) order.” Utah 

Power and Light Co., 13 FMSHRC 1617, 1621 (Oct. 1991) (“UP&L”). 10 

9

 The Secretary did not challenge the Judge’s determination that the violation of section 

75.380(d) had not resulted from an unwarrantable failure. Oral Arg. Tr. at 35-36. 

10 In UP&L, the Commission additionally stated that “[t]o support a finding of imminent 

danger, the inspector must find that the hazardous condition has a reasonable potential to cause 

death or serious injury within a short period of time.” 13 FMSHRC at 1622 (emphasis added). 

We clarify that, while it may be necessary in some cases for the condition or practice to be 

reasonably expected to cause death or serious injury within a short time in order to show 

 (continued...) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1387
The Commission has also recognized that “‘[t]he concept of imminent danger is not 

limited to hazards that pose an immediate danger.’” Connolly-Pacific Co., 36 FMSHRC 1549, 

10 (...continued) 

imminence, such a showing is not necessary in all cases. Rather, the Mine Act requires that an 

imminent danger be one that “‘could reasonably be expected to cause death or serious physical 

harm before [a] condition or practice can be abated.’” See Connolly-Pacific Co., 36 FMSHRC 

1549, 1555 (June 2014) (citing 30 U.S.C. § 820(j)) (added emphasis omitted) (upholding an 

imminent danger order despite the absence of evidence demonstrating that the cited danger had a 

reasonable potential to cause death or serious injury in a short time). 

Commissioner Cohen believes that the foregoing analysis is not sufficient to resolve the 

tension between our case law and the language of the Mine Act. In fact, the UP&L

Commission’s statement that the injury must have the potential to occur “within a short period of 

time” was a departure from earlier Commission and U.S. Court of Appeals holdings that “refused 

to limit the concept of imminent danger to hazards that pose an immediate danger.” Rochester & 

Pittsburgh Coal Co., 11 FMSHRC 2159, 2163 (Nov. 1989) (citing Freeman Coal Mining Co. v. 

Interior Bd. of Mine Op. App., 504 F.2d 741 (7th Cir. 1974); Eastern Assoc. Coal Corp. v. 

Interior Bd. of Mine Op. App., 491 F.2d 277, 278 (4th Cir. 1974); Old Ben Coal Corp. v. Interior 

Bd. of Mine Op. App., 523 F.2d 25, 33 (7th Cir. 1975)). The court decisions issued prior to 

enactment of the Mine Act in 1977 are relevant because the definition of “imminent danger” was 

created in the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, and was not changed when 

Congress enacted the Mine Act in 1977. Cypress Empire Corp., 12 FMSHRC 911, 918 (May 

1990).

Now confronted with reconciling these two seemingly competing interpretations, 

Commissioner Cohen finds it appropriate to turn to the statutory language of the Mine Act for 

assistance. Section 3(j) of the Mine Act defines “imminent danger” as “the existence of any 

condition or practice . . . which could reasonably be expected to cause death or serious physical 

harm before such condition or practice can be abated.” 30 U.S.C. § 820(j) (emphasis added). 

Upon reflection, it appears to Commissioner Cohen that, in interpreting the language of section 

3(j), the UP&L Commission assumed that all hazardous conditions or practices which necessitate 

the immediate removal of miners can be abated “within a short period of time.” (Without such 

an assumption, there would be an obvious conflict between the quoted language of UP&L and 

section 3(j) of the Mine Act). He would conclude that the UP&L assumption is incorrect; the 

Commission has subsequently recognized that hazards which require the immediate withdrawal 

of miners cannot universally be abated in a short period. See Connolly-Pacific Co., 36 FMSHRC 

at 1555 (involving an unstable highwall, which because of its extraordinary height could not be 

promptly abated). 

Accordingly, consistent with Rochester & Pittsburgh Coal Co. and the decisions of the 

Seventh Circuit and Fourth Circuit cited therein, Commissioner Cohen would conclude that the 

definition in section 3(j) of the Mine Act governs, and that the Secretary is not required to 

demonstrate that his inspector believed the cited hazardous condition had a reasonable potential 

to cause serious injury within a short period of time in order to sustain the issuance of a section 

107(a) withdrawal order. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1388
1555 (June 2014) (quoting Cumberland Coal Res., LP, 28 FMSHRC 545, 555 (Aug. 2006), 

aff’d, 515 F.3d 247 (3d Cir. 2008)). While the danger justifying an imminent danger order need 

not be immediate, the danger must be such as to require the immediate withdrawal of miners 

because it could reasonably be expected to cause death or serious harm before the danger can be 

abated. Freeman Coal Mining Co. v. Int. Bd. of Mine Op. App., 504 F.2d 741, 744-45 (7th Cir. 

1974). Thus, the Commission has upheld the issuance of an imminent danger order involving an 

extremely hazardous condition that was created by the potential for fall of material from a longexisting highwall that the operator was not able to abate. Connolly-Pacific, 36 FMSHRC at 

1555.

 An inspector’s issuance of a section 107(a) imminent danger order is reviewed under an 

“abuse of discretion” standard. Island Creek Coal Co., 15 FMSHRC 339, 345-47 (Mar. 1993); 

UP&L, 13 FMSHRC at 1622. A section 107(a) order will be upheld if the Secretary proves by a 

preponderance of the evidence that the inspector reasonably concluded that an imminent danger 

existed. Island Creek, 15 FMSHRC at 346-47. The Commission has explained that a Judge is 

not required to accept an inspector’s subjective perception that an imminent danger existed but, 

rather, must evaluate whether it was objectively reasonable for the inspector to conclude that an 

imminent danger existed. Id. at 346. We review the Judge’s determination of whether the 

inspector abused his discretion under a substantial evidence standard. See, e.g., ConnollyPacific, 36 FMSHRC at 1555. 

 With respect to Order No. 8178569, the Judge determined that a reasonable person 

possessing a qualified inspector’s education and experience would have been warranted in 

issuing an imminent danger order when confronted with the conditions that Inspector Cain found 

on May 22 “[g]iven the objective stigmata of dangerous pressure convergence, including floor 

heaval, rib collapse, compromised jacks, signs and reports that conditions had significantly 

worsened in recent days, and given that [Mill Branch] had in fact stopped mining and was in the 

process of retrieving equipment.” 34 FMSHRC at 2129. 

In reaching his determination, the Judge made many credibility determinations. On 

review, the Judge’s credibility determinations are entitled to great weight and may not be 

overturned lightly. Farmer v. Island Creek Coal Co., 14 FMSHRC 1537, 1541 (Sept. 1992); 

Penn Allegh Coal Co., 3 FMSHRC 2767, 2770 (Dec. 1981). Because the Judge “has an 

opportunity to hear the testimony and view the witnesses[,] he [or she] is ordinarily in the best 

position to make a credibility determination.” In re: Contests of Respirable Dust Sample 

Alteration Citations, 17 FMSHRC 1819, 1878 (Nov. 1995) (quoting Ona Corp. v. NLRB, 729 

F.2d 713, 719 (11th Cir. 1984)), aff’d sub nom. Secretary of Labor v. Keystone Coal Mining 

Corp., 151 F.3d 1096 (D.C. Cir. 1998). Nonetheless, we will not affirm such determinations if 

they are self-contradictory or if there is no evidence or dubious evidence to support them. Id. at 

1881 n.80; Consolidation Coal Co., 11 FMSHRC 966, 974 (June 1989). 

Similar to the hazardous conditions in Connolly-Pacific which could not be abated, Mill 

Branch had ceased mining and had begun retrieving equipment rather than abating conditions in 

the Southeast Mains, A Left, and B Right areas of the mine. Inspector Cain testified that Acting 

Superintendent Hensley had informed him that Mill Branch had ceased mining in the B Right 

area because the No. 6 belt had been squeezed between the floor and roof and could no longer 

37 FMSHRC Page 1389
run. 34 FMSHRC at 2094; 5 Tr. 28-29, 40-41, 159. Therefore, Mill Branch was withdrawing its 

equipment from the area in order to mine a different section of the mine. 34 FMSHRC at 2094; 

5 Tr. 29.11 

Inspector Cain testified that he issued the imminent danger order because he believed the 

mine was “past the point of no return” due to the “squeeze” pressures exerted on the floor, ribs, 

and roof.12 5 Tr. 87-88. He observed that there had been dramatic changes in the mine that had 

occurred since he last visited the mine in January, and knew from conversations with Hensley 

and Martin that conditions had “dramatically worsened” in the past week or so. 5 Tr. 84-85, 88; 

S. Ex. E-1 (Order No. 8178569). 

Regarding the floor conditions, Inspector Cain observed floor heaval that reduced the 

height and width of the area, and affected mandoors. Although the average height of an entry in 

the mine area was 5 feet, the secondary escapeway had been reduced to a height of 35 to 36 

inches in most places, and 25 inches at one place. 5 Tr. 32, 75-76, 101, 146. In the primary 

escapeway, Cain and Hall observed floor heaval almost to the mine roof. 5 Tr. 181; S. Ex. B-7. 

Inspector Cain testified that Hensley had acknowledged that the mantrip would not fit in the 

primary escapeway. 34 FMSHRC at 2096; 5 Tr. 68, 107; S. Ex. F-1 at p. 4. The heaving had 

caused the mandoors between the primary and secondary escapeways to be inoperable for 

approximately 1400 feet. 5 Tr. 80-81, 100, 140, 189. Inspector Cain also testified that the door 

just outby the 7 drive where miners were working would not open. 5 Tr. 141. 

The floor heaval also impacted jacks set throughout the area to provide support. 5 Tr. 36, 

61. Cain and Hall observed multiple 100-ton jacks that had bent because of the floor heaval. 5

Tr. 36-39, 185-86, 210; S. Ex. B-18. Cain and Hall observed jacks in the secondary escapeway 

that had been recently set, as evidenced by their lack of rock dust, and that were already leaning 

due to pressures exerted in the area. 5 Tr. 58, 185; S. Ex. B-14. In addition, the inspectors 

observed that jacks had been knocked out but not reset in the secondary escapeway. 5 Tr. 61, 

217-19; S. Ex. B-18. 

11 Hensley testified that the decision was made to stop mining the B Right section on 

May 22 not because of the impossibility of further mining in the B Right section but because the 

4 West area was ready to mine. 6 Tr. 8, 51. The Judge discredited Hensley’s testimony. 34 

FMSHRC at 2131. We see no reason to overturn the Judge’s credibility determination. As the 

Judge found, one of the operator’s witnesses, Alpha Natural Resources Safety Manager 

McGlothlin, testified that he had learned of the equipment being withdrawn from the area 

“because of excessive floor heave.” Id.; 5 Tr. 304. 

12 The Judge credited Inspector Cain’s testimony, as corroborated by the testimony of 

Hall and Gauna, regarding the conditions observed and the reasonable inferences drawn from 

such observations. 34 FMSHRC at 2133. We find no reason to overturn the Judge’s credibility 

determination. As the Judge found (id. at 2131, 2133), and as set forth more fully below, the 

testimony of these witnesses was internally consistent, consistent with each other, and Cain’s 

testimony was corroborated by his contemporaneous field notes. See, e.g., 5 Tr. 58-59, 78, 180-

81, 185; S. Ex. F-1. Moreover, Safety Manager McGlothlin also testified, “If I’d went through 

that area, I’d say, ‘we’re pulling out of there.’” 5 Tr. 312. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1390
 The floor heaval impacted the safe accessibility of the lifelines in the escapeways. In the 

primary escapeway, floor heaval was directly under the lifeline. 5 Tr. 72-74; S. Ex. B-1. In the 

secondary escapeway, the lifeline was positioned against the left rib where supports had been 

compromised and not reset. 5 Tr. 60-61; S. Ex. B-17. 

 Regarding the rib conditions, Cain and Hall observed ribs deteriorating on both sides of 

the primary escapeway (5 Tr. 72, 78, 180; S. Ex. B-6) as well as ribs deteriorating in the 

secondary escapeway (5 Tr. 53, 183-84; S. Exs. B-8, B-10). When asked whether pictures taken 

in the primary escapeway by the inspectors showed “pretty major rib sloughage,” Acting 

Superintendent Hensley admitted that they did and that walking over the sloughage when using 

the lifeline would be hazardous. 6 Tr. 50-51; S. Ex. B-6. 

 As to the roof conditions, Inspector Cain observed that there were areas of roof fall that 

required the re-routing of the primary escapeway. 5 Tr. 80-81, 98-100, 142; S. Ex. A-3. A roof 

fall occurred in the primary escapeway on April 25, less than a month before the inspection. 5 

Tr. 99; S. Ex. A-3. Moreover, the inspectors observed in the secondary escapeway a “cutter,” or 

crack, where the roof met the ribs, in a crosscut near the 7 drive. 5 Tr. 170-71. The cutter 

required the inspectors to have the area dangered-off. 5 Tr. 170. Donald Jacobs, the senior 

manager of geology at Alpha Natural Resources (6 Tr. 144), testified that “typically in the mine, 

before when we’ve had roof failure, you would typically see cutters where the roof [was] 

breaking up.” 6 Tr. 156-57. Mill Branch acknowledged that there was a cutter at the 7 drive. 6 

Tr. 16-17; MB Br. at 15 n.4. 

Gauna corroborated the conditions observed by Cain and Hall, explaining that the overall 

stability of the area was negatively impacted by the pillar and floor failure. He testified that 

conditions of closure, or the coming together of the roof and floor, were created by the retreat 

mining of the B Left and 5 West areas, and that these two areas of failure were trying to merge. 

5 Tr. 235-36, 238, 240-42. Gauna observed that there was pillar system failure along the 6 belt 

area, which is an area between the B Left and 5 West sections. 5 Tr. 241-42; S. Ex. C at p. 2. 

He stated that “when you see this type of floor heave and you see this type of pillar degradation, 

it’s a combination pillar failure and floor failure that’s happening simultaneously.” 5 Tr. 234. 

He explained, “[w]hen you’re in a system failure like this, things can become unpredictable,” 

and that “you’ve lost control in the overall stability.” 5 Tr. 242. Gauna testified that the operator 

should have pulled its equipment out sooner because closure is “a trap waiting to happen. It’s 

like a fish trap.” 5 Tr. 257. He explained that closure could happen at an “indeterminate time,” 

which could be “instantaneous,” and that it was the first time he had seen miners working in an 

area with that degree of failure. 5 Tr. 243-44, 258, 260-61. 

In contrast, the operator’s expert witness, David Newman, testified that the roof was 

stable, that the area had reached a state of equilibrium after mining had ceased, and that there 

were no stability related issues. 6 Tr. 177-78, 185-86, 197-98. In reaching his conclusion, 

Newman relied upon modeling and checking eleven “bore holes,” or holes that previously had 

been drilled into the roof of the secondary escapeway. 6 Tr. 165-68, 179-85; MB Ex. LS-4. 

There is ample evidence in the record to support the Judge’s crediting of Gauna’s 

testimony over that of Newman. 34 FMSHRC at 2129 n. 22, 2132. The Judge credited Gauna’s 

37 FMSHRC Page 1391
testimony that the model relied upon by Newman was flawed because the modeling program 

incorrectly assumed that the roof and floor were of the same material. 34 FMSHRC at 2118, 

2129 n.22. Gauna testified that the model did not accurately display the global stability because 

it overstated the stability of the pillars. 6 Tr. 236. He explained that the pillars could not be 

stable because they were on a soft floor, and the model did not work with conditions involving a 

soft floor. 5 Tr. 254; 6 Tr. 237-38. On cross-examination, Newman admitted that the model 

assumed that the roof and floor were composed of the same rock, although that was not the case 

at the mine. 6 Tr. 193-94. 

Besides finding that the model Newman relied upon was flawed as applied to the mine’s 

conditions, the Judge found that Newman spent little or no time assessing the primary 

escapeway. 32 FMSHRC at 2132. Newman admitted that he traveled in the secondary 

escapeway and did not witness conditions in the primary escapeway. 6 Tr. 158. 

In addition, the Judge found that Newman’s “narrow focus on the ‘stability of the 

immediate roof’ raised questions regarding his conclusions about the mine’s global stability.” 

34 FMSHRC at 2132. The Judge gave limited weight to Newman’s testimony that the cessation 

of mining had lessened stresses on the roof and that a state of equilibrium had been attained, and 

found more persuasive Gauna’s testimony “regarding the unpredictable nature of the global 

environment at Low Splint A, even after the work stoppage.” 34 FMSHRC at 2130. 

The Judge’s credibility determination is supported by the record. MSHA witnesses 

testified that the miners removing the equipment were in danger even though mining had 

ceased.13 Inspector Cain testified that in order to remove the feeder, the operator would have to 

use the continuous miner or scoop to make the entry large enough. 5 Tr. 156-57. Acting 

Superintendent Hensley admitted that the operator might have had to use the continuous miner to 

get the feeder out of the mine. 6 Tr. 8. Hall testified that as miners moved equipment out and 

removed the floor in order to clear the equipment, he did not know what was going to trigger a 

collapse. 5 Tr. 189. He explained that “[t]he ribs are already failed . . . if you continue to let 

them move that material, . . . I just couldn’t predict when it would have a failure.” 5 Tr. 189. 

Moreover, even if the equipment could be removed, an examiner would still need to travel 

through the area to perform weekly examinations. 6 Tr. 143. 

13 It is understandable than an operator desires to retrieve expensive mining equipment 

and machinery before abandoning a section. However, the operator must make that decision 

before conditions deteriorate to the level of an imminent danger. Once there is a reasonable 

expectation that the integrity of the mine environment has been compromised and a collapse 

could occur at any moment, miners must be withdrawn. Equipment may be replaced, the lives of 

the miners may not. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1392
Accordingly, we affirm the Judge’s determination that Inspector Cain did not abuse his 

discretion in issuing Order No. 8178569 as supported by substantial evidence.14

B. Citation No. 8178570 – Primary Escapeway Violation 

The Commission has recognized that a violation is S&S if, based on the particular facts 

surrounding the violation, there exists a reasonable likelihood that the hazard contributed to will 

result in an injury or illness of a reasonably serious nature. See Cement Div., Nat’l Gypsum Co., 

3 FMSHRC 822, 825 (Apr. 1981). In Mathies Coal Co., 6 FMSHRC 1 (Jan. 1984), the 

Commission further explained: 

In order to establish that a violation of a mandatory safety standard 

is significant and substantial under National Gypsum, the Secretary 

of Labor must prove: (1) the underlying violation of a mandatory 

safety standard; (2) a discrete safety hazard — that is, a measure of 

danger to safety — contributed to by the violation; (3) a reasonable 

likelihood that the hazard contributed to will result in an injury; 

and (4) a reasonable likelihood that the injury in question will be of 

a reasonably serious nature. 

Id. at 3-4 (footnote omitted); accord Buck Creek Coal, Inc. v. FMSHRC, 52 F.3d 133, 135 (7th 

Cir. 1995); Austin Power, Inc. v. Secretary of Labor, 861 F.2d 99, 103 (5th Cir. 1988) (approving 

Mathies criteria). 

14 We do not find convincing Mill Branch’s argument that MSHA’s actions in permitting 

later investigations are inconsistent with the issuance of the imminent danger order. MB Br. at 

17. The unavoidable risk posed by investigating conditions, as permitted by the Mine Act, state

law, and the Judge’s order, does not undermine an inspector’s reasonable belief that an imminent 

danger existed at the time when the order was issued. Cf. Wyoming Fuel Co., 14 FMSHRC 

1282, 1292 (Aug. 1992) (stating that although some “imminently dangerous conditions may 

require abatement that poses a degree of unavoidable risk to miners[, t]he fact that such actions 

are necessary to abate a condition . . . does not mean that the condition does not pose an 

imminent danger”). 

Further, we need not reach the operator’s argument that the Judge erred by assuming the 

occurrence of an emergency in his imminent danger analysis. Although the Judge considered the 

S&S violation of section 75.380(d)(1) in his imminent danger analysis, he set forth conditions 

existing outside of those cited as violative of section 75.380(d)(1) that justified issuance of the 

imminent danger order. See 34 FMSHRC at 2129. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1393
 The Judge concluded that the primary escapeway violation described in Citation No. 

8178570 was S&S. 34 FMSHRC at 2126. In satisfaction of the first Mathies factor, he found 

that the operator had failed to maintain the primary escapeway in a safe condition to always 

assure passage of anyone, including disabled persons, as required by section 75.380(d)(1). Id. 

Regarding the second factor, the Judge determined that the violation contributed to a discrete 

safety hazard in that miners did not have a safe means of escaping during an emergency at the 

mine. Id. He concluded that the inability of miners, disabled or otherwise, to escape quickly 

was reasonably likely to cause a serious injury in satisfaction of the third factor. Id. Finally, the 

Judge found that the fourth factor had been satisfied because the inability of miners to get out 

quickly and safely in emergency conditions would clearly lead to a reasonable likelihood of 

injuries that would be of a reasonably serious nature. Id. at 2127. 

 Mill Branch disputes the Judge’s findings with respect to the second and third Mathies

factors. It argues that the Judge should have used a sliding scale in considering the difficulty of 

using the escapeway – that is, a consideration that what constitutes a quick escape in a coal seam 

with a height of 36 inches is different from what is considered for a coal seam with a height of 

six feet – and that it was only required to have an escapeway that was approximately three feet 

high. The operator further contends that the Judge failed to consider that potential fire sources 

were removed from the area. 

We have recognized that the need for adequate escapeways will only arise in the context 

of an emergency evacuation from the mine and that the S&S nature of an escapeway violation 

must be considered in the context of an emergency. Spartan Mining Co., 35 FMSHRC 3505, 

3508-09 (Dec. 2013). Therefore, we conclude that the Judge accurately described the relevant 

hazard contributed to by the violation as delayed escape from the mine during an emergency. 

 

We further conclude that substantial evidence supports the Judge’s S&S determination. 

The record reveals the existence of floor heaval directly under the lifeline in the primary 

escapeway. 5 Tr. 72-74; S. Ex. B-1. In addition, the floor heaval in the primary escapeway was 

not being scooped, as it was in the secondary escapeway. 5 Tr. 76-77, 180-82. Doors were 

damaged between the primary and secondary escapeways, thus preventing access between the 

escapeways for approximately 1400 feet. 5 Tr. 140. The operator’s Acting Mine Superintendent 

admitted that the floor heaval made travel through the area slower and more difficult in an 

emergency situation. 6 Tr. 45. Moreover, Bruce Martin, the operator’s weekly examiner, 

testified, “[y]ou could get a stretcher down there[,] but you couldn’t carry it.” 6 Tr. 113. 

McGlothlin similarly testified that travel through the primary escapeway with a stretcher 

“wouldn’t have been easy,” and that travel through the area would be difficult. 5 Tr. 278-79, 

307. Thus, there is clearly substantial evidence that the cited conditions would contribute to a 

delayed escape during an emergency, particularly for disabled miners, and the delay in escape 

would be reasonably likely to lead to serious injury. 

 We do not find persuasive Mill Branch’s argument that the Judge should have used a 

sliding scale in considering the difficulty in using the escapeway since it was only required to 

have an escapeway that was approximately three feet high. In the primary escapeway, inspectors 

observed floor heaval almost to the mine roof. 5 Tr. 181; S. Ex. B-7. Cain testified that he had 

difficulty traveling through the primary escapeway even without a stretcher. 5 Tr. 147. Such 

37 FMSHRC Page 1394
evidence amounts to substantial evidence demonstrating a reasonable likelihood of injury under 

the cited conditions regardless of how low the escapeway was permitted to be. Accordingly, we 

affirm the Judge’s determination that the violation of section 75.380(d)(1) alleged in Citation No. 

8178570 was S&S. 

C. Order Nos. 8178573 and 8178574 – Weekly Examination Violations 

1. Whether the Judge correctly determined that Mill Branch violated 30

C.F.R. §§ 75.364(b)(1) and (b)(2) 

Orders Nos. 8178573 and 8178574 allege violations of sections 75.364(b)(1) and (b)(2) 

because the weekly examiner failed to recognize and record in the weekly examination book 

hazardous conditions existing in the intake and return escapeways, respectively. The Judge 

upheld the violations because there were numerous observable hazards in the escapeways that 

the weekly examiner essentially failed to recognize, record, or report.15 34 FMSHRC at 2135, 

2136. 

As noted above, hazardous conditions in both the primary and secondary escapeways 

justified the issuance of an imminent danger order. There is substantial evidence in the record 

that, although such conditions had existed for some time and the operator was aware of them, the 

conditions had not been reported in the weekly examination book before the May 22 inspection 

other than the entry on May 8 that the “bottom was hooving in some places.” S. Ex. G, at 2; 5 

Tr. 112. The return escapeway had three generations of stopping lines that had been crushed out, 

rebuilt, and re-patched. 5 Tr. 107-08, 119, 241. The primary escapeway also had damage and 

rehabilitation to stoppings. 5 Tr. 108. The conditions of the stoppings had existed for some 

time. 5 Tr. 194-95, 257. In addition, there is evidence in the record that the belt had to be 

repeatedly raised in May due to the extreme floor heaval that caused the belt rollers to stop 

turning.16 6 Tr. 88-89; 5 Tr. 33-34; S. Exs. B-23 through B-28. There were tracks over the floor 

heaval in the primary escapeway, indicating that the examiner had passed through the area and 

was aware of the deteriorating conditions. 5 Tr. 77; S. Ex. B-5. Moreover, Cain testified that 

Hensley knew that a four-wheeler mantrip could not make it through the primary escapeway. 5 

Tr. 69, 85. Such evidence amounts to substantial evidence supporting the Judge’s determination 

15 The orders do not allege violations of 30 C.F.R. §§ 75.363 or 75.364(h), which pertain 

to recordkeeping requirements for examinations. Operator’s counsel confirmed that Mill Branch 

does not argue that an improper standard was cited. Oral Arg. Tr. at 65-66. Accordingly, we do 

not reach the issue. 

16 Although Hensley testified that the belt had to be raised only one time (6 Tr. 52), 

weekly examiner Martin testified that the belt was repeatedly raised in May, although he did not 

know how many times. 6 Tr. 88-89. The Judge found Hensley to be less than fully credible, and 

we affirm the Judge’s credibility determination. 34 FMSHRC at 2131. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1395
that Mill Branch violated section 75.364(b)(1) and (b)(2) by failing to recognize, record, or 

report hazardous conditions in the escapeways.17

 2. Whether the Judge correctly determined that the violations were S&S 

With respect to each violation, the Judge, in a single sentence, adopted the rationale of 

the Secretary in concluding that the violations were S&S. 34 FMSHRC at 2136. 

The Commission requires that a Judge analyze and weigh all probative record evidence, 

make appropriate findings, and explain the reasons for his or her decision. Mid-Continent Res., 

Inc., 16 FMSHRC 1218, 1222 (June 1994). The D.C. Circuit has explained that, “[p]erhaps the 

most essential purpose served by the requirement of an articulated decision is the facilitation of 

judicial review.” Harborlite Corp. v. ICC, 613 F.2d 1088, 1092 (D.C. Cir. 1979). Without 

findings of fact and adequate justification for the conclusions reached by a Judge, we cannot 

perform our review function effectively. Anaconda Co., 3 FMSHRC 299, 300 (Feb. 1981) 

(citations omitted). 

The Commission has recognized that “wholesale incorporation of a litigant’s brief is a 

questionable judicial practice.”18 Energy West Mining Co., 16 FMSHRC 1414, 1419 n.8 (July 

1994). Here, the Judge failed to set forth his findings of fact, indicating which evidence he 

weighed and any credibility determinations he made, as well as any other reasons for concluding 

that the violations were S&S. Rather, the Judge adopted the reasoning of the Secretary set forth 

in a post-hearing brief. Without the Judge’s findings and explanations, we are unable to 

effectively perform our review function. Accordingly, we remand this matter to the Judge so 

that he may set forth his analysis and findings supporting his determination that Mill Branch’s 

violations of sections 75.364(b)(1) and (b)(2) were S&S. 

3. Whether the Judge correctly determined that the violations did not result 

from unwarrantable failure 

The Judge concluded that the weekly examiner’s conduct in not recording the conditions 

alleged in Order Nos. 8178573 and 8178574 did not result from unwarrantable failure. 34 

 17 We find unpersuasive Mill Branch’s argument that the orders fail to sufficiently 

identify hazardous conditions. Section 104(a) requires that each “citation shall be in writing and 

shall describe with particularity the nature of the violation . . . .” 30 U.S.C. § 814(a). We have 

recognized that the requirement for specificity serves the purpose of allowing the operator to 

discern what conditions require abatement, and to adequately prepare for a hearing on the matter. 

Cyprus Tonopah Mining Corp., 15 FMSHRC 367, 379 (Mar. 1993) (citations omitted). Mill 

Branch’s extensive examination and cross-examination of witnesses concerning the cited 

conditions demonstrate that Mill Branch was able to adequately prepare for trial and knew what 

conditions would have required abatement. See Asarco Mining Co., 15 FMSHRC 1303, 1306 

(July 1993). 

18 The document setting forth the rationale for the Judge’s decision, that is, the 

Secretary’s post-hearing brief, is not easily accessible to a reader of the decision. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1396
FMSHRC at 2136. The Judge reasoned that the operator’s justification for not recording the 

hazards, that is, because the hazards were well known, was more “the result of ignorance, 

misunderstanding, and incompetence than that of intentional misconduct or reckless disregard.” 

Id. The Judge further noted that “there remain[] some questions as to the length of time [that] 

the conditions were known to the operator.” Id. 

Whether conduct is “aggravated” for purposes of unwarrantable failure is determined by 

looking at all of the facts and circumstances of each case, including: (1) the extent of the 

violative condition, (2) the length of time that it has existed, (3) whether the violation posed a 

high risk of danger, (4) whether the violation was obvious, (5) the operator’s knowledge of the 

existence of the violation, (6) the operator’s efforts in abating the violative condition, and (7) 

whether the operator has been placed on notice that greater efforts are necessary for compliance. 

See McCoy Elkhorn Coal Corp., 36 FMSHRC 1987, 1993 (Aug. 2014); Manalapan Mining Co., 

35 FMSHRC 289, 293 (Feb. 2013); IO Coal Co., 31 FMSHRC 1346, 1351 (Dec. 2009); Cyprus 

Emerald Res. Corp., 20 FMSHRC 790, 813 (Aug. 1998), rev’d on other grounds, 195 F.3d 42 

(D.C. Cir. 1999). 

The Commission has repeatedly made clear that it is necessary for a Judge to consider all 

relevant factors in determining whether an unwarrantable failure to comply with a standard has 

occurred. Coal River Mining, LLC, 32 FMSHRC 82, 89 (Feb. 2010); San Juan Coal Co., 29 

FMSHRC 125, 129-30 (Mar. 2007); Windsor Coal Co., 21 FMSHRC 997, 1001 (Sept. 1999) 

(remanding an unwarrantable determination for further analysis and findings when the Judge 

failed to analyze all factors). While a Judge may determine, in his or her discretion, that some 

factors are not relevant, or may determine that some factors are much less important than other 

factors under the circumstances, all of the factors must be taken into consideration and at least 

noted by the Judge. IO Coal, 31 FMSHRC at 1351. 

Although the Judge set forth the factors that must be considered in an unwarrantable 

failure determination (34 FMSHRC at 2126), he failed to set forth his findings and analysis 

applying them. See id. at 2135-36. 

Moreover, the Judge erred in accepting as a mitigating circumstance the examiner’s 

justification that he did not record the hazardous conditions because he believed they were 

known to the operator. In promulgating the examination regulations, MSHA recognized that 

“[e]ffective examinations are the first line of defense to protect miners working in underground 

coal mines.” 77 Fed. Reg. 20700, 20702 (Apr. 6, 2012). Cain and Hall explained that the 

purpose of an examination and the recording of a hazard is clear communication of any hazards, 

so that miners and management are not surprised by conditions, know whether they have a safe 

way out of the mine, and have an opportunity to address the hazardous conditions. 5 Tr. 114-15, 

197. Effective examinations and the recording of hazards are particularly important with 

“worsening conditions,” which the Judge found to be occurring in the mine. 34 FMSHRC at 

2124. The weekly examiner’s determination that conditions did not need to be recorded 

deprived miners of an important first line of defense and amounted to an aggravating factor. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1397
Accordingly, we vacate the Judge’s unwarrantable failure determinations. We remand 

this matter to the Judge so that he may apply the factors described herein, setting forth his 

analysis and findings consistent with this decision. 

III. 

Conclusion

For the reasons discussed above, we affirm the Judge’s decision upholding Order No. 

8178569, concluding that the violation of section 75.380(d)(1) alleged in Citation No. 8178570 

was S&S, and holding that the operator violated sections 75.364(b)(1) and (b)(2) as alleged in 

Order Nos. 8178573 and 8178574. However, we remand the Judge’s S&S determinations with 

respect to Order Nos. 8178573 and 8178574 so that he may set forth findings and analyses 

supporting his S&S determinations. Finally, we vacate the Judge’s determinations that the 

violations of section 75.364(b)(1) and (b)(2) did not result from unwarrantable failures and 

remand for findings and analyses consistent with this decision. 

Robert F. Cohen, Jr. 

Robert F. Cohen, Jr., Commissioner 

Patrick K. Nakamura 

Patrick K. Nakamura, Commissioner 

William I. Althen 

William I. Althen, Commissioner 

37 FMSHRC Page 1398
COMMISSION ORDERS

FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION 

1331 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, NW, SUITE 520N 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20004-1710 

July 15, 2015 

SECRETARY OF LABOR, 

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

 ADMINSTRATION (MSHA) Docket Nos. WEVA 2014-395-R 

 WEVA 2014-1028 

v. 

POCAHONTAS COAL COMPANY, LLC 

BEFORE: Jordan, Chairman; Young, Cohen, Nakamura, and Althen, Commissioners 

ORDER 

BY: Jordan, Chairman; Young, Nakamura, and Althen, Commissioners 

These matters arise under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, 30 U.S.C. 

§ 801 et seq. (2012). On July 8, 2015, the Secretary filed a Petition for Certification for

Interlocutory Review pursuant to Commission Procedural Rule 76, 29 C.F.R. § 2700.76 and a 

motion to stay proceedings below. This petition seeks review of the Administrative Law Judge’s 

June 18, 2015, Order Denying the Secretary’s Motion to Reconsider and Order Denying Motion 

to Stay the Court’s May 22 Order. In her July 2, 2015, Order, the Judge denied interlocutory 

review of the June 18 Order. 

On July 10, 2015, Pocahontas Coal Company, LLC (“Pocahontas”) submitted a letter 

objecting to the arguments in the Secretary’s petition. Pocahontas also filed on that day a 

Response in Opposition to the Secretary’s Motion for Stay and Emergency Stay. 

This case involves a challenge by Pocahontas to a Pattern of Violations Notice (“POV 

Notice”) issued on October 24, 2013. The operator served notices of deposition on several 

attorneys in the Secretary of Labor’s Office of the Solicitor, and the Secretary in turn filed a 

motion for a protective order, which the Judge granted in part and denied in part. In her May 22, 

2015, and June 18, 2015, Orders, the Judge required the Secretary to produce a deponent from 

the Mine Safety and Health Administration and, ordered that if the operator could not ascertain 

the necessary facts from the deposition, it should propound interrogatories to the Secretary for 

the purpose of discovering facts related to the selection of the citations and orders that were 

listed in the POV notice. May 22 Order at 11-12; June 18 Order at 5. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1399
 In its opposition to the Secretary’s Motion for Stay and Emergency Stay, the operator 

states that final written discovery was served upon the Secretary on July 7, 2015. It clarified that 

this encompassed two requests for production of documents.1

 We understand this to mean that 

the interrogatories contemplated by the Judge’s Orders of May 22 and June 18 were not served 

on or before July 10, 2015. 

 Commission Rule 76(a) provides that interlocutory review is a matter of sound discretion 

of the Commission, and that the Commission may grant interlocutory review upon a 

determination that the judge’s interlocutory ruling involves a controlling question of law and 

immediate review will materially advance the final disposition of the proceeding. 29 C.F.R. 

§ 2700.76(a). 

 Upon consideration of the Petition for Interlocutory Review, we have determined that 

immediate review would not materially advance the final disposition of the proceeding. 29 

C.F.R. § 2700.76(a)(2). We therefore deny the petition. 

 Mary Lu Jordan 

 Mary Lu Jordan, Chairman 

 

 

 Michael G. Young 

 Michael G. Young, Commissioner 

 

 

 Patrick K. Nakamura 

 Patrick K. Nakamura, Commissioner 

 

 William I. Althen 

 William I. Althen, Commissioner 

 

 1

 We note that in her May 22, 2015, Order, the Judge stated that if the Secretary objected 

to the operator’s request for production of documents, the Secretary could submit them to the 

Judge for in camera review. May 22 Order at 11. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1400
Commissioner Cohen, dissenting: 

 I respectfully dissent from my colleagues’ decision to deny the Secretary’s Petition for 

Interlocutory Review and Motion for Stay. 

 Much of the defense of Pocahontas Coal in this case is based on the allegation that the 

Secretary’s decision to issue the Notice of Pattern of Violations (“POV”) against it was arbitrary 

and capricious. See, Pocahontas’ Memorandum of Law in Support of Motion for Summary 

Decision. In furtherance on that theory of defense, Pocahontas has sought very broad discovery, 

including depositions of Heidi W. Strassler, Associate Solicitor for Mine Safety and Health, 

Jason S. Grover, Trial Counsel for the Mine Safety and Health Division of the Office of the 

Solicitor, Douglas N. White, Associate Regional Solicitor for the Arlington Regional Office of 

the Solicitor, and Robert S. Wilson, MSHA Counsel for the Arlington Regional Office of the 

Solicitor. The Notices of Deposition for these four high-ranking government attorneys required 

them to produce their “entire file, including but not limited to, any and all notes, documents, 

memoranda, email correspondence, and any other correspondence in [their] possession which 

relates in any manner to [their] knowledge as to why Pocahontas Coal Company’s Affinity Mine 

received POV Written Notice Number 7219153 on October 24, 2013, . . .” See, Secretary of 

Labor’s Motion for Protective Order, Exhibits A, B, C and D. Not surprisingly, the Secretary 

resisted this discovery on the basis of the deliberative process privilege, work product doctrine, 

and attorney-client privilege. 

 

 It is clear from the record in this case that the Administrative Law Judge has been 

mindful of these privileges, and has sought to protect the Secretary from disclosure of “internal 

deliberations involving opinions, thoughts, conclusions and legal theories.” See, Order Granting 

in Part & Denying in Part the Secretary’s Motion for a Protective Order, May 22, 2015 (“the 

May 22 Order”), at 5, 10. However, the Judge’s discovery orders in this case contain, in my 

view, a fundamental flaw which should be corrected before the case proceeds. 

 Pocahontas’ challenge to the POV Notice based on the Secretary’s action being arbitrary 

and capricious (or, to use the Judge’s phrasing, an abuse of discretion) goes to the process by 

which the POV Notice was issued. As the Judge recognized, there were actually two processes 

involved in the issuance of the POV Notice to Pocahontas. Id., at 3. One process involved the 

selection of Pocahontas to receive a POV Notice. The other process involved the actual content 

of the Notice – the selection of 42 alleged S&S violations, out of the overall 124 S&S citations 

and orders which had been issued to Pocahontas during the 12-month review period, and the 

ordering of those 42 alleged S&S violations into two distinct alleged patterns. 

 All of the discovery which is presently at issue involves the second of these two 

processes. The Judge determined that Pocahontas would be permitted discovery as to both of 

these processes, including “the selection and grouping of the 42 enforcement actions listed in the 

NPOV.” Id., at 6. I believe that it was error to permit discovery as to the selection and grouping 

of the 42 enforcement actions included in the POV Notice. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1401
 Arguably, the first process – the determination that an operator should be given a POV 

Notice – is subject to analysis for being arbitrary and capricious or an abuse of discretion. It is 

conceivable, for example, that a particular MSHA District Manager wants to put the screws to a 

particular operator and so engineers that operator being given a POV Notice. But no allegation 

of this nature is before the Commission in this Petition for Interlocutory Relief. Thus, there is no 

need at this time for the Commission to consider the scope of “arbitrary and capricious” or 

“abuse of discretion” as applied to the determination that Pocahontas be given a POV Notice. 

 However, the second process is different. It has nothing to do with the identification of 

Pocahontas as an operator which should receive a POV Notice – that decision has already been 

made. The second process involves the parameters of the POV Notice to be given to an alreadydetermined operator. In the second process, the Secretary determines which of a very large 

number2 of alleged S&S violations to rely on, and how to group them. 

 Fundamentally, the second process involves the Secretary’s strategic and tactical 

decisions as to how it intends to prove the POV. Since this process occurs after the decision to 

identify a particular operator to receive a POV Notice, the selection of particular violations to 

include in the POV Notice is irrelevant to that decision. The second process inherently involves 

prosecutorial discretion. As such, it is beyond review by the Commission. 

 Moreover, the decisions here necessarily involve lawyers in the Solicitor’s Office, since 

these are the people responsible for the litigation when the contested POV Notice comes before 

the Commission.3 Discovery involving communications among lawyers in the Solicitor’s Office, 

and between the Solicitor’s Office and MSHA personnel, necessarily implicates some 

combination of the deliberative process privilege, the work product doctrine and attorney-client 

privilege. 

 2

 The Secretary’s screening criteria do not permit an operator to even be considered for a 

POV Notice unless at least 50 S&S citations and orders have been issued against it in the most 

recent 12 month period. MSHA, Pattern of Violations Screening Criteria - 2013. 

http://www.msha.gov/POV/POVScreeningCriteria2013.pdf. 

3

 In the May 22 Order, the Judge stated, “On April 1, 2015, Pocahontas, after taking the 

deposition of Kevin Stricklin, the MSHA Administrator, first learned that it was the attorneys in 

the Solicitor’s Office, not MSHA personnel, who selected the 42 enforcement actions to be 

included in the NPOV.” May 22 Order, at 6. For Pocahontas to claim that it did not previously 

know that the Solicitor’s Office was involved in the selection of the 42 enforcement actions is 

akin to the scene in “Casablanca” where Captain Renault announces he is “shocked” to learn that 

gambling takes place in Rick’s Café Americain. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1402
 The Judge has limited the remaining discovery in this case to “facts” as distinct from 

“[i]nternal thoughts, opinions and conclusions.” May 22 Order, at 11. In my view, the discovery 

should have been limited before it got to this point. I would grant the Secretary’s Petition for 

Interlocutory Review and Motion for Stay in order to give the Commission the opportunity to 

rule on this very important and delicate issue involving discovery into matters involving 

prosecutorial discretion. 

 Robert F. Cohen, Jr. 

 Robert F. Cohen, Jr., Commissioner 

 

 

37 FMSHRC Page 1403

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DECISIONS
37 FMSHRC Page 1404
FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES 

1331 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W., SUITE 520N 

WASHINGTON, DC 20004-1710 

TELEPHONE: 202-434-9933 / FAX: 202-434-9949 

July 2, 2015 

DECISION

Before: Judge Moran 

Portable, Inc. (“Portable”), Applicant in this matter, has filed an application for an award 

of fees and expenses under the Equal Access to Justice Act (“EAJA”), contending that the 

Secretary of Labor’s action in WEST 2013-526-M was not substantially justified. Thereafter, the 

Secretary filed an Objection to the Application. Portable then filed a reply and the Secretary 

submitted a short surreply. Initially, the Secretary’s Objection challenged both Portable’s claim 

that the Secretary was not substantially justified in proceeding against it as well as the fees and 

expenses sought. However, the Secretary’s surreply reduced the issues to be resolved to the 

substantial justification question, the Secretary having conceded, upon reviewing the additional 

information provided by Portable in its reply, that Portable had subsequently provided additional 

information in the Declarations attached to its latest brief, which sufficed to show that it incurred 

the attorney fees and costs which it seeks. As a consequence of that additional supporting 

information, the Secretary’s surreply stated that he “concedes that Portable is eligible for an 

award, as it meets the size criteria and has incurred fees in defense of an action on which it was 

the prevailing party,” while maintaining that, on the merits, it is not entitled to such an award. 

Surreply at 1. 

For the reasons which follow, the Court finds that the Secretary’s action was not 

substantially justified and awards the fees sought by Portable. 

PORTABLE, INC., 

 Applicant, 

v. 

SECRETARY OF LABOR, 

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

 ADMINISTRATION (MSHA), 

 Respondent. 

EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE 

 PROCEEDING 

Docket No. EAJA 2015-1-M 

Formerly WEST 2013-526-M 

Mine ID: 24-02016 

Mine: Wash Plant 

37 FMSHRC Page 1405
Background 

As set forth in the Court’s December 5, 2014, decision in WEST 2013-526-M, Sec’y of 

Labor v. Portable, Inc., 36 FMSHRC 3249, 3250 (Dec. 2014) (ALJ), MSHA’s Dennis Bellfi 

arrived at Portable Inc.’s mine on August 16, 2012, to perform a general inspection. Bellfi’s 

inspection was delayed by approximately one-half hour. Id. at 3251. As a consequence of the 

delay, MSHA contends that Portable unreasonably delayed the inspection, in violation of section 

103(a) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. § 813(a) (2012).1

 The Court noted that the issue was whether, 

in the context of the findings of fact, there was an unreasonable delay in this instance. Id. at 

3254. For the reasons detailed below, and as set forth in its decision, the Court found that 

“Portable did not unreasonably delay Bellfi’s inspection or indirectly deny access to its mine on 

August 16, and therefore, did not violate section 103(a).” Id. at 3259. 

EAJA Actions and the Substantial Justification Issue 

In large measure, the parties are in agreement as to the legal test for determining whether 

the government’s position was substantially justified. While the test for establishing substantial 

justification is not so minimal that the government need only show that it did not act frivolously, 

it does not require more than mere reasonableness to sustain the government’s action. The 

Supreme Court has described the justification as being satisfied if “a reasonable person could 

think it correct, that is, if it has a reasonable basis in law and fact.” Pierce v. Underwood, 487 

U.S. 552, 566 n.2. (1988). 

As the Commission stated in Black Diamond Constr., Inc., 21 FMSHRC 1188, 1194, 

1198 (Nov. 1999): 

 

EAJA provides that a prevailing party may be awarded attorney’s fees unless the 

position of the United States is substantially justified. Contractors Sand and 

Gravel, Inc., 20 FMSHRC 960, 967 (Sept. 1998), appeal docketed, No. 98–1480 

(D.C.Cir. Oct. 20, 1998). The Supreme Court has defined substantially justified as 

“justified in substance or in the main,” or a position that has “a reasonable basis 

both in law and fact.” Pierce v. Underwood, 487 U.S. 552, 565 (1988). In Pierce, 

the Court set forth the test for substantial justification as follows: “a position can 

be justified even though it is not correct, and we believe it can be substantially 

(i.e., for the most part) justified if a reasonable person could think it correct, that 

is, if it has a reasonable basis in law and fact.” Id. at 566 n. 2. The Court also 

noted that certain “ ‘objective indicia’ such as the terms of a settlement 

agreement, the stage in the proceedings at which the merits were decided, and the 

views of other courts on the merits” can be relevant to the inquiry of whether the 

 1

 As an alternative theory of liability, the Secretary much later asserted that Portable 

violated section 103(a)’s prohibition against giving mine personnel advance notice of an 

inspection. 36 FMSHRC at 3254. This alternative claim was hollow and was dismissed by the 

Court. Id. at 3258. The only theory worthy of discussion in this EAJA matter is the issue of 

whether the Secretary was substantially justified in pursuing its claim that the inspector was 

unreasonably delayed in beginning his inspection, running afoul of the right to conduct such 

inspections of mine property. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1406
government’s position was substantially justified. Id. at 568. In EAJA 

proceedings, the agency bears the burden of establishing that its position was 

substantially justified. Lundin v. Mecham, 980 F.2d 1450, 1459 (D.C.Cir.1992). 

When reviewing an administrative law judge’s EAJA decision, the Commission 

applies the substantial evidence test for factual issues and de novo review for 

legal issues. Contractors, 20 FMSHRC at 966–67. [The Commission then added, 

agreeing with the administrative law judge’s characterization that] the essence of 

substantial justification is whether reasonable people could genuinely differ. 

Portable’s Application for an Award of Fees and Expenses under the Equal Access to 

Justice Act 

In its application, Portable notes that, 

[p]ursuant to 29 C.F.R. § 2700.69, Judge Moran’s decision represents his final 

disposition of the matter where Portable unquestionably prevailed. The Secretary 

failed to appeal this decision and it has not been directed for review by the 

Commission. Therefore, pursuant to Section 113(d)(1) of the Mine Act, this 

decision is now the final decision of the Commission. As such, Portable meets the 

minimal standard required by the Act of having prevailing party status. 

Application at 6. Portable also asserts that, 

[a]s demonstrated at hearing, MSHA was never denied access to the Mine and the 

inspector was never told he could not inspect[,] . . . [and t]herefore, issuing a 

citation pursuant to Section 103(a) was contrary to the Mine Act as it was obvious 

that the inspector was never denied entry to the Mine, [and] he was not unduly 

delayed on the date of his inspection. 

Id. at 7. Noting that the “burden is on the Secretary to establish that his position in this case was 

substantially justified in law and fact or that special circumstances make an award unjust,” 

Portable asserts that MSHA’s enforcement action was not substantially justified. Id. 

 Although Portable acknowledges that section 103(a) explicitly provides for an inspector’s 

right to conduct an inspection, it replies that Portable never contended otherwise and it asserts 

that there was never any direct or indirect denial of that right. Application at 8. A fair contention, 

Portable asserts that when the weakness of MSHA’s claim became apparent, the Secretary added 

the alternative claim of advance warning. Id. at 10. 

 

37 FMSHRC Page 1407
The Secretary’s Objection to Portable’s Application 

 Applying the standard for reviewing EAJA claims, the Secretary maintains that its 

position was based on “sound legal reasoning and factual support.” Objection at 6. He argues 

that unreasonable delay of an inspection comes within the proscription of interference of a mine 

inspection. The Secretary characterizes the events associated with this matter as an “indirect 

denial.” Id. at 7. As framed by the Secretary, “[t]he question before the Court was whether that 

delay was unreasonable, rising to the level of impeding the inspection.”2 Id.

It is true that the Court held that a thirty minute delay could constitute impeding in 

violation of section 103(a), and that, in finding no delay here, it limited its holding to the 

particular facts. However, the Secretary goes on to assert that 

[a]fter weighing the evidence and making credibility determinations, the Court 

disagreed with the Secretary as to those facts and their impact, but that does not 

mean the Secretary’s position was not substantially justified[, and that g]iven 

these facts and the governing law which had not yet dealt with the particularities 

at issue here, “reasonable people could genuinely differ.” 

Id. at 8. 

This characterization seeks more than is warranted. The analysis is not simply a matter of 

observing that there was a 30 minute delay and then coupling that with the observation that the 

law has not yet dealt with “the particularities at issue here.” One has to examine all that went on 

during the time from the inspector’s arrival up to the point that he began his inspection, as those 

circumstances inform whether there was in fact an unreasonable delay. As the Court’s decision 

clearly set forth, under the particular circumstances, there was no unreasonable delay. 

 The essence of the Secretary’s argument asserts that it was the Court’s conclusion “that 

the evidence did not adequately show Portable’s intent to impede the inspection [and that] [t]he 

Court’s conclusions were based largely on its credibility findings and its view of the import of 

the evidence.” Id. at 9. Discounting that the Bellfi did not inform Portable that he had a legal 

right to conduct an inspection, the Secretary apparently believed it was sufficient for the 

inspector to “announce that he was an MSHA Inspector and that he was present to conduct an 

inspection.” Id. He adds that “[t]here is no legal requirement that an inspector use any particular 

words in announcing his right and presence to inspect.” Id. From this, the Secretary urges that 

 2

 Although the Secretary notes that, while the Court concluded that the delay was not 

unreasonable and that it did not rise to the level of impeding the inspection, he contends that this 

conclusion was reached through the process of the Court’s evaluation of the evidence, by 

drawing inferences and conclusions and making credibility determinations. He asserts that 

simply because the Court’s conclusions were different than the Secretary’s does not mean that 

his case was not substantially justified. Objection at 7. As explained in this decision, the Court 

does not agree that the matter can be so described as merely different takes on the same 

evidence. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1408
“any failure to expressly announce the statutory basis for [the inspector’s] legal authority does 

not detract from the fact that the Secretary’s position was substantially justified.”3 Id. at 9-10. 

Noting that the “Court concluded that Portable did not definitively tell Bellfi that he 

could not inspect the mine,” the Secretary asserts that Portable did this indirectly by pointing to 

Bellfi’s testimony that he “normally waits five minutes before proceeding with his inspection.” 

Id. at 10. A long stretch, the Secretary contends that Bellfi’s failure to start his inspection within 

his normal five minute wait “evidence[s] his view that he was being barred from inspecting 

without an escort.” Id. The Secretary then adds that “Bellfi also testified that he told Edwards 

that the longer he had to wait, the more likely he would be to issue a citation for impeding the 

inspection.” Id. However, this observation undercuts the Secretary’s claim of impedance, 

because it shows that at that point in time Bellfi acknowledged that no impeding had yet 

occurred. 

The Secretary would have it that he “was entitled to rely upon the statements, 

observations and opinions of an experienced mine inspector, and could not have anticipated that 

the Court would credit Portable’s witnesses rather than the inspector’s[,]” again describing any 

finding of EAJA liability as simply grounded upon credibility findings. Id. at 10. As explained 

below, the Court’s conclusions did not rest only on credibility findings but on the testimony from 

MSHA’s own witnesses, which significantly undercut the claim that there had been an impeding 

of the inspection. 

The Secretary further contends that Portable asserts “that it is automatically entitled to an 

award because the Secretary’s ‘enforcement position [] is the subject of an internal disagreement 

within the agency.’” Surreply at 1. Addressing that contention, the Secretary points out that 

Supervisor Petty testified that his internal office procedure is for inspectors to 

contact him prior to issuing a citation for impeding, and noted that he has waited 

for 15-20 minutes at Portable for Ms. Rather to walk around with him. But he also 

stated that an inspector has the right to inspect immediately upon arrival, and did 

not opine that the citation issued here was improper. 

Id. The Secretary then observes that 

this Court stated in its decision that a thirty minute delay could constitute 

impeding an inspection in violation of section 103(a) of the Mine Act[, adding 

that t]here simply was no internal dispute within the agency of the type at issue in 

Black Diamond Construction, 21 FMSHRC 1188 (1998) and [accordingly the 

Secretary urges that] Portable’s argument on this issue must be rejected. 

Id. at 1-2. 

 3

 The Secretary also adds that the inspector’s failure to first contact a supervisor does not 

diminish that there was substantial justification because such a requirement was not an 

established MSHA policy. Objection at 9-10. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1409
Discussion 

Having considered the parties’ arguments, and upon applying the applicable standard for 

determining Portable’s eligibility for an EAJA award, the Court finds that the Secretary was not 

substantially justified in bringing an action under section 103(a) of the Mine Act in this instance. 

As noted, MSHA contended that Portable unreasonably delayed the inspection, in 

violation of section 103(a) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. § 813(a).4

 While the Court agrees with the 

Secretary that, as a general principle, the section is violated if a mine operator unreasonably 

delays the start of an inspection by denying the inspector access to the mine, the issue here is 

whether, in the context of the findings of fact, there was an unreasonable delay in this instance. 

The length of the delay was minimal. Although the Secretary’s civil penalty petition 

alleges that the MSHA’s inspection “was delayed by approximately one-half hour,” and that the 

Court stated that a delay of 30 minutes, or possibly less time, could constitute an interference 

with the right to inspect, it cannot be ignored that the delay here was minimal and, realistically 

measured, was far less than 30 minutes. 

It is true that the delay stemmed from the operator’s claim that a safety escort was needed 

to accompany the inspector, but that is not the entire measure of ascertaining whether the 

Secretary was substantially justified in bringing this action. For a significant period of time the 

inspector acceded to the basis for the delay. To begin, although the inspector told employee Eric 

Edwards that he was ready to start the inspection and advised that he did not need to sign in, he 

still agreed to go to the front office to obtain an escort. Importantly, the inspector did not then tell 

Edwards that he had the right to inspect the mine without an escort, nor did he advise that a 

citation could be issued for denying him access to the mine. Instead, he told Edwards that the 

longer it took to obtain an escort, the more inclined he was to issue a citation for impeding the 

inspection. But that stance meant that the inspector was not then announcing that his inspection 

would commence forthwith. Accordingly, the clock for measuring any claim of an unreasonable 

delay could not have started at that time. In fact, Bellfi told Edwards that he would “go ahead 

and wait downstairs for [Edwards] to get an escort.” Portable, 36 FMSHRC at 3251. 

Approximately 20 minutes then elapsed and it was only then that he informed Edwards that he 

had waited “longer than necessary” and that he was going to issue a section 103(a) citation for 

impeding his inspection. Id. “Edwards’ response was that Ms. Rather advised that the inspector 

could start his inspection by himself.” Id. at 3. Accordingly, when the inspector announced that 

he would wait no longer, the Respondent immediately accepted his demand. Thus, a key part of 

the analysis is that rather than proceeding with his inspection, the inspector went along with the 

delay and, when he decided he would wait no longer, Portable did nothing to stall or interfere 

with that decision. Restated, when the inspector advised that no additional delay would be 

 4

 As an alternative theory of liability, the Secretary asserts that Portable violated section 

103(a)’s prohibition against giving mine personnel advance notice of an inspection.” Portable, 

36 FMSHRC at 3249. “It was not until after the inspection that Bellfi determined that such safety 

corrections could have been made during the time that he was waiting for an escort. It was such 

afterthoughts that prompted MSHA’s alternative theory of liability, that Portable gave advance 

notice of the inspection.” Id. at 3252.

37 FMSHRC Page 1410
allowed, he was immediately advised by Jennifer Rather, Safety Director, via the dispatcher, that 

the inspection could commence without an escort. Id. 

Because the inspector was pacified up to that point in time, which was approximately 20 

minutes later, when Edwards came back, Portable’s response from Ms. Rather that the inspector 

could start his inspection by himself demonstrates both that there was no unreasonable delay and 

that the Secretary’s position, under these particular facts, was not substantially justified. This is 

because that was the first point in time when the inspector made an unqualified assertion of the 

right to inspect and it was then that the Respondent immediately acceded to the start of the 

inspection, as Edwards’ response was that Ms. Rather advised that the inspector could start his 

inspection by himself. Therefore, the delay was minimal to non-existent, once the inspector 

insisted that the inspection occur. 

Other testimony of record only serves to confirm the correctness of this conclusion that 

the Secretary was not substantially justified in bringing the section 103(a) action. Inspector Bellfi 

informed that, prior to becoming an MSHA Conference and Litigation Representative, at a time 

“when he used to conduct MSHA mine inspections on a full-time basis, he would generally wait 

about 5 minutes for an escort.” Portable, 36 FMSHRC at 3251. He advised that if an escort was 

not present within that period of time, he would begin the inspection and tell mine personnel that 

the escort could meet up with him. Id. Yet, in this instance he did not follow his own announced 

practice. Instead, he accepted the brief delay. In fact, he advised that “he was trained to allow 

time for an operator to get a mine representative to accompany him during an inspection, as long 

as doing so did not unduly delay the inspection.” Id. at 3252. But, the Court observes that a mine 

operator must not be left to guess when, by Inspector Bellfi’s particular lights, undue delay 

would be deemed to have occurred. 

Thus, it was Bellfi’s view that Portable was in violation of section 103(a) of the Act 

because it refused to allow him to inspect the mine by telling him that he needed an escort to 

enter mine property, and thereafter failing to provide one for 30 minutes, before then allowing 

him to begin his inspection without an escort. While that could be true in the abstract, in this 

instance the inspector did not act in a manner which was consistent with his own professed 

practices. Instead, even Bellfi considered Portable’s actions to be an indirect denial of the 

inspection and, by so characterizing Portable’s actions, he conceded that they were in an 

enforcement gray area. Further, the inspector admitted that he never explained to Eric Edwards, 

or to anyone at Portable, that there are inspection requirements under section 103(a). This 

admission does not aid the Secretary’s claim that its action was substantially justified. 

The Secretary noted that Inspector Bellfi was “legally entitled to commence the 

inspection without undue delay.” Id. at 3255. But this is a straw man argument, as the point was 

not disputed; both sides agreed that an inspector is entitled to inspect without undue delay. The 

pertinent issue involved the claim of indirect denial of entry. The Court found that did not occur, 

while also noting that the inspector never attempted to explain his authority, nor did he simply 

start his inspection. “On these facts it is clear that the Inspector chose to wait much longer than 

his normal amount of time for an escort. As he stated, he would usually start the inspection after 

five (5) minutes, proceeding unaccompanied, if necessary.” Id.

37 FMSHRC Page 1411
Beyond these observations, the Court noted in its decision: 

There was no testimony or documentary evidence presented by either side 

that Bellfi was told that he was not permitted to inspect the mine at any point 

during the 30 minute waiting period despite the description in the citation 

suggesting otherwise.5 On the contrary, Edwards had returned to Bellfi to tell him 

the crusher was being shut down and he could begin the inspection 

unaccompanied when Bellfi decided to issue the citation. Further, Bellfi never 

told Edwards he had a right to inspect the mine, nor did he attempt to start his 

inspection despite testifying that he would normally only wait 5 minutes for an 

escort before beginning. These actions also diminish the Inspector’s claim that 

Portable’s actions constituted an indirect denial. In the Program Policy Manual 

(PPM), a source of MSHA’s interpretation and guidelines on enforcement of the 

Act, indirect denials are “those in which an operator or his agent does not directly 

refuse right of entry, but takes roundabout action to prevent inspection of the mine 

by interference, delays, or harassment. There must be a clear indication of intent 

and proof of indirectly denying entry.” Ex. R-27 at 2. Based on the above actions 

taken by Portable, the court [found] that the record does not evidence such ‘clear 

indication of intent and proof of indirectly denying entry,’ and accordingly it is 

found that the Respondent did not exhibit the intent to indirectly deny access or 

otherwise delay the inspection. 

Id. at 3255-56. The Court also observed that 

[i]n addition, testimony from Supervisor Petty and Ms. Rather regarding past 

practices were particularly enlightening. Petty had performed or accompanied 

hundreds of inspections in the past, sometimes waiting 30 or more minutes for an 

escort before beginning the inspection. No citations for impeding were issued as a 

result of those prior wait times. Petty also explained that MSHA protocol was for 

inspectors to tell mine personnel that they had a right to inspect the mine 

immediately and that, after so informing, there was no timeline for issuing the 

citation for impeding. There is no indication that Bellfi did this. Ms. Rather had 

been present for all inspections at Portable, except for one, prior to August 16, 

2012, and she never had an issue with an inspector waiting up to 30 minutes for 

her to arrive and be an escort. While a lack of past enforcement by MSHA cannot 

be the sole reason for vacating this citation, the Secretary’s previous interactions 

with Portable set the stage for its expectations, and was indicative of the amount 

of time it considered to be a reasonable period to wait. 

 5

 As the Court noted at footnote 9 in its December 2014 decision, “[t]his is 

distinguishable from the facts in F.R. Carroll where the inspector repeatedly asked the operator 

to allow him to proceed with the inspection, and told mine personnel that a 5 hour delay could 

not be granted. F.R. Carroll, 26 FMSHRC at 102. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1412
Thus, it is fair to state that Portable’s past experience with MSHA 

inspections led it to believe that it was acting in a manner consistent with those 

experiences, and therefore that it was not thwarting any inspection. 

Id. at 3256. 

Finally, the Court took note that 

[i]t is important to recognize [] the Secretary’s valid concern that “excusing” a 30 

minute delay “would severely impair MSHA’s ability to protect miners.” . . . 

Under a different set of facts, intentionally and unreasonably delaying an MSHA 

inspector for 30 minutes, or possibly, in some circumstances, a delay of less time, 

could indeed weaken MSHA’s ability to protect miners. Accordingly, the Court’s 

decision here is not meant to be broadly interpreted but instead is limited to the 

specific circumstances of this [] case. 

Id. at 3259. Thus, the Court limited its decision to the record evidence and was not making a 

broader assertion about acceptable delays for inspections. It takes the same approach for this 

EAJA Application, ruling only that the Secretary was not substantially justified in bringing this 

particular action. 

Conclusion 

As noted, after the Application was filed and the Objection to it submitted, Portable then 

filed a reply and the Secretary submitted a brief surreply. The surreply reduced the issues to be 

resolved to the substantial justification question, the Secretary having conceded “that Portable is 

eligible for an award, as it meets the size criteria and has incurred fees in defense of an action on 

which it was the prevailing party.” Surreply at 1. Having found that the Secretary’s action was 

not substantially justified, the Court awards the $65,217.82 sought by Portable. 

So Ordered. 

/s/ William B. Moran 

 William B. Moran 

 Administrative Law Judge 

37 FMSHRC Page 1413
Distribution: 

Mark N. Savit, Jackson Lewis P.C., 950 17th Street, Suite 2600, Denver, CO 80202 

Donna Vetrano Pryor, Jackson Lewis P.C., 950 17th Street, Suite 2600, Denver, CO 80202 

Timothy S. Williams, 1244 Speer Blvd., Suite 515, Denver, CO 80204-3516 

37 FMSHRC Page 1414
FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES 

1331 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W., SUITE 520N 

WASHINGTON, DC 20004-1710 

TELEPHONE: 202-434-9958 / FAX: 202-434-9949 

July 2, 2015 

 

DECISION ON REMAND

Appearances: Tony Oppegard, Esq., Lexington, Kentucky and Wes Addington, Esq., 

Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center, Whitesburg, Kentucky, for 

Complainant 

 Stephen M. Hodges, Esq., Penn, Stuart & Eskridge, Abingdon, Virginia, 

for Respondent 

Before: Judge Rae 

This case is before me upon a complaint of discrimination filed by coal miner Mark Gray 

(“Gray”) against North Fork Coal Corporation (“North Fork”) under section 105(c) of the 

Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (“the Mine Act”), 30 U.S.C. § 815(c).1

 

I. PROCEDURAL HISTORY 

A. Original Decision 

On May 15, 2009, Gray was terminated from his job as a roof bolter at North Fork’s 

Mine No. 4. Gray subsequently filed a complaint against North Fork alleging discrimination 

under section 105(c)(3) of the Mine Act. He alleged that he had been fired for a protected work 

refusal in that he refused to roof bolt a “deep cut,” a cut of coal that exceeded the maximum 

depth allowed by the roof control plan. (Complaint, Dec. 30, 2009.) He also alleged that his 

 1

 Section 105(c)(1) of the Mine Act provides in pertinent part: “No person shall discharge 

or in any manner discriminate against or cause to be discharged or cause discrimination against 

or otherwise interfere with the exercise of the statutory rights of any miner ... because of the 

exercise by such miner ... of any statutory right afforded by this Act.” Section 105(c)(2) permits 

the Secretary of Labor to initiate an action on a miner’s behalf if he determines that 

discrimination has occurred. Section 105(c)(3) permits a miner to file a discrimination claim on 

his own behalf if the Secretary decides not to pursue the claim, which is what occurred here. 

MARK GRAY, 

 Complainant 

 v. 

NORTH FORK COAL CORPORATION, 

 Respondent 

 DISCRIMINATION PROCEEDING 

Docket No. KENT 2010-430-D 

BARB-CD-2009-13 

Mine: Mine No. 4 

Mine ID: 15-18340 

37 FMSHRC Page 1415
foreman had “expressed annoyance/hostility when Gray insisted that the ventilation curtains had 

to be hung while he was roof bolting.” Id. 

A hearing was held on December 15-16, 2010. I issued a decision on October 20, 2011. 

33 FMSHRC 2495 (Oct. 2011) (ALJ). After considering all the evidence and testimony that had 

been presented at the December 2010 hearing and at Gray’s earlier temporary reinstatement 

hearing,2

 I concluded that Gray had failed to make out a prima facie case of discrimination 

because he had failed to prove he engaged in protected activity. My earlier decision is 

incorporated by reference herein. 

B. Scope of Remand 

 

Gray appealed my decision on grounds that he should have been permitted to present 

expert testimony on the issue of whether his signatures were forged on two written disciplinary 

warnings that had purportedly been issued to him on February 27, 2009 and April 29, 2009 

(Exhibits Compl.-B and Compl.-A, respectively).3

 35 FMSHRC 2349, 2355 (Aug. 2013). 

Several days before the hearing, Gray had named forensic document examiners Dr. Larry S. 

Miller and Peter J. Belcastro, Jr. as potential expert witnesses who would testify as to the 

authenticity of Gray’s signature on the purported disciplinary warnings. (See Supplemental 

Answer of Mark Gray to North Fork’s 2nd Set of Interrogs., Dec. 3, 2010; 2nd Suppl. Answer to 

2nd Set of Interrogs., Dec. 6, 2010.) North Fork had immediately moved to preclude Gray from 

calling the two expert witnesses. I had granted North Fork’s motion and excluded the witnesses 

on the basis of late disclosure, (Order, Dec. 8, 2010, unpublished), but I had permitted Gray to 

submit the experts’ reports in an offer of proof at the close of the hearing, (Tr.II 110-21). 

On appeal, the Commission found that Gray’s late disclosure of the expert witnesses did 

not violate any discovery rules such as would have justified excluding their testimony. 35 

FMSHRC 2349, 2356-58 (Aug. 2013). To the extent that the late disclosure violated the 

deadlines set forth in my scheduling order, the Commission found that the witnesses nonetheless 

should have been permitted to testify in light of the lack of prejudice to North Fork, the absence 

of evidence of bad faith on Gray’s part, and the importance of the witnesses’ testimony. Id. at 

 2

 The temporary reinstatement hearing was held on September 2, 2009. See 31 FMSHRC 

1143 (Sept. 2009) (ALJ). Gray’s case has been the subject of multiple hearings. The hearing 

transcripts are abbreviated as follows: 

Transcript of September 2, 2009 temporary reinstatement hearing – “Temp. R.” 

Transcript of December 15, 2010 proceedings on the merits – “Tr.” 

Transcript of December 16, 2010 proceedings on the merits – “Tr.II” 

Transcript of July 25, 2014 hearing taking expert testimony – “ET” 

3

 In the closing paragraphs of his petition for review, Gray also asserted that several of 

my factual findings were unsupported by the record. (Pet. for Discretionary Review 17-18.) 

However, Gray did not revisit these assertions in his appeal brief, instead focusing solely on the 

exclusion of the expert testimony, and the Commission declined to address the assertions in its 

decision. This is consistent with past cases where the Commission has deemed an issue 

abandoned and declined to address it after the petitioner raised the issue in his PDR but failed to 

argue it on brief. RNS Services, Inc., 18 FMSHRC 523, 526 n.6 (Apr. 1996), aff’d, 115 F.3d 182 

(3d Cir. 1997); ASARCO Mining Co., 15 FMSHRC 1303, 1304 n.3 (July 1993). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1416
2360. The majority opined that the expert testimony regarding the written warnings was 

important both because the written warnings were the “principal documentary evidence 

supporting North Fork’s claim of Gray’s poor performance” and because Gray’s allegation that 

the documents were fraudulent touched on the integrity of the proceedings. Id. at 2362. The 

majority further opined that the evidentiary exclusion could have affected the analysis of whether 

protected activity occurred.4 Id. at 2362-65. My order excluding the expert testimony was 

reversed, the decision was vacated, and the case was remanded “for further proceedings, 

including any necessary discovery.” Id. at 2366. 

On remand, I am limited to considering the issues that were appealed to the Commission 

and addressed in the Commissioners’ decision. As always, the Commission’s scope of review on 

appeal was statutorily limited to the questions raised by Gray in his petition for discretionary 

review. 30 U.S.C. § 823(d)(2)(A)(iii); see also 29 C.F.R. § 2700.70(g); Saab v. Dumbarton 

Quarry Associates, 22 FMSHRC 491, 495 (Apr. 2000). Gray’s PDR focused squarely on 

whether I should have excluded Miller’s and Belcastro’s testimony. The Commission did not 

entertain any new theories or evidence and did not grant a de novo trial, but merely remanded the 

case to me for consideration of the expert testimony and its effect on my credibility 

determinations, along with any necessary discovery, adhering to “the basic principle that parties 

in Mine Act cases must first present their evidence and advance their legal theories before the 

Judge, and not for the first time on appeal.” Black Beauty Coal Co., 37 FMSHRC 687, 693-94 

(Apr. 2015); see also Oak Grove Res., LLC, 33 FMSHRC 2657, 2664 (Nov. 2011); Beech Fork 

Processing, Inc., 14 FMSHRC 1316, 1321 (Aug. 1992). Accordingly, the scope of this case on 

remand is limited to my consideration of the testimony of Gray’s handwriting experts, any 

rebuttal evidence presented by North Fork, and the effect of the expert testimony on all the other 

witnesses’ credibility and on the outcome of the case. 

C. Rehearing 

When the case was returned to me, I scheduled a hearing to take the testimony of the two 

expert witnesses previously identified by Gray, Miller and Belcastro. North Fork filed a motion 

requesting that I expressly limit the scope of the hearing to those two witnesses’ testimony and 

any necessary rebuttal testimony. (Mot. to Amend Notice of Hr’g, Jan. 22, 2014). Gray opposed 

that motion and filed a separate motion seeking leave to introduce additional evidence in the 

form of (1) testimony from a new lay witness, and (2) evidence from a previously unidentified 

“mine safety expert” whose anticipated testimony was not described with particularity. (Mot. to 

Allow Presentation of Add’l Lay & Expert Evidence at Re-Trial, Feb. 14, 2014.) 

 4

 Chairman Jordan issued a dissenting opinion stating it was “highly speculative at best” 

to anticipate that a different result would have been obtained if the experts had testified. 35 

FMSHRC at 2367-70 (Jordan, Chairman, dissenting). She opined that a finding of forgery was 

far from inevitable based on Gray’s offer of proof, and even if proven, the alleged forgery would 

not necessarily call into question my prior credibility determinations. Id. at 2368-70. In this 

regard, she noted that I had credited the testimony of witnesses who had nothing whatsoever to 

do with the disciplinary warnings and that witnesses involved with the warnings could still be 

credited as to matters unrelated to the warnings, including whether Gray engaged in protected 

activity. Id.

37 FMSHRC Page 1417
On March 4, 2014, I issued an order granting North Fork’s motion to limit the scope of 

the hearing and denying Gray’s motion to allow additional evidence. 36 FMSHRC 797 (Mar. 

2014) (ALJ). I explained that the scope of the hearing on remand was limited to those issues 

raised in the petition for discretionary review and accepted for review by the Commission – 

namely, whether Gray should have been permitted to attack the credibility of North Fork’s 

witnesses by presenting the testimony of Miller and Belcastro. Id. at 799-800. Although I 

recognized that the Commission had contemplated a possible change in the outcome of the case 

on remand, I noted that such a change was contemplated only to the extent it resulted from 

Miller’s and Belcastro’s impact on my credibility assessments. Id. 

I rejected Gray’s argument that he was entitled to a de novo trial or presentation of new 

evidence under Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 59 or 60(b)(2), finding that he did not meet the 

stringent requirements for either of these extraordinary forms of relief. Id. at 800-03. To obtain a 

new trial under Rule 59 based on affidavits, the movant must file a motion with affidavits within 

28 days of entry of judgment; here, Gray’s motion and affidavits were filed 28 months after entry 

of judgment, so his Rule 59 motion was time-barred. Id. at 800. Similarly, to obtain relief from 

judgment based on newly discovered evidence under Rule 60(b)(2), the movant must request 

relief within one year of entry of judgment, which has been interpreted by the Commission as an 

absolute requirement; again, Gray did not meet this time limitation. Id. at 800-01. In addition, a 

party seeking to introduce new evidence under Rule 60(b) must show that the evidence was in 

existence at the time of trial but could not have been obtained even by exercising due diligence, 

is not merely cumulative, and would change the result. Id. at 801. Gray did not make these 

showings, for the reasons that follow. 

First, the new lay testimony Gray sought to admit could have been presented during the 

initial proceedings and lacked any indicia of reliability such as would show it would change the 

result of the case. Id. at 801-02. The new lay witness, Michael Creech, was a former roof bolter 

at North Fork’s No. 4 Mine who would purportedly testify that he had seen deep cuts being taken 

at the mine, that he had been told to bolt faster than Gray to make him look bad, and that he had 

heard an unidentified member of management say he wanted to be rid of Gray for making safety 

complaints. Id. at 801. However, Creech’s vaguely worded affidavit did not include any details 

such as when and where he had observed deep cuts, who told him to bolt faster, or whom he had 

overheard discussing Gray; in sum, the affidavit lacked any specific facts that would lend 

credibility to Creech’s proffered testimony. Id. at 802.The information Creech would provide 

would not change the outcome of the case in light of the independent documentary evidence and 

credible testimony that contradicts Creech’s affidavit. Id. Gray also failed to show that Creech’s 

testimony was unavailable at trial. Although Creech’s alleged fear of reprisal from his employer 

had supposedly prevented him from testifying at the initial hearing, there was no evidence Gray 

had attempted to secure Creech’s presence at that hearing and Creech had stopped working for 

North Fork at least five months before my initial decision was issued, yet Gray had not filed for a 

new hearing or made any attempt to identify or secure Creech as a witness. Id. at 801-02. I 

concluded that the affidavit from Creech did not justify reopening the litigation and I still reach 

the same conclusion having reevaluated the evidence as set forth below. 

I also found that the new expert testimony Gray sought to admit could have been 

obtained before the initial hearing and would not necessarily change the result. Gray was 

37 FMSHRC Page 1418
requesting to call Tracy Stumbo as an “expert on mine safety.” Id. at 802. Gray’s counsel did not 

offer an affidavit or summary of Stumbo’s proffered testimony, but during a conference call he 

suggested that Stumbo would testify “just generally about taking deep cuts and whether or not 

that means you will have a roof fall.” Id. at 803. There was no proffer that this expert had ever 

set foot in the North Fork mine during the March through May 2009 period of time or had any 

particular knowledge of the conditions at that time as did those persons who worked in and 

inspected the mine during the relevant period. I found that this information could have easily 

been addressed at the initial hearing, and furthermore there was no showing that Stumbo’s 

testimony would materially affect the outcome of the case, as the roof fall issue was only one 

basis upon which I made credibility determinations at trial. Id. This is particularly true taking 

into account MSHA roof specialist Doan’s testimony that no deep cuts were permitted in District 

7, the MSHA district where the mine was located, at this time due to the roof conditions. I also 

took into account the fact that all the witnesses, including Gray, testified that conditions were 

such that traveling under unsupported top posed a very high risk of danger. Accordingly, I 

denied Gray’s request to present the new expert testimony. I find it would not have changed my 

assessment of the evidence or the outcome of the case. 

 Gray subsequently filed notice that he would call only Miller to testify at the hearing. 

North Fork filed a motion seeking to exclude or limit Miller’s testimony on the basis that 

handwriting analysis is not a reliable field of expertise under Daubert v. Merrell Dow 

Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 509 U.S. 579 (1993).5

 However, I denied that motion, reasoning that in a 

non-jury trial the risk of improper influence is eliminated and the reliability of expert testimony 

goes more to its probative weight than to its admissibility. (Pretrial Ruling on Resp.’s Mot. to 

Exclude Expert Testimony & Objection to Exhibits, July 25, 2014, unpublished). I also noted 

that the Commission had specifically directed me to admit the expert testimony. 

A hearing was held on July 29, 2014 in Harlan, Kentucky, at which time Gray offered 

Miller’s expert testimony and related documentary evidence, including Miller’s report, his 

curriculum vitae, and copies of the signatures he analyzed. Belcastro was not called as a witness. 

North Fork did not call any rebuttal witnesses. The following decision is based upon my 

consideration of the new evidence, my thorough review of the entire record, and my observations 

of the demeanor of the witnesses at the December 15-16, 2010 and July 29, 2014 hearings. 

 5

 When addressing expert testimony, the Commission has stated it is guided by the 

principles established under Daubert and Rule 702 of the Federal Rules of Evidence. In re: 

Contests of Respirable Dust Sample Alteration Citations, 17 FMSHRC 1819, 1843 (Nov. 1995), 

aff’d sub nom. Sec’y of Labor v. Keystone Coal Mining Corp., 151 F.3d 1096 (D.C. Cir. 1998). 

Rule 702 sets requirements for the admission of evidence deriving from “scientific, technical, or 

other specialized knowledge.” Daubert requires the trial court to evaluate whether the theories 

and techniques underlying a witness’s testimony meet certain minimum standards of reliability 

before allowing the witness to testify as an expert under Rule 702. Although Daubert dealt 

specifically with Rule 702 testimony deriving from “scientific” knowledge, the Supreme Court 

subsequently made clear that the principles set forth in Daubert apply equally to testimony 

deriving from “technical, or other specialized knowledge,” including experientially derived 

knowledge such as that possessed by forensic document examiners like Miller. Kumho Tire Co. 

v. Carmichael, 526 U.S. 137 (1999). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1419
II. EXPERT TESTIMONY 

A. Summary of Expert Testimony 

Dr. Larry S. Miller is an expert in the field of forensic document examination, which 

includes handwriting identification, signature verification, and examination of paper and ink to 

identify the source of impressions and markings. (ET 9.) 

 

Miller’s qualifications are set forth in his testimony and curriculum vitae. He holds 

Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Criminal Justice and a Ph.D. in Public Health and Safety. He 

has worked as a forensic science professor ever since he received his Master’s degree in 1977, 

and he currently serves as chair of East Tennessee State University’s Criminal Justice and 

Criminology department and director of its graduate program for forensic document 

examination. Miller has also worked as a forensic document examiner (FDE) for the state of 

Tennessee since 1981 and for a private consulting firm since 2008. His earliest training as an 

FDE was received through the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy and a community 

college in the 1980s. He later completed the U.S. Secret Service’s basic and advanced courses in 

questioned document examination in 1987 and 2002, respectively. Although there are no state or 

federal licensing programs for FDEs, Miller is certified by the Board of Forensic Document 

Examiners, which is accredited by the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board. (ET 6-17, 52-

58; Ex. Compl.-E.) 

In this case, Miller was asked to examine the purported disciplinary warnings dated 

February 27, 2009 (Exhibit Compl.-B, also referred to as “Q1”) and April 29, 2009 (Exhibit 

Compl.-A, also referred to as “Q2”) to determine whether Gray’s signatures on these documents 

were genuine. After comparing the questioned signatures to a group of 54 exemplar signatures 

known to have been executed by Gray, Miller issued a two-page report opining to a high degree 

of likelihood that the questioned signatures were not penned by Gray. (Ex. Compl.-D.) This 

conclusion was based on Miller’s observation of “numerous significant disqualifying 

dissimilarities” between the questioned and exemplar signatures, including “dissimilarities in 

line quality, letter formations, proportional spacings, beginning and ending strokes, and 

angle/slant.” Id. 

Miller explained his findings in greater detail at the hearing. First he described the theory 

behind handwriting analysis. Handwriting analysis is a forensic identification procedure that 

relies on pattern recognition. (ET 101-02.) The underlying principle is that “given a sufficient 

quantity and quality of handwriting, no writer has ever been found to possess the same 

characteristics of the writing of another person.” (ET 19.) Unlike a fingerprint, each specimen of 

a person’s handwriting is not exactly the same, but it is expected to fall within the “normal 

curve” representing the natural variation of his known writing. (ET 22-23, 82.) Thus, to 

authenticate a questioned signature, a handwriting examiner first examines a group of known 

signatures to become familiar with the characteristics of the subject’s writing and then examines 

the questioned signature to determine whether it falls within the normal curve of the subject’s 

writing. (ET 22-23, 67.) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1420
Miller relied on the 54 exemplar signatures contained in Exhibit Compl.-F to familiarize 

himself with Gray’s usual writing. The exemplars were collected by MSHA investigators during 

the investigation of Gray’s discrimination complaint. Forty of them comprise two lists of 

“request” exemplars that Gray produced at the request of MSHA Special Investigator Guy Fain 

on July 21 and 30, 2009. (Ex. Compl.-F, pages 9-10.) There is very little variation amongst the 

signatures in either of these lists. Miller testified this uniformity is typical for a list of request 

exemplars because all of them were written under the same conditions. (ET 112.) The other 

fourteen exemplars display much greater variation. Six of them were taken from Department of 

Labor forms dating from 2001 to 2005. (Ex. Compl.-F, pages 3-8.) The remaining eight are from 

unknown sources. One is dated November 20, 2007 and the rest are undated. (Ex. Compl.-F, 

pages 11-18.) 

Miller testified that Gray’s known writing (i.e., the exemplars) exhibited an above 

average degree of natural variation. (ET 24-25.) Because of this wide range of natural variation, 

Miller’s level of confidence in his conclusion that Gray did not pen the questioned signatures 

was “a notch below certainty.” (ET 32-33, 88-89.) Nonetheless, Miller testified he had identified 

several fundamental differences between the questioned and known signatures that led him to 

believe they were not written by the same person. (ET 71-72.) 

Miller did not define “fundamental difference” or explain what differences he 

characterized as fundamental in this case. However, he provided a letter-by-letter analysis of the 

dissimilarities he observed between the questioned signatures and the exemplars, including 

differences in the formation of the M’s, R’s, and K’s. (ET 25-29.) He also described differences 

in writing speed, skill level, and slant. The feathering, or fading of the terminal stroke, in the 

questioned signatures indicated they were written with a greater degree of speed than was 

apparent in the exemplar signatures. (ET 29.) Miller also felt that the questioned signatures were 

executed with a greater level of skill than the exemplars, which showed an immature type of 

writing indicative of someone who does not write frequently. (ET 29-30.) In addition, the righthanded slant in the questioned signatures was more prominent than in the exemplars. (ET 30-31.) 

 Miller also testified that he had sent the case for peer-review by two other forensic 

document examiners, both of whom expressed stronger opinions than he did that Gray could be 

eliminated as the writer of the questioned signatures. (ET 71-72.) These two FDEs were Heidi 

Harralson and Chris Burkey. (ET 102-03.) Harralson and Burkey’s opinions were not submitted 

into evidence. 

On cross-examination, Miller conceded that handwriting analysis does not “fall under the 

same quantifiable measures” as other sciences such as DNA analysis in that there is an element 

of subjectivity in quantifying the probabilities involved in handwriting that does not exist with 

DNA. (ET 90-91.) Examples of this subjectivity are mentioned elsewhere in Miller’s testimony. 

For instance, when asked how many exemplars a handwriting examiner should review before 

forming an opinion, Miller said the number must be “sufficient” but sufficiency is a judgment 

call made by the examiner. (ET 63.) Similarly, when asked how many differences are required to 

rule a signature invalid or not authentic, Miller testified that this is a matter for the examiner’s 

judgment. (ET 71-72.) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1421
Cross-examination revealed there were factors that Miller did not consider in his analysis 

of the signatures. Although he recognized that numerous extrinsic and intrinsic conditions can 

affect the appearance of handwriting – including the pen, the writing surface, the general 

environment where the writing takes place, the positioning of the writer, any physical conditions 

affecting the writer such as illness or fatigue, caffeine intake, alcohol or drug intake, age and the 

passage of time, and even stress, anger, and the writer’s state of mind – Miller testified he was 

unaware of the circumstances under which the disciplinary warnings were signed and did not 

seek any information about the extrinsic and intrinsic conditions surrounding the writings. (ET 

83-88, 105-06.) He explained that he “saw no evidence where [he] would need to” because the 

questioned signatures were “better signatures than Mark Gray can possibly produce” and the 

documents themselves gave no indication that any extrinsic or intrinsic factors were at play. (ET 

85, 88, 105-06.) Also, Miller did not note the color of the ink on the questioned documents or 

test it to determine what type it was, although he agreed these factors could be relevant to 

evaluating whether the documents were written by the same person at the same time. (ET 40-43.) 

Miller also failed to supplement his evaluation with a computer analysis. Computer 

programs exist that are capable of identifying and matching handwriting with a 98% success rate. 

(ET 68-69, 98-100, 107.) Miller has access to such software and he took his computer with him 

when he evaluated the questioned documents. (ET 37, 68.) However, he felt that a computer 

analysis was unnecessary because he is capable of performing the same analysis and this was a 

simple case involving just two questioned signatures, so it was faster for him to simply look at 

the signatures himself. (ET 107-08.) 

 

Miller was confronted with two new signatures on cross examination. The new signatures 

can be found in Exhibit R-21, consisting of Gray’s signatures from interrogatory responses dated 

August 3, 2010 (Ex. R-23) and November 29, 2010 (Ex. R-22). At first glance, Miller testified 

these signatures added nothing to his analysis. (ET 75.) He testified that the quality of the 

November 29 signature, which was a photocopy, was so poor that he could not make it out well 

enough to discuss the letter characteristics, and neither of the signatures had been enlarged. (ET 

76-80.) When pressed, Miller examined the signatures more closely and opined that the word 

“Gray” in the November 29 signature had a tremulous appearance that indicated the paper had 

been lying on a rough surface when the signature was written. He suggested the pen may have 

dipped into something rough or the writer was nervous or had too much coffee that day. (ET; Tr. 

80-81.) “[I]t looks like they’re trying to make it appear like the Gray in the [August 3] signature, 

but it looks like they had a little bit of trouble in the writing,” he said. (ET 80.) 

 Aside from analyzing signatures, Miller also analyzed and took photographs of a set of 

ESDA film lifts showing indentations on the two disciplinary warnings. ESDA films are created 

using an electrostatic data apparatus (ESDA). An electrostatically charged Mylar film is pressed 

very flat against a piece of paper in a vacuum table such that a dark powder sprinkled over the 

film will adhere to any indentations in the underlying paper, including minute impressions that 

would not be visible to the naked eye. The powder is then lifted off of the Mylar film using clear 

tape to preserve an image of the indentations. (ET 31-32.) 

The ESDA film lifts Miller examined were created by government investigators, rather 

than by Miller himself, but he deemed them adequate for his analysis. (ET 35-36.) North Fork 

37 FMSHRC Page 1422
has submitted photographs of the film lifts in Exhibit R-30. The photographs show that portions 

of the handwriting and signatures appearing on the April 29, 2009 warning are indented onto the 

February 27, 2009 warning. (Ex. R-30.) Miller concluded that parts of the April 29 warning were 

written while it was on top of the February 27 warning. (ET 21, 32-33, 47-49, 97-98.) On crossexamination, he conceded that he could not say when either warning was written, who wrote 

them, or whether they were written by the same person. (ET 49-50.) 

B. Reliability of Handwriting Analysis 

In Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the Supreme Court considered the 

admissibility of expert testimony under Federal Rule of Evidence 702 and concluded that a trial 

judge must carefully screen scientific evidence before admitting it in order to ensure that it is 

based on theories and techniques that meet certain minimum standards of reliability. 509 U.S. 

579 (1993); see also Kumho Tire Co. v. Carmichael, 526 U.S. 137 (1999) (applying Daubert to 

Rule 702 testimony derived from technical or other specialized knowledge, not just scientific 

knowledge). The Court provided the following non-exclusive list of factors to consider in 

assessing the reliability of a theory or technique relied upon by an expert witness: (1) whether the 

theory or technique is subject to empirical testing, (2) whether it has been subjected to peer 

review and publication, (3) the known or potential error rate, (4) the existence and maintenance 

of standards controlling its operation, and (5) the degree of its general acceptance. Daubert, 509 

U.S. at 593-94. 

North Fork’s pretrial position was that Miller’s testimony should be excluded or limited 

under Daubert because the “science” of handwriting analysis is not sufficiently reliable. 

However, I allowed Miller to testify, reasoning that in a non-jury trial the Daubert factors go 

more to the weight of the evidence than to its admissibility. See Deal v. Hamilton County Bd. of 

Educ., 392 F.3d 840, 852 (6th Cir. 2004) (“The ‘gatekeeper’ doctrine was designed to protect 

juries and is largely irrelevant in the context of a bench trial.”), cert. denied, 546 U.S. 936 

(2005); United States v. Velasquez, 64 F.3d 844, 848 (3d Cir. 1995) (“[T]he same considerations 

that inform the court’s legal decision to admit evidence under Rule 702 [i.e., the Daubert factors] 

may also influence the factfinder’s determination as to what weight such evidence, once 

admitted, should receive.”). 

Now that Miller’s testimony has been presented and North Fork has been given an 

opportunity to rebut it, I must assess the weight and credibility of the testimony. Accordingly, I 

must now reconsider in greater detail the reliability of the theories and techniques that underlie 

handwriting analysis. 

Daubert Analysis of Handwriting Testimony by Other Courts 

Before Daubert, courts routinely admitted expert testimony on handwriting analysis 

without questioning the underlying theories and techniques. However, handwriting analysis has 

received closer scrutiny and some negative treatment since Daubert. The fear is that unless 

forensic document examiners (FDEs) can show that their theories and methods produce reliable 

results, allowing a handwriting analyst to label himself an “expert” could imbue his testimony 

with a false air of scientific infallibility that may confuse or mislead a factfinder into attaching 

37 FMSHRC Page 1423
greater significance to the testimony than it truly warrants. In light of this concern, in recent 

years several trial courts have refused to admit handwriting testimony entirely. United States v. 

Johnsted, 30 F. Supp. 3d 814 (W.D. Wis. 2013); American Gen. Life & Accident Ins. Co. v. 

Ward, 530 F. Supp. 2d 1306, 1311-15 (N.D. Ga. 2008); United States v. Lewis, 220 F. Supp. 2d 

548 (S.D.W. Va. 2002); United States v. Saelee, 162 F. Supp. 2d 1097 (D. Alaska 2001); United 

States v. Fujii, 152 F. Supp. 2d 939 (N.D. Ill. 2000).6 Other courts have allowed testimony as to 

similarities and differences in handwriting but restrained the expert from offering an opinion on 

the ultimate issue of authorship of a questioned document or signature. See, e.g., United States v. 

Oskowitz, 294 F. Supp. 2d 379, 383-84 (E.D.N.Y. 2003); Wolf v. Ramsey, 253 F. Supp. 2d 1323, 

1341-48 (N.D. Ga. 2003); United States v. Hidalgo, 229 F. Supp. 2d 961 (D. Ariz. 2002); United 

States v. Rutherford, 104 F. Supp. 2d 1190 (D. Neb. 2000); United States v. Hines, 55 F. Supp. 

2d 62 (D. Mass. 1999).

Even in cases where expert testimony on handwriting is admitted, courts have taken a 

closer look at the scientific bases for the testimony and have often found it lacking in some 

respects. This was the case in United States v. Starzecpyzel, a seminal early decision critiquing 

handwriting analysis. 880 F. Supp. 1027 (S.D.N.Y. 1995). In that case, the trial court concluded 

that handwriting analysis “clothes itself with the trappings of science” yet “does not rest on 

carefully articulated postulates, does not employ rigorous methodology, and has not 

convincingly documented the accuracy of its determinations.” Id. at 1028. A pre-trial evidentiary 

hearing had elicited testimony that the two basic principles underlying handwriting analysis are 

inter-writer variation (i.e., uniqueness) and intra-writer variation (natural variation). Id. at 1031. 

The fundamental issue, the court concluded, is whether FDEs can reliably distinguish between 

the two forms of variation; “How FDEs might accomplish this was unclear to the Court before 

the hearing, and largely remains so after the hearing,” the trial judge stated. Id. at 1031-32. 

Although he concluded that expert testimony on handwriting would not be admissible under 

Daubert, the judge ultimately allowed the testimony under a less stringent evidentiary standard 

because Daubert had not yet been applied to non-scientific expert testimony. Id. at 1043-46. 

Since Starzecpyzel, other courts that have admitted handwriting testimony have appeared 

to agree that handwriting analysis has reliability issues but to skew in favor of giving the jury the 

opportunity to decide for itself. See, e.g., United States v. Crisp, 324 F.3d 261, 271 (4th Cir. 

2003) (noting FDE’s primary role is simply to draw jury’s attention to similarities and 

differences that they can then inspect themselves), cert. denied, 540 U.S. 888 (2003); United 

States v. Paul, 175 F.3d 906, 911 (11th Cir. 1999) (finding testimony more probative than 

prejudicial based on expert’s candid acknowledgement of limitations of the science and jury’s 

ability to perform its own visual comparisons of the handwriting); United States v. Jones, 107 

F.3d 1147, 1157, 1161 (6th Cir. 1997) (discussing concerns about reliability but emphasizing 

parties’ ability to continue to challenge reliability of evidence after its admission), cert. denied, 

528 U.S. 1023 (1999); United States v. Prime, 220 F. Supp. 2d 1203, 1216 (W.D. Wash. 2002)

 6

 In Johnsted, Saelee, and Fujii, the courts noted they were analyzing hand printing rather 

than handwriting, although each of the courts spent considerable time discussing the evidence on 

the reliability of handwriting analysis. I find the distinction between handwriting and hand 

printing to be of minor significance. See United States v. Prime, 220 F. Supp. 2d 1203, 1214 n.7 

(W.D. Wash. 2002), aff’d, 431 F.3d 1147 (9th Cir. 2005). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1424
(finding that handwriting analysis “would come up short” if subjected to stricter scrutiny, but 

admitting it under flexible reading of Daubert), aff’d, 431 F.3d 1147 (9th Cir. 2005). 

In this case, the parties have not presented much evidence specifically directed to the 

reliability of handwriting analysis as a science. Gray relies solely on Miller’s testimony, report, 

and curriculum vitae. North Fork submitted two published studies on handwriting analysis with 

its pre-trial Daubert motion, one of which is a study on the individuality of handwriting and the 

other on whether certain propositions pertaining to handwriting analysis are generally accepted 

in the relevant scientific community. (North Fork’s Mot. to Exclude Expert Testimony, July 22, 

2014, Exs. A & B.) Except for these studies, North Fork has not presented any other rebuttal 

evidence. Given the dearth of record evidence on the reliability of handwriting analysis as a 

science, I have reviewed other courts’ treatment of handwriting analysis with regard to each of 

the Daubert factors in order to inform my assessment of Miller’s testimony. 

Empirical Testing; Peer Review and Publication 

The first Daubert factor, empirical testing, requires an evaluation of whether the theories 

and techniques underlying the proffered expert testimony can be challenged in an objective, 

empirical sense and whether they have in fact been subjected to such challenges. The second 

Daubert factor evaluates whether the underlying theories and techniques have been subjected to 

peer review and publication. This is essentially a measure of whether the empirical testing 

undertaken in the field has proven reliable enough to withstand review. Because empirical testing 

and peer review and publication are interrelated, I will consider them together. 

The theories and techniques at issue here are described in Miller’s testimony. Miller 

testified he relied on the theory that everyone’s handwriting displays unique characteristics. (ET 

19.) The logical outgrowth of this theory is that handwriting is individually distinguishable. 

Applying this theory, an FDE can determine whether a particular person penned a questioned 

writing or signature by comparing it to the person’s known writing to see if it falls within the 

“normal curve” or “critical region” representing the person’s unique, distinguishable handwriting 

characteristics. (ET 22-23.) 

The theory and technique described above are capable of being empirically tested to 

validate the underlying principles and establish an error rate. However, Miller did not cite any 

studies or peer-reviewed literature to show that such empirical testing has been conducted. The 

only relevant empirical data before me is a journal article submitted with North Fork’s pre-trial 

Daubert motion discussing a study by Sargur N. Srihari, et al. purporting to establish the 

individuality of handwriting.7

 (North Fork’s Mot. to Exclude, Ex. A.) In this study, the 

researchers asked approximately 1500 people to write out three copies each of a 156-word 

document that featured all the letters in the alphabet, all ten numerals, several distinctive 

character combinations, and other “attributes of interest.” Id. The writing samples were then 

scanned into a computer, which was able to identify authorship of a given writing sample or 

partial sample with a high accuracy rate. Id. However, the accuracy rate decreased when fewer 

words and characters were considered. Id. 

 7

 Sargur N. Srihari, et al., Individuality of Handwriting, 47 J. Forensic Sci. 856 (July 

2002). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1425
In this case, Miller’s task was to determine whether two questioned signatures containing 

just six distinct characters (M, a, r, k, G, and y) were forged or genuine. The Srihari study does 

not provide strong empirical support for an FDE’s ability to reliably perform this particular task. 

The amount of questioned writing at issue here is very small, and the Srihari study showed that 

attribution of authorship becomes less accurate as the amount of questioned writing decreases.8

Gray has not presented any other evidence of empirical testing. The reliability of the technique 

Miller applied is unclear in that there is insufficient evidence for me to conclude it has been 

subjected to adequate empirically-based peer-reviewed testing to establish its efficacy. 

 

In addition, it is unclear whether the underlying theories Miller relied on have been 

subjected to adequate empirical testing and peer review. Miller himself agreed on crossexamination that some aspects of handwriting variability remain untouched by empirical 

investigation, as was noted by one of his students in her graduate thesis. (ET 95-96.) This 

admission is significant because understanding the variability of handwriting is crucial to 

analyzing it. The Srihari study provides some support for the common-sense proposition that 

handwriting is individualistic and therefore distinguishable by examining its variations. Yet it is 

unclear to what extent the assumption holds true that any given person’s handwriting will be 

unique and distinguishable from everyone else’s handwriting, and these fundamental 

propositions have been questioned by some courts. 

For example, in Starzecpyzel, the court discussed a study in which an FDE had examined 

the signatures of individuals with the same name and found that many of the signatures looked so 

alike that they were not worth photographing. 880 F. Supp. at 1036 (citing John J. Harris, How 

Much Do People Write Alike?, 48 J. Crim. Law & Criminology 637 (1958)); see also Hidalgo, 

229 F. Supp. 2d at 967 (agreeing with expert witness that hypothesis of uniqueness “has not been 

fairly tested”); Lewis, 220 F. Supp. 2d at 552-53 (noting theories that penmanship characteristics 

are distinguishable and that there is a base rate of such characteristics in the population have not 

been tested). After discussing a number of other studies on handwriting analysis, the 

Starzecpyzel court concluded that the field lacks “critical self-examination” and scholarship. 880 

F. Supp. at 1037-38. Other courts have reached similar conclusions. See Jones, 107 F.3d at 1157 

(noting both academicians and FDEs have recognized lack of empirical evidence in field); Hines, 

55 F. Supp. 2d at 68-69 (finding that studies cited by expert “cannot be said to have ‘established’ 

the validity of the field to any meaningful degree”); Saelee, 162 F. Supp. 2d at 1102-03 (finding 

“overall lack” of empirical testing and meaningful peer review); Fujii, 152 F. Supp. 2d at 940-41 

(noting that studies on handwriting analysis have been criticized for methodological flaws and 

lack of unbiased peer review). 

In a recent case, a federal district judge found that the two main principles on which 

handwriting analysis is premised, the principles of uniqueness and intra-writer variation, have 

 8

 By analogy, in United States v. Prime, the court relied in part on the Srihari study to 

find that the premises of handwriting analysis were sound in the context of that particular case, in 

which the FDE had been provided with a very extensive array of writing samples that included 

112 pages of known writing and 76 questioned documents. 220 F. Supp. 2d at 1211-12.

37 FMSHRC Page 1426
not been adequately tested. Johnsted, 30 F. Supp. 3d at 817-18. The court explained why the lack 

of adequate testing of these two principles is so troubling: 

This lack of testing has serious repercussions on a practical level: because the 

entire premise of interpersonal individuality and intrapersonal variations of 

handwriting remains untested in reliable, double blind studies, the task of 

distinguishing a minor intrapersonal variation from a significant interpersonal 

difference – which is necessary for making an identification or exclusion – cannot 

be said to rest on scientifically valid principles. The lack of testing also calls into 

question the reliability of analysts’ highly discretionary decisions as to whether 

some aspect of a questioned writing constitutes a difference or merely a variation; 

without any proof indicating that the distinction between the two is valid, those 

decisions do not appear based on a reliable methodology. With its underlying 

principles at best half-tested, handwriting analysis itself would appear to rest on a 

shaky foundation. 

Id. at 818. 

In sum, although handwriting analysis has been subjected to some empirical testing and 

peer review, it appears that reliable data is lacking. There is insufficient evidence on the record 

before me to establish that the theories Miller relied on have been validated or that the techniques 

he applied have been proven accurate and effective in cases involving a very small amount of 

questioned writing. 

Error Rate 

The task Miller was asked to perform in this case was to determine whether the two 

questioned signatures were authentic or forged. In evaluating the reliability of his conclusions, it 

would be useful to know two separate error rates: the rate at which FDEs falsely identify a 

forged signature as genuine and the rate at which FDEs falsely identify a genuine signature as 

forged. However, Miller did not provide any error rate at all. 

Miller testified that computer technology exists with the capability of matching 

handwriting samples with a 98% confidence rate, i.e., a 2% error rate. (ET 68-69, 99, 107.) 

However, he did not use a computer program to analyze the signatures in this case. Thus, the 

only error rate applicable here would be the rate at which FDEs make mistakes in their work 

when relying on their own analytical powers rather than a computer program. 

It is not clear whether it is possible to assign a definitive error rate to FDEs’ work 

because, as noted by Miller, the probabilities involved in handwriting analysis are not as readily 

quantifiable as those involved in other sciences such as DNA analysis. (ET 89-90.) Nonetheless, 

many courts have found the lack of an error rate in the field of handwriting analysis to be 

problematic. See, e.g., Johnsted, 30 F. Supp. 3d at 820; Lewis, 220 F. Supp. 2d at 552-54; Saelee, 

162 F. Supp. 2d at 1103 (“There is little known about the error rates of forensic document 

examiners. The little testing that has been done raises serious questions about the reliability of 

methods currently in use.”); Fujii, 152 F. Supp. 2d at 940-41; Hines, 55 F. Supp. 2d at 69; 

37 FMSHRC Page 1427
Starzecpyzel, 880 F. Supp. at 1037 (characterizing data on error rate as “sparse, inconclusive and 

highly disputed” and opining that accuracy testing “must be conducted if forensic document 

examination is to carry the imprimatur of ‘science’”); see also Crisp, 324 F.3d at 280-81 

(Michael, J., dissenting). But see United States v. Mooney, 315 F.3d 54, 62 (1st Cir. 2002) 

(accepting without comment expert’s reliance on unnamed study said to demonstrate 6.5% error 

rate). I find that the lack of an error rate is troubling because it prevents me from ascribing any 

particular level of confidence to Miller’s methodology. 

Standards Governing Operation of Technique 

As discussed above, Miller testified that the technique he applied was to first examine the 

exemplar signatures to familiarize himself with Gray’s known writing and then examine the 

questioned signatures to determine whether they fell within the normal curve of Gray’s writing. 

(ET 22-23, 67.) Miller also discussed which features he analyzed, which included the shape of 

each letter and the slant, speed, and skill level of the writing. (ET 25-31.) His report further states 

that in conducting his analysis, he employed “standardized (ASTM) questioned document 

examination techniques” where applicable. (Ex. Compl.-D.) 

Beyond these vague descriptions, Miller did not explain what criteria he applied in 

reaching an ultimate opinion on authorship of the questioned signatures. North Fork has pointed 

out that the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards are non-specific, 

including such vague directives as “[c]onduct a side-by-side comparison of comparable portions 

of the bodies of writing” and “[a]nalyze, compare, and evaluate the individualizing 

characteristics and other potentially significant features present” without defining what 

constitutes a similarity or difference or which ones are significant. (North Fork’s Mot. to 

Exclude, paragraph 12.) The ASTM standards also do not explain and Miller did not testify as to 

what standards FDEs follow to define the parameters of the normal curve of someone’s 

handwriting. Miller further did not explain what standards are employed to distinguish the 

natural variation in one person’s handwriting from the variation observed between different 

writers. He testified there is no standard in the profession for how much known writing an FDE 

should review before reaching a conclusion; the number of exemplars reviewed must be 

“sufficient,” but sufficiency is a judgment call made by the examiner. (ET 63.) Miller also failed 

to provide any standards as to the type or number of dissimilarities that must be identified to 

determine a signature is inauthentic. He testified that a single fundamental dissimilarity can be 

sufficient to rule a signature inauthentic, but provided no guidance as to how FDEs determine 

whether a dissimilarity is “fundamental” or decide how many differences are sufficient, saying 

only that this determination depends on the examiner. (ET 71-72.) Miller did not even provide a 

general idea of how many handwriting traits should be compared before reaching a conclusion. 

Miller further acknowledged that handwriting analysis is not governed by the same 

quantifiable standards as some of the other forensic sciences. Unlike fingerprints or DNA, a 

person’s handwriting or signature does not look exactly the same all the time. (ET 23, 82.) Miller 

testified that DNA analysis produces a “parametric type statistical inference” that gives DNA 

experts a scientific basis to present a definite opinion, but handwriting analysis does not “fall 

under the same quantifiable measures.” (ET 89-90.) Because it is a type of pattern recognition, it 

is measured in nominal and ordinal levels of measurement rather than interval or ratio levels of 

37 FMSHRC Page 1428
measurement, meaning there is an element of subjectivity in quantifying the associated 

probabilities that is not present with DNA analysis. (ET 90-91.) 

Courts have noted, and at times lamented, the lack of objective quantifying standards 

governing the operation of handwriting analysis. See, e.g., Paul, 175 F.3d at 911 (noting that 

FDE himself acknowledged lack of quantifying standards); Ward, 530 F. Supp. 2d at 1314 

(discussing FDE’s failure to articulate methodology and characterizing FDE’s description of 

operation of handwriting analysis as “not very enlightening”); Starzecpyzel, 880 F. Supp. at 

1032-33 (finding that FDE’s testimony failed to elucidate his methodology and identifying 

various standards that were lacking). Several courts have deemed it significant that most FDEs 

follow the same methodology. For example, in United States v. Crisp, the Fourth Circuit 

admitted an FDE’s expert testimony in part because he had “testified to a consistent 

methodology of handwriting examination and identification” used by most FDEs. 324 F.3d at 

271; see also Mooney, 315 F.3d at 62; Velasquez, 64 F.3d at 850-51. But regardless of the fact 

that most FDEs seem to apply consistent methods, the real problem is that the standards 

governing these methods are not objective, as was noted by the dissent in Crisp. 324 F.3d at 281 

(Michael, J., dissenting). The lack of objective guidelines gives rise to an element of subjectivity 

recognized by Miller that has troubled many courts. See, e.g., Johnsted, 30 F. Supp. 3d at 819 

(excluding testimony in part because of “extremely discretionary” standards followed by FDEs); 

Saelee, 162 F. Supp. 2d at 1104 (excluding testimony after finding that “[t]he technique of 

comparing known writings with questioned documents appears to be entirely subjective and 

entirely lacking in controlling standards”); Rutherford, 104 F. Supp. 2d at 1193 (finding it 

problematic that a handwriting match “is declared upon the subjective satisfaction of the FDE” 

rather than based on empirically based peer-reviewed standards); Hines, 55 F. Supp. 2d at 69 

(explaining that nature of handwriting analysis obliges FDEs to make subjective judgments). 

The concerns stemming from this element of subjectivity are twofold. First, the FDE’s 

reasoning is shielded from review and scrutiny to the extent that his conclusions are not based on 

articulable criteria. In Wolf v. Ramsey, the trial court explained how this reduces the reliability of 

the expert’s opinion: 

Nowhere in the submissions provided by plaintiffs is there any attempt to show by 

what methodology Mr. Epstein [the FDE] reaches a conclusion of absolute 

certainty that a given person is, in fact, the writer of a questioned document. 

...The underlying notion behind Daubert, and all good science, is that a given 

premise or principle should be capable of being tested to determine whether the 

principle is, in fact, sound. Thus, if Epstein indicated, for example, that whenever 

a writer of known material has x number of similarities, there is a given 

probability that the writer wrote the note – and if this methodology had been 

tested by reliable means in the past – then Epstein would have shown reliability in 

the methodology that he used to reach a determination of the likelihood of his 

conclusion. As it is, however, Epstein’s explanation for his conclusion seems to 

be little more than “Trust me; I’m an expert.” Daubert case law has indicated that 

37 FMSHRC Page 1429
such an assertion, which seems to be based more on intuition than on scientific 

reasoning, is insufficient. 

253 F. Supp. 2d at 1347. 

The second problem with subjectivity is that it gives rise to a potential for bias. Miller 

agreed that forensic sciences like handwriting analysis are subject to bias, which has presented 

problems within the field. (ET 56-57.) As an example of unethical bias, he testified that an FDE 

could pick a single signature that looks nothing like the subject’s normal writing and say “of 

course they don’t match.” (ET 64.) Conscious bias is certainly a concern. But even an honest and 

ethical FDE with the best of intentions can fall prey to forms of unconscious prejudice such as 

confirmation bias, which is a bias of expectation and suggestion. The threat of bias thus 

decreases the reliability of an FDE’s opinion even if there are no signs of conscious bias. 

After reviewing the evidence, I conclude that Miller has not established that the technique 

he applied to analyze the questioned signatures is governed by consistent objective standards. 

Rather, the methodology he applied contains an element of subjectivity that is troubling because 

it prevents me from fully evaluating his reasoning and gives rise to a potential for bias. 

Degree of General Acceptance of Underlying Theories/Techniques 

Except for Miller’s testimony, Gray did not produce any evidence that would establish 

the degree of general acceptance of the theories and techniques underpinning handwriting 

analysis. Miller testified that the approach he applied to analyze the questioned signatures is 

generally accepted in the field of forensic document examination because no two people have 

ever been shown to have the same handwriting characteristics. (ET 18-19.) On the other hand, 

North Fork submitted a published study purporting to show that various principles of 

handwriting identification are not generally accepted.9

 (North Fork’s Mot. to Exclude, Ex. B.) 

The researchers had framed general statements of purported principles about handwriting 

analysis and asked FDEs and handwriting scientists what they understood their field’s degree of 

consensus to be regarding the validity of each principle. Id. They found that FDEs and 

handwriting scientists appeared not to agree on the acceptability of most of the propositions 

posed to them, and the handwriting scientists viewed fewer of the propositions as generally 

accepted. Id. 

I do not doubt Miller’s assertion that the FDE community accepts the general theory 

underlying his methodology, which is that no two people write alike. However, the study 

submitted by North Fork shows that many of the principles of handwriting analysis have not yet 

achieved general acceptance and the technique is still unsettled. In addition, general acceptance 

by the FDE community is of minimal significance until it can be shown that this community has 

undertaken the type of critical self-review of its science that would be necessary to empirically 

validate the pertinent techniques and to establish an error rate and objective controlling 

standards. See Saelee, 162 F. Supp. 2d at 1104-05 (deeming acceptance within field insignificant 

because of its uncritical nature); Fujii, 152 F. Supp. 2d at 940-41 (finding it problematic that 

 9

 Michael J. Saks & Holly VanderHaar, On the “General Acceptance” of Handwriting 

Identification Principles, 50 J. Forensic Sci. 119 (Jan. 2005). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1430
acceptance of handwriting expertise is largely by handwriting experts themselves); Starzecpyzel, 

880 F. Supp. at 1038 (attaching little significance to acceptance within field because field is 

devoid of financially disinterested parties and there was no showing of acceptance by related 

scientific or academic communities); Crisp, 324 F.3d at 281 (Michael, J., dissenting) (stating that 

general acceptance comes only from those who have not questioned basic underlying premises). 

In analyzing Daubert’s general acceptance factor, some courts have found it relevant that 

all of the Circuit Courts to consider the issue have admitted handwriting testimony. However, 

under Daubert, it is acceptance by the scientific community rather than the court system that is 

relevant. Moreover, the Circuit Courts that have permitted expert testimony on handwriting have 

done so under the deferential abuse-of-discretion standard, meaning their opinions can be read 

not so much as an endorsement of the science than as an unwillingness to impinge upon the trial 

court’s gatekeeping function. See Johnsted, 30 F. Supp. 3d at 821. 

 On the record before me, I cannot say that the theories and techniques underlying 

handwriting analysis have achieved general acceptance in the relevant scientific community. The 

study submitted by North Fork suggests a lack of consensus among FDEs as to the significance 

and even the validity of various principles underlying handwriting analysis. The lack of a 

cohesive generally accepted theory and technique decreases the reliability of Miller’s analysis. 

C. Analysis of Miller’s Conclusions 

Because of my concerns about the reliability of handwriting analysis as a science, I have 

carefully evaluated Miller’s conclusions and reasoning therefor to determine how much weight 

to accord his opinion that the signatures were forged. Miller made many interesting and helpful 

observations about the signatures which I have fully considered. However, I find that his ultimate 

conclusion that the questioned signatures were forged is of low probative value for the reasons 

discussed below. These reasons include failure to adequately account for the high degree of 

natural variation in Gray’s writing; potential problems with the sufficiency of the exemplars; 

failure to delineate the bounds of the “normal curve” of Gray’s writing or define what would 

constitute a “fundamental” divergence from this curve; failure to convincingly explain the 

significance of the dissimilarities observed between the questioned and known signatures; failure 

to adequately account for certain other relevant factors, including the circumstances surrounding 

the execution of the disciplinary warnings and the ink, indentations, and other handwriting 

appearing on the documents; the potential for confirmation bias; and inadequate justification for 

the high level of certainty Miller expressed in his opinion. 

First, the high degree of natural variation in Gray’s known signatures, as seen in Exhibit 

Compl.-F, raises significant doubts about Miller’s ability to reliably apply the signature analysis 

technique he described. As noted above, Miller testified that he analyzed the signatures by first 

familiarizing himself with the characteristics of Gray’s known writing and then determining 

whether the questioned signatures fell within the “normal curve” or “critical region” of Gray’s 

natural variation. (ET 22-23.) The idea that a person’s handwriting will always fall within a 

certain range of natural variation is essentially a principle of individual discriminability that 

relies on an assumption that handwriting characteristics are, to a certain critical degree, 

immutable. Broad variation in a person’s handwriting undermines this assumption. Miller 

37 FMSHRC Page 1431
acknowledged that the broad variation in Gray’s known signatures decreased his level of 

confidence to “a notch below certainty.” (ET 32-33, 88-89.) However, he did not otherwise 

discuss how the variation affected his analysis. He did not explain how he accounted for the 

variation or how he determined that the differences between the questioned and known 

signatures were attributable to variation between writers rather than to the broad variation seen in 

Gray’s own writing. Furthermore, “a notch below” is hardly a scientific measurement and his use 

of this term speaks to the subjectivity involved in his analysis. 

In addition, I am not convinced that the exemplar signatures Miller reviewed were 

sufficient to familiarize him with Gray’s normal writing to the degree that he would be able to 

reliably identify or exclude Gray as the signer of other documents. As noted above, Miller 

reviewed 54 exemplars to familiarize himself with Gray’s writing. (See Ex. Compl.-F.) Forty of 

them appear on two lists of request exemplars that were penned at the same time under the same 

conditions (ET 112), meaning that the 54 exemplars represent Gray’s penmanship under just 16 

distinct sets of circumstances. Miller did not say whether this is typically considered a sufficient 

representation of a person’s handwriting. He testified that numerous exemplars must be reviewed 

as opposed to just one or two because of the natural variation in a person’s handwriting, but he 

did not give any indication what number of exemplars is generally considered sufficient, saying 

only that this is a matter for the handwriting examiner’s judgment. (ET 22-23, 63.) He also did 

not address whether the above average degree of natural variation in Gray’s writing would merit 

an above average number of exemplars. Because Miller did not provide any standards for 

evaluating the sufficiency of the known writing, he has not provided any assurance that the 

known writing he relied on was adequate to allow him to accurately delineate the bounds of 

Gray’s normal writing. 

Furthermore, the exemplars are not necessarily contemporaneous with the questioned 

signatures. Miller testified that the closer in time an exemplar is written to the questioned 

writing, the more accurate the analysis. (ET 65.) Yet seven of the exemplars are undated, others 

were penned as many as seven or eight years before the questioned signatures, and the only ones 

that are known to have been produced within three years of the questioned signatures are the two 

lists of request exemplars and a single signature from an unknown source dated November 20, 

2007. (Exs. Compl.-A, -B, -F.) The non-contemporaneous nature of the exemplars detracts from 

my confidence in the accuracy of the comparison. 

Because it is unclear where some of the exemplars came from, it is also unclear under 

what circumstances they were written and whether the conditions surrounding their execution 

were sufficiently similar to the questioned signatures to make the comparison useful. Miller 

would not necessarily have known where the exemplars came from because he did not collect 

any of them himself. Rather, the exemplars were apparently collected by MSHA investigators. 

MSHA Special Investigator Guy Fain obtained the request exemplars. Although Gray denied 

having a personal relationship with Fain, he testified he has known Fain for about ten or twenty 

years because they used to go to the same church and were involved in a prior case together. 

(Temp. R. 88-90, 93-94.) Yet Miller testified he would normally recommend against allowing a 

longtime acquaintance to take writing samples. (ET 50-52.) It is unknown what instructions Fain 

gave to Gray before he executed the signatures or under what conditions they were written. As is 

the case with all the exemplars, there is no information as to whether Gray was sitting down or 

37 FMSHRC Page 1432
standing up when he wrote them, what surface he was bearing on, or whether there was anything 

under the paper, and no information as to his physical state or state of mind at the time. Miller 

testified that a multitude of conditions both intrinsic and extrinsic to the writer can affect 

handwriting, (ET 83-87), so all of the factors mentioned above could have affected the 

exemplars. 

Given the potential deficiencies in the exemplars and the uncertainties surrounding their 

execution, it is not clear that they supplied Miller with sufficient information to accurately 

delineate the bounds of the “normal curve” of Gray’s widely variable handwriting. Miller also 

did not make any effort to delineate those bounds in his testimony – he could have, for example, 

identified distinguishing traits observed in Gray’s known writing that he would have expected to 

see every time Gray executes his signature, but he did not do so. 

An even more significant problem is that Miller did not clearly explain what it was about 

the questioned signatures that assured him to a high degree of certainty that they fell outside the 

bounds of Gray’s normal writing. Miller testified that one “fundamental dissimilarity” can be 

sufficient to rule a signature not authentic and that he had identified several such differences in 

this case. (ET 71-72.) Yet he failed to explain what makes a difference “fundamental” or even to 

offer any examples of differences that generally qualify as fundamental, and he did not identify 

which particular differences he had characterized as fundamental in this case. 

Although Miller did not provide an explanation for his key finding of several 

fundamental differences, he did provide a letter-by-letter analysis of the questioned signatures. 

He noted differences in the M’s, R’s, K’s, and the overall appearance of the word “Gray.” 

Miller testified that the M’s in the questioned signatures were written more quickly than 

those in the exemplars and had more of an embellished look, with a large loop on the first stroke, 

and the two top humps were more wedge-shaped with a shorter than usual middle stroke between 

them. (ET 25-26.) However, as Miller himself suggested, the exemplars display broad enough 

variation to explain these purported distinctions. As Miller noted, the M’s in the exemplars 

alternately feature wedge-shaped, bowl-shaped, and printed humps, and at times the first stroke 

features an embellished loop. (ET 25.) In addition, a contemporaneous known signature of 

Gray’s that appears elsewhere in the record, his signature on the June 17, 2009 statement he gave 

to Special Investigator Fain, features an M that strongly resembles the questioned M’s in that its 

initial stroke begins with an upward loop and its humps are small and wedge-shaped with a 

truncated middle stroke. The fact that the M’s in the two questioned signatures look more similar 

to each other than to any of the exemplars could be viewed as a sign that they were written by 

someone else, but the similar-looking and contemporaneous June 17, 2009 signature shows that 

the range of natural variation in Gray’s M’s is broader than indicated by the exemplars and likely 

broad enough to encompass the M’s in the questioned signatures. Furthermore, the questioned 

signatures were purportedly penned within several months of each other under very similar 

circumstances – if North Fork’s witnesses are to be believed, both were signed in the mine 

superintendent’s office during a disciplinary session. Similar circumstances and the 

contemporaneous nature of the signatures could explain their similarity to each other. In sum, the 

M’s in the questioned signatures do not appear so different from Gray’s known writing as to 

constitute a “fundamental” difference. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1433
Miller testified that the lowercase R’s in the questioned signatures differed from Gray’s 

normal writing style in that the top of each letter was bowl-shaped, which is common for people 

who were taught cursive in the Zaner-Bloser style, whereas Gray’s lowercase R’s were normally 

either wedge-shaped or flat across the top, which is indicative of American Standard cursive. (ET 

26-27.) Similarly, Gray’s known writing usually features an American Standard cursive K, 

which is formed with one continuous stroke that goes up, comes down, forms a “belly,” then 

“kicks out” above the baseline. (ET 27.) By contrast, the K’s in the questioned signatures were 

formed with two separate strokes, with the pen lifting to form the belly and kick out, and in one 

of them the kick out was actually formed using an unnecessary third stroke. (ET 27.) 

Miller testified that an unnecessary stroke is sometimes referred to as patching or 

retouching and is commonly seen in cases where a person is trying to make a simulated signature 

resemble a model signature. (ET 27-28.) If Miller was trying to imply that the patching seen in 

this case is a sign of simulation, I am not persuaded, because the patching does not in any way 

make the letter look more like an American Standard cursive K or any of the other K’s within the 

spectrum of Gray’s known writing. 

I accept Miller’s conclusion that the R’s and K’s in the questioned signatures do not look 

like any of the exemplars. However, given the wide range of variation in the exemplars, I am not 

convinced that the appearance of the R’s and K’s is an indication of forgery rather than simply a 

manifestation of the tremendous variation in Gray’s handwriting. It is true that when Gray sat 

down and wrote out a list of request signatures all at the same time, he produced columns of 

uniform signatures featuring wedge-shaped R’s and American Standard cursive K’s. (Ex. 

Compl.-F, pages 9-10.) But the rest of the exemplars are not at all uniform. Compare, for 

example, the rounded R and neatly formed K on page 13 of the exemplar packet with the caretshaped R and illegible K on page 16, then compare both against the anomalous signature on page 

18 in which a lowercase cursive A is connected to an uppercase R followed by a standalone 

printed K. (Exhibit Compl.-F.) In the same vein, looking just at the five exemplars that Miller 

enlarged for demonstrative purposes on page 2, the lowercase R’s and K’s show a variety of 

different shapes and stroke patterns. Id. These include variations in the shape of the R; variations 

in the height, slant, and shape of the first up-and-down stroke forming the back of the K; and 

considerable variations in the shape of and connection between the belly and kick out on the K. 

Given the variation in the known writing, it is not at all established that the R’s and K’s in the 

questioned signatures diverge from Gray’s normal curve. 

Miller also testified that the word “Gray” in the questioned signatures differs from the 

exemplars in that the Y’s are proportionately larger and the A’s are not intact. (ET 28-29.) On 

review, however, there are a number of exemplars in which the A is not intact or is only partially 

intact, including most of the request exemplars. The A was not intact in the very first signature in 

the exemplar packet and Miller posited that the questioned signatures were modeled after 

something like that, thereby implicitly recognizing the similarities between the word “Gray” in 

the questioned signatures and exemplars. (ET 28.) As for the Y’s, the Y’s in the questioned 

signatures are proportionately larger than some, but not all of the Y’s in the exemplars. Once 

again, Gray’s broad range of natural variation could explain the differences. In addition, one of 

North Fork’s witnesses who was purportedly present at the disciplinary meeting when the second 

questioned document was signed, Countiss, testified that Gray “appeared to be angry” when he 

37 FMSHRC Page 1434
signed it and “stood up over the paper, when he wrote it and slashed at the end and threw his pen 

down, and kind of stomped out the door.” (Tr. 120, 135-36.) This testimony is entirely consistent 

with the jagged, slashing appearance of the word “Gray” in the questioned signature. It is also 

consistent with Estevez’s testimony that Gray was standing at the desk when he received and 

signed that warning. (Temp. R. 279.) According to Miller, the appearance of handwriting can be 

influenced by factors including the posture and position of the writer and the writer’s state of 

mind. (ET 83-87.) Thus, if North Fork’s testimony is to be credited, Gray was signing the 

document under the stressful condition of a disciplinary meeting, which could have affected his 

state of mind and therefore changed the appearance of his handwriting, and he was standing up, 

which also could have influenced the appearance of the writing and made it look different from 

signatures executed from the more typical seated position.10 In sum, even if the word “Gray” in 

the questioned signatures did not appear to fall well within the range of the natural variation seen 

in the exemplars, the differences identified by Miller could be explained by the plausible factual 

scenario North Fork has presented. 

Miller testified that the speed and slant of the writing also influenced his opinion. He 

believed the questioned signatures were written with more speed than the exemplars based on the 

fading of the terminal stroke, (the final upstroke of the letter Y), in the questioned signatures. 

(ET 29.) Miller also testified that the questioned writing had a more prominent right-handed slant 

than the exemplars. (ET 30.) As discussed above, however, the appearance of the signatures 

could have been affected by the circumstances under which they were written. North Fork’s 

witnesses suggested at least one of the signatures was written with a quick slashing motion while 

the writer was standing up. Miller specifically stated that the positioning of the writer typically 

changes the slant of the writing. (ET 86-87.) Although forgery is a possible explanation for the 

apparent increase in speed and slant in the questioned signatures, North Fork’s witnesses have 

suggested the plausible alternative explanation that the signatures were affected by the 

circumstances surrounding their execution. Additionally, the broad variation in Gray’s known 

signatures is again worth noting. The exemplars appear to have been written with various 

degrees of speed and several of them display a prominent right-handed slant. (E.g., Ex. Compl.-

F, pages 13-14.) I find that the slant and speed of the writing are not fundamental distinctions 

that would compel or even strongly support a conclusion of forgery. 

Miller also testified that the skill of the questioned writing, which he referred to as “line 

quality,” was better than that of the exemplars. (ET 29-30.) He opined that Gray’s known 

signatures demonstrated an immature type of writing indicative of someone without much 

practice. (ET 30.) Although Miller did not expressly identify skill level as a fundamental 

difference, he seemed to find it significant, testifying at one point that the questioned signatures 

“are actually better signatures than Mark Gray can possibly produce.” (ET 85, 88.) Yet Miller 

did not explain how or why the appearance of the questioned signatures led him to believe they 

had been executed with greater skill than the exemplars. After reviewing the exemplars, I agree 

that many of them look as if they were penned by someone who does not write much. This 

makes sense because Gray is functionally illiterate. (Tr. 224-25.) However, it is still unclear what 

led Miller to find that the questioned signatures were executed at a higher skill level. To the 

untrained eye they simply look sloppier than Gray’s normal writing. In addition, some of the 

 10 North Fork did not offer testimony on the circumstances surrounding the execution of 

the other disciplinary warning, but presumably they would be similar. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1435
exemplar signatures strike me as more skillfully executed than others (e.g., those found on pages 

13 and 14 of the exemplar packet), although this is speculative on my part because Miller did not 

provide any criteria to consider when assessing skill level. In sum, Miller has not clearly 

explained how the “line quality” or apparent skill level of the questioned writing influenced his 

analysis. 

 In addition to Miller’s failure to convincingly explain how the numerous minor 

differences described above translate into “several ... fundamental differences” (ET 71), there 

were other factors that he did not consider at all or failed to adequately account for, which further 

detracts from the weight of his opinion. 

First, I find it highly significant that Miller did not consider how the conditions 

surrounding the signing of the questioned documents could have affected the appearance of the 

questioned signatures. Miller testified that numerous extrinsic and intrinsic conditions can affect 

the appearance of handwriting, including the pen, the surface the writer is bearing on, the 

writer’s position, the writer’s state of mind or emotional state, drug or caffeine intake, stress, 

intoxication, being cold, and many other factors. Yet he admitted he did not know the 

circumstances under which the questioned documents were signed and did not ask about them. 

(ET 83-87, 105-06.) He declared there was no need to consider the surrounding circumstances 

because if any extrinsic or intrinsic factors were in play, he would have been able to see some 

sign of them in the signatures, but in this case the “similarities and dissimilarities did not reflect 

any problems with extrinsic and intrinsic characteristics.” (ET 105-06.) In other words, “you 

have to find the evidence in the paper,” but there was nothing on the paper that spurred his 

curiosity. (ET 88.) This explanation makes no sense. There is no reason to think that a person 

examining a questioned writing can always tell from the writing itself whether any external 

influences were at play. 

 Miller’s stubborn refusal to consider that any extrinsic or intrinsic conditions may have 

affected the appearance of the questioned signatures clashes with his attitude at other times 

during the hearing. For example, he explained the lack of variation in the request exemplars as 

being fairly typical because they would have been written under the same intrinsic and extrinsic 

conditions, unlike the rest of the exemplars. (ET 112.) Miller also immediately resorted to 

extrinsic and intrinsic conditions to explain the appearance of the two signatures he was 

confronted with for the first time at the hearing, testifying that the tremulous appearance of the 

word “Gray” in one of the signatures could have been caused by a rough writing surface or by 

the writer having too much coffee or being nervous. (ET 80-81.) When Miller’s reluctance to 

admit that extrinsic or intrinsic conditions may have affected the questioned signatures is 

contrasted with his willingness to resort to such conditions as an explanation for the appearance 

of writing in other situations, the contrast suggests a certain defensiveness on his part. He 

seemed unwilling to admit he may have overlooked something. 

 Another factor Miller failed to address was the significance (or insignificance) of Gray’s 

functional illiteracy. Presumably, an individual’s particular style of writing is partly dependent 

on fine muscle memory acquired through repetition. Illiteracy could disrupt this process. 

However, it is unclear whether Miller was aware that Gray was illiterate, and he did not say 

whether this factor had any impact on his analysis. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1436
Miller also failed to analyze any aspects of the disciplinary warnings except the 

questioned signatures. The original warnings were not submitted to the record. Miller took 

digital photographs of the warnings but did not note the color of the ink or submit color copies of 

the photos, and at the hearing he could not recall the ink color or whether all the ink was the 

same color. (ET 39-42.) He at first testified the color of the ink was not important, but later 

conceded it could be relevant to an allegation that the documents had been written by the same 

person at the same time. (ET 42-43.) This is the precise allegation Gray has raised. Miller also 

did not test the type of ink on the warnings, although he had equipment he could have used for 

that purpose. (ET 40.) Ink type, similar to ink color, could have been relevant to Gray’s 

allegation that the documents were written at the same time or to North Fork’s allegation that 

they were written at different times by different people. Miller also did not analyze all of the 

handwriting appearing on the warnings. He was asked only to determine whether Gray’s 

purported signatures were genuine, not to determine who actually wrote or signed the 

documents, and he could not offer any opinion as to when the documents were written or 

whether they were written by the same person. (ET 49, 91-92.) But an analysis of the different 

handwriting appearing on different parts of the disciplinary warnings could have been relevant to 

evaluating the parties’ divergent accounts of how the warnings were written. 

The indentations revealed by the ESDA films are also relevant to the parties’ accounts of 

how and when the warnings were written. Miller testified that portions of the writing from the 

April 29, 2009 warning were indented onto the February 27, 2009 warning, as is evident from 

Exhibit R-30, but he failed to explain the significance of this finding. (ET 32-33.) The form on 

which each of the warnings were written consists of a set of boxes that can be checked to 

indicate the type of warning that is being issued, a section labeled “Explanation” where the 

issuing supervisor can write in a description of the offense, and a signature block with spaces for 

the supervisor, a witness, and the offending employee to sign and date the form. The February 

warning is marked as a verbal warning issued for substandard performance and bears Gray’s 

undated signature and the signature of former mine superintendent Ison dated February 27.11 (Ex. 

Compl.-B.) The April warning is marked as a final written warning for substandard performance 

and bears the signatures of mine superintendent Estevez, foreman Countiss as witness, and Gray, 

all dated April 29.12 (Ex. Compl.-A.) The dates next to Estevez’s and Gray’s signatures seem to 

be written in the same handwriting. Id. The “explanation” sections of the two warnings appear to 

bear different handwriting, although Miller did not offer an opinion in this regard. The following 

handwriting from the April warning is indented onto the February warning: almost all of the 

handwritten “explanation” section; Estevez’s partial signature and the date next to his name; the 

 11 The “explanation” section contains the following handwritten note: “Notified Mark 

that his performance was poor that other could bolt more with same machine and partner and that 

he is going to have to pick up on his job falling behind in his duties even had complaints from his 

foreman and partner of his lack of performance. Dayshift has shone [sic] lack of keeping up 

compared to other shift.” (Ex. Compl.-B.) 

12 The “explanation” section states: “Mark has been warned in the past about his work 

performance and his job duties. His foreman Tom Cornett has brought it to my attention and 

Mark’s that he would have to perform better on the job. With his experience at his job he should 

be one of our top performers and Tom feels like he isn’t tring [sic] or doesn’t care.” (Ex. Compl.-

A.) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1437
date next to Gray’s name in the signature block, which is not perfectly aligned with the other 

indentations, indicating the paper was rotated; and another partial misaligned blurb, which Miller 

identified as part of Gray’s signature but which actually appears to resemble part of Countiss’s 

signature or some other unidentified writing. (ET 47-49, 97-98, 110; Ex. R-30, page 4.) Other 

unidentified indentations are present on both documents that read: “Copy these. Label as 

examples of documents viewed by handwriting expert Section #,” and “Copy first two pages. 

Call them Section #7.” (Ex. R-30.) Presumably these are from the litigation. Miller did not 

discuss them. 

Gray contends that the indented writing from the April warning proves that (1) Estevez 

and Countiss lied about the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the April warning, and (2) 

the two warnings were not prepared on the dates they purport, but presumably after Gray was 

fired. (Posthearing Br. of Mark Gray, 24, 28.) However, the indented writing proves neither of 

these allegations. 

With regard to the first allegation, Countiss’ and Estevez’s testimony was as follows. 

Countiss testified that he was called to Estevez’s office for the disciplinary meeting; Estevez was 

sitting behind the desk and Countiss was beside it; Estevez spent about 15 to 20 minutes 

explaining the contents of the April disciplinary warning to Gray before handing it to him; Gray 

angrily signed it with a slashing motion and stomped out of the room; then Countiss signed it at 

the end of the meeting. (Tr. 109-14, 118-20, 135-36.) Estevez testified he believed he had filled 

out the boxes and explanation section at the top of the warning the day before calling Gray and 

Countiss into the office for the disciplinary meeting; afterward, he had handed the warning to 

Gray, who was standing in front of the desk, and asked him to read it and make sure everything 

they had discussed was written down; Gray had signed it and handed it either to Estevez or to 

Countiss, who was standing next to the desk; Countiss signed it and handed it back to Estevez; 

then Estevez signed it and dropped it into Gray’s file in the drawer. (Temp. R. 278-90; Tr. 37-46, 

50.) Estevez did not recall whether there was anything under the April warning when he filled it 

out, but he specifically denied that the February warning was under it. (Temp. R. 284; Tr. 44-46, 

50-51.) Although the personnel files are in his office, he did not recall looking at Gray’s file 

before writing the April warning or becoming aware of the February warning until later. (Temp. 

R. 286-90; Tr. 46-50.) 

After reviewing the testimony, I find that Countiss and Estevez have given largely 

consistent and credible accounts of the purported disciplinary meeting. The only discrepancy is 

Estevez’s testimony that the February warning was not underneath the April warning, which is 

disproven by the indentations. But I do not find this discrepancy fatal to Estevez’s credibility. He 

indicated throughout his testimony that he did not recall the disciplinary meeting with perfect 

clarity and was basing his account in part on his knowledge of the way he usually conducted 

such meetings, and I find that his testimony was not inconsistent with what a supervisor would 

be expected to remember or forget about a routine disciplinary matter. He could have had Gray’s 

personnel file or a piece of the file on his desk underneath the April warning and simply not 

remembered that fact when he was called to testify months later. The February warning could 

have been under another piece of paper in the file, which would explain how the indentations 

were transferred to the February warning without his knowledge of that warning being on his 

desk. If I assume that Estevez was simply mistaken about the February warning not being on his 

37 FMSHRC Page 1438
desk at the time the April warning was executed, the indentations are entirely consistent with a 

scenario wherein Estevez filled out the top part of the April warning while it was sitting on top of 

the February warning, resulting in the transfer of the indentations from the “explanation” section; 

Estevez then passed it to Gray, who signed it without dating it, and Countiss, who signed and 

dated it; then Estevez signed and dated it, if he had not already done so, and wrote in the date 

next to Gray’s name, transferring those indentations onto the February warning. The indentations 

do not decisively establish that this scenario occurred, but it seems at least as plausible as Gray’s 

allegation of forgery, which would require me to assume that the warnings and the witnesses’ 

testimony were all part of an elaborate, rapidly orchestrated conspiracy to frame Gray for poor 

performance. 

 

As for Gray’s allegation that the documents were not prepared on the dates they purport, 

the indented writing clearly does not prove this. It also fails to prove that the documents were 

prepared at the same time or that they were prepared after Gray was fired. In fact, the 

indentations do not reveal any information about the dates the warnings were written except to 

confirm that the April warning was probably written after the February warning, as it was lying 

on top of the earlier-dated document. (ET 49.) This does not advance Gray’s forgery claim. 

Another factor I have considered in assessing the weight of Miller’s testimony is the 

objectivity of his analysis. North Fork argues that Miller was exposed to information which 

could cause bias in that he was hired by Gray’s attorney and assumed Gray disputed the 

authenticity of the questioned signatures. (North Fork’s Br., 10-11.) Miller’s testimony confirms 

that he assumed his client was claiming the signatures were forged. (ET 34.) This knowledge 

exposed Miller to the risk of confirmation bias. Although it is impossible to tell whether or to 

what extent confirmation bias may have influenced his opinion, there were subtle signs that 

Miller may not have viewed the evidence in an appropriately objective light. One telling factor 

was his reluctance to consider the potential effects of the extrinsic and intrinsic conditions 

surrounding the execution of the questioned documents, discussed above. When North Fork’s 

counsel confronted Miller with two previously unviewed signatures at the hearing, Miller’s 

reaction raised further doubts about his objectivity. Miller appeared very reluctant to examine the 

signatures on the stand. He referred to the author of one of the signatures as “they” and seemed 

to assume it was forged, although it was not. (ET 75-81.) North Fork characterizes Miller’s 

reaction to the new signatures as a “confusing monologue” that failed to generate confidence in 

his ability to analyze signatures. (North Fork’s Br., 12.) I agree. I also find that his reaction 

evinced defensiveness and a lack of scientific objectivity, in that his demeanor suggested he was 

trying very hard not to say anything that would damage his client’s position or undercut his own 

previously stated opinion. Defensiveness does not reflect favorably on Miller as an objective 

expert witness or as a scientist. 

I also note that Miller did not keep any notes about his lab work other than the brief 

report he submitted to the court. (ET 73.) Thus, his conclusions were subject to post-hoc 

rationalization. This does not necessarily mean that he reached a conclusion first and conducted 

the analysis later, which obviously would be improper. However, it would have been reassuring 

if at the time he issued his opinion he had provided something beyond the terse summary of his 

analysis that appears in his report. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1439
 Miller’s conclusion that the signatures were forged was not definitive. He said his 

confidence level was to a “high degree of probability” or “a notch below certainty.” (ET 32-33, 

88-89.) He did not adequately explain how he reached this high degree of confidence. He did not 

identify any error rate for the methodology he applied. He noted that the wide range of natural 

variation in Gray’s writing affected his confidence level, but he did not clearly explain how he 

accounted for the variation or exactly how it affected his degree of confidence. Miller also 

testified that as a statistician, he is opposed to ever saying he is 100% certain of any conclusion. 

(ET 89.) Presumably he meant to say that he tends to err on the side of caution, but this seems to 

be an arbitrary way of quantifying a confidence level and is inappropriate as a scientific opinion. 

Miller testified his opinion was corroborated by two other FDEs, both of whom expressed 

a stronger opinion than Miller that Gray could be excluded as the writer of the questioned 

signatures. (ET 71-72, 102-03.) However, their purported corroboration of Miller’s opinion is of 

limited probative value here, since their opinions are not before me, they were not subject to 

confrontation by North Fork, and I lack the information necessary to evaluate their credibility. 

Although hearsay is admissible I place very limited weight on it under these circumstances. The 

only other opinion before me is Peter J. Belcastro’s report, which was submitted with Gray’s 

offer of proof at the 2010 hearing. Belcastro found that inconsistencies between the known and 

questioned signatures indicated Gray “may not have prepared” the questioned signatures, but 

“[d]ue to the presence of unexplained characteristics, the nature of the questioned and known 

signatures, and characteristics of possible simulation, tracing, or distortion, a definite 

determination could not be reached.” (Offer of Proof #2.) This opinion does not corroborate 

Miller’s conclusion or his level of confidence. 

A computer analysis could well have lent credibility to Miller’s conclusions. Miller 

testified that computer programs like Cedar Fox, the software he uses, contain a database of 

thousands of handwriting specimens. (ET 68.) The examiner can enter a questioned signature 

into the database along with other similar signatures, and the computer will come up with three 

or four potential matches that the examiner then eyeballs to come up with a final match. (ET 68-

69, 99-100.) The success rate or confidence interval is about 98%. (ET 69, 99.) However, Miller 

said that he did not need to conduct a computer analysis here because this was a simple case. (ET 

107.) He further testified, “I know what the computer is looking for because ... I’ve had training 

under Sargur Srihari, who designed the program,” and thus it was more time-effective “to just do 

it the old fashioned way without the computer.” (ET 107-08.) This may be true, but the value of 

a computer analysis is that the computer program has a known error rate and must apply the 

same algorithm in each case to reach its conclusion. This provides a measure of quality control 

and an assurance of consistency that are lacking from human judgment calls. 

For all the reasons discussed above, I find that Miller’s testimony does not establish to a 

high degree of probability that the questioned signatures were forged. 

D. Conclusions 

In weighing expert testimony, the Commission has stated that a judge may consider 

factors such as the expert’s credentials, the scientific bases for the expert’s opinion, and how 

objective and convincingly stated his testimony is. In re: Contests of Respirable Dust Sample 

37 FMSHRC Page 1440
Alteration Citations, 17 FMSHRC 1819, 1843 (Nov. 1995), aff’d sub nom. Sec’y of Labor v. 

Keystone Coal Mining Corp., 151 F.3d 1096 (D.C. Cir. 1998); Cyprus Tonopah Mining Corp., 

15 FMSHRC 367, 372-73 (March 1993); ASARCO, Inc., 14 FMSHRC 941, 949 (June 1992). 

Miller’s credentials are sound. His training and experience, particularly his completion of 

the U.S. Secret Service’s training courses for forensic document examination and his decades of 

experience working as an FDE for the state of Tennessee, make him well-qualified to testify as 

an FDE in this case. However, I accord low probative weight to Miller’s opinion for the 

following reasons. 

First, the probative value of Miller’s opinion is diminished to the extent its scientific 

bases have not been proven reliable. As detailed above, the evidence before me does not 

establish that the theories and techniques underlying handwriting analysis have been validated 

through rigorous empirical testing and peer review and publication. Although there is some 

support on the record for the common-sense principle that handwriting is individualistic, the 

evidence does not give me a clear sense of whether any FDE could reliably perform the task that 

Miller faced, namely, determining whether two signatures containing a total of just six distinct 

characters fall within Gray’s very broad range of natural variation. The error rate for this task is 

unknown. Miller did not articulate the objective standards he followed in performing this task. It 

appears that handwriting analysis in general lacks generally accepted governing standards. This 

permits a troubling degree of subjectivity to enter into handwriting experts’ opinions, giving rise 

to a potential for bias and somewhat obscuring the reasoning behind such opinions. In short, 

handwriting analysis is not the type of technique that produces scientifically reliable results. 

Given my lack of confidence in the reliability of Miller’s conclusions, the most helpful 

part of his testimony was not his ultimate opinion but the information he provided about how he 

reached that opinion, particularly his description of the differences he observed between the 

questioned signatures and the exemplars. But Miller did not convincingly explain how these 

differences, which included differences in letter formations and in traits such as slant, speed, and 

skill level, led to the conclusion that the questioned signatures were forged. He did not explain 

how he defined the normal curve of Gray’s writing. It is not clear that the exemplars were 

sufficient to allow him to do so, especially considering the high degree of natural variation in 

Gray’s writing. Miller did not adequately explain how he accounted for this problematic level of 

natural variation. He also did not identify the fundamental differences that he cited as signs of 

forgery or explain how he distinguished them from Gray’s natural variation. He failed to 

consider potentially significant factors such as the effect of intrinsic and extrinsic conditions on 

the appearance of the handwriting. He did not explain the significance of his conclusions with 

regard to the indentations revealed by the ESDA films or how they support his finding of 

forgery. In addition, Miller was exposed to information that could cause bias and displayed 

subtle signs at the hearing that he did not view the evidence completely objectively. Finally, 

Miller also failed to adequately justify the high level of certainty he expressed in his opinion. 

For all the reasons discussed above, I find that Miller’s testimony does not establish that 

the February 27 and April 29 disciplinary warnings were forged. I find that these warnings are 

authentic and were issued to Gray on the dates alleged. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1441
E. Effect on Prima Facie Case 

A complainant alleging discrimination under section 105(c) of the Mine Act establishes a 

prima facie case of prohibited discrimination by presenting evidence sufficient to support a 

conclusion that (1) he engaged in activity that is protected under the Mine Act, (2) he suffered an 

adverse employment action, and (3) the adverse action complained of was motivated in any part 

by the protected activity. Gray v. North Fork Coal Corp., 35 FMSHRC 2349, 2355 (Aug. 2013), 

citing Turner v. Nat’l Cement Co. of California, 33 FMSHRC 1059, 1064-67 (May 2011); Sec’y 

on behalf of Pasula v. Consolidation Coal Co., 2 FMSHRC 2786, 2799 (Oct. 1980), rev’d on 

other grounds sub nom. Consolidation Coal Co. v. Marshall, 663 F.2d 1211 (3d Cir. 1981); 

Sec’y on behalf of Robinette v. United Castle Coal Co., 3 FMSHRC 803, 817-18 (Apr. 1981). To 

rebut a complainant’s prima facie case of discrimination, the mine operator may show either that 

no protected activity occurred or that the adverse action taken against the complainant was in no 

part motivated by his protected activity. Gray, 35 FMSHRC at 2355, citing Robinette, 3 

FMSHRC at 818 n.20. 

Gray takes the position that Miller’s testimony impeaches the testimony of North Fork’s 

witnesses, and requests that I now find that North Fork has violated the Mine Act. In making this 

argument Gray relies largely on the points set forth in the Commission’s decision, wherein the 

majority speculated that Miller’s testimony could lead me to overturn most if not all of my prior 

credibility determinations and thereby reach a different outcome. 

I do not find that the disciplinary warnings or Miller’s testimony play the central role 

Gray envisions in establishing his prima facie case although I have rejected Miller’s testimony 

and found the written documents authentic. Aside from the expert handwriting evidence, the 

entirety of the evidence Gray has presented in support of his prima facie case is as follows: his 

own testimony; Exhibits Compl.-A and -B, which are the two disciplinary warnings; the 

testimony of Anthony Estevez and Stephen Countiss, who were called as adverse witnesses to 

discuss their signatures on the April disciplinary warning and the circumstances surrounding its 

issuance; Exhibit Compl.-C, which is a written statement given by Russell Ison to MSHA 

investigators to the effect that he issued the February warning to Gray for poor work 

performance; and the testimony of MSHA Inspector Kevin Doan, who said he did not recall 

making a comment about how slowly Gray was working the day he was fired. Of this evidence, 

the only direct evidence Gray has presented to support the first requisite element of his prima 

facie case, the element of protected activity, is his own testimony. 

Gray notes that direct evidence of discriminatory motive is rarely available and theorizes 

that Miller’s testimony regarding the alleged forgery is the essential cog proving that a violation 

of section 105(c) of the Mine Act occurred. (Posthr’g Br. for Mark Gray, 28-29.) It is true that 

direct evidence of discriminatory motive is rarely available, but the same cannot be said of direct 

evidence of protected activity. Assuming arguendo, Gray’s theory – the theory that forgery 

corroborates his entire prima facie case – it would require me to reason that (1) because the 

documents were forged, mine management must have been trying to cover up a hostile or 

retaliatory motive to fire Gray; (2) the hostility must have been provoked by protected activity 

under the Mine Act; and (3) therefore, Gray has established that the protected activities he 

37 FMSHRC Page 1442
alleges did in fact occur. This inferential line of reasoning is attenuated at best and fails to 

persuade. 

The Commission opined in its majority decision having left open the possibility that the 

documents were forgeries found my evaluation of the witnesses’ credibility was lacking and that 

the testimony of the expert witness may materially affect that evaluation. I will, therefore, set 

forth below a summary of each of the witnesses’ pertinent testimony and address with greater 

specificity how I determined the credibility of each witness. My analysis of the credibility of the 

witnesses with regard to the written counseling warnings is set forth above and will not be 

repeated; it will be contained to the remained of the testimony provided by each witness. My 

analysis goes beyond a finding that each of the witnesses for North Fork corroborated one 

another although that is one factor always properly considered in such an analysis. My 

determination of credibility is based upon an exhaustive review of the record, my observations in 

hearing of each of the witnesses’ comportment, and their possible biases and motivation to 

provide the testimony they gave. I have also compared the testimony to the documentary 

evidence (the witnesses’ written statements) and considered the time at which the documents 

were prepared and under what circumstances. 

 

Because the establishment of a prima facie case is inextricably interwoven with the 

assessment of Gray’s credibility as well as that of North Fork’s witnesses’ claims of substandard 

performance, I will discuss their testimony regarding the alleged incidents of protected activity 

and Gray’s performance without differentiating between the prima facie case and evidence of an 

affirmative defense. I find this necessary because there is no evidence of the protected activity 

alleged save for Gray’s assertions, which makes his credibility essential. In order to find he has 

established a prima facie case, there must be sufficient evidence to support a conclusion that he 

engaged in protected activity which, at least in part, resulted in the adverse action alleged. See 

Turner v. Nat’l Cement Co., 33 FMSHRC at 1064-67. I interpret the meaning of “sufficient 

evidence” to mean sufficient credible evidence. 

III. SUMMARY OF TESTIMONY 

Mark Gray 

Gray testified at hearing that he has been a roof bolter for 17 years with mining 

experience totaling 29 years and has worked for 30 different mines during that period of time. 

(Tr. 166.) 

Gray had worked the day shift on the 001 section since the summer of 2008 after being 

transferred from the night shift on the same section where he had worked since the winter of 

2007. (Tr. 171-73.) The roof bolting machine he operated was a two-person bolter; he was on the 

operator’s side which made it primarily his responsibility to hang the ventilation curtains as the 

bolter advanced. (Tr. 178.) The ventilation plan in effect at the time allowed for 40 foot cuts on a 

four foot bolting pattern. (Tr. 180.) He and his roof bolting partner, Chris Sheeks, would each 

install a bolt in the middle of the roof and then swing the boom of the bolter out installing bolts 

on either side of the middle bolts and then tram the bolter four feet forward and repeat the 

process in subsequent rows. (Tr. 181.) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1443
In the March 2009 time frame, Anthony Estevez was the mine superintendent and Steven 

Countiss was the mine foreman. (Tr. 176.) Thomas Cornett was the 001 section day shift 

foreman. Gray he could not recall how long he had been working for Cornett. (Temp. R. 24.)13

On June 15, 2009, Gray filed a discrimination complaint stating, “I feel I was terminated 

because I refused to roof bolt an entire cut through of about 60 feet plus in depth. I also made 

safety complaints.” (Temp. R. Ex. R-1.) He told MSHA investigator Guy Fain that his complaint 

was based upon two alleged deep cuts of 60 feet that he was told to bolt; the first one he did, the 

second one he refused. (Temp. R. Ex. R-2.) He also later alleged a complaint about hanging 

ventilation curtains. (Temp. R. Ex. G-1.) 

The First Deep Cut 

Gray testified that he was told by his foreman, Tom Cornett, to bolt a cut that he 

estimated to be about 56 to 60 feet deep. (Tr. 182.) Although he never provided a date on which 

he bolted this deep cut, he stated that it was three days before a second alleged deep cut was 

made, which occurred one week before he was fired. (Tr. 188, 191, 203.) Gray was fired on May 

15 which would indicate this first deep cut occurred on or about May 5. Cornett told him and 

Sheeks that the cut needed to be made for ventilation purposes and he told them to bolt it. (Tr. 

184.) Gray stated that he was “job scared” and bolted the cut although he believed the roof was 

dangerous. (Tr. 183, 188.) He stated that it took 14 rows of bolts to complete the cut which 

would mean the cut was 56 feet deep on a four foot bolting pattern. (Tr. 182.) He testified that he 

told Cornett after bolting the deep cut that he was not going to do it anymore. (Tr. 183.) He 

described Cornett’s reaction as walking off in a huff without saying anything. (Tr. 183.) 

Thereafter, he said, Cornett just ignored him. (Tr. 183-84.) He changed his testimony and stated 

later that he said nothing about bolting this first deep cut to anyone – not Sheeks, not Estevez, 

not Countiss and not Cornett. (Tr. 213-14.) 

The Second Deep Cut 

Gray testified that a few days after the first deep cut was made, a second one was mined 

on the 002 section. (Tr. 185.) He thereafter stated it was on the 001 section.14 (Tr. 186.) The cut, 

he said, was 50 to 60 feet deep which he could tell just from looking at it. (Tr. 187.) He testified 

that it was in the #4 cross cut which had been punched all the way through. (Tr. 187.) He told 

Cornett to his face that he was not going to bolt it because the top had too much swing in it. (Tr. 

188, 214.) Sheeks was with him and heard him refuse to bolt this cut. (Tr. 209.) Cornett then told 

him and Sheeks to bolt in another area beside this crosscut. (Tr. 185, 216.) Gray further said that 

Sheeks, like Cornett, would no longer speak to him after this incident. (Tr. 184-85.) Although 

there was only one other bolting crew on the day shift with Gray, he testified that he had no idea 

who would have bolted this alleged second deep cut if he and Sheeks did not. (Tr. 217.) When 

asked who the other two roof bolters on his crew were, he initially answered by saying he could 

13 Cornett became Gray’s foreman one month before Gray was fired. (Tr. 227.) 

14 Gray never worked in the 002 section which was located approximately 11⁄2 miles away 

from the 001 section. (Tr. 169; Tr. II 53.) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1444
not even recall their names; he could only do so after their names were suggested by counsel for 

Respondent. (Tr. 216.) 

Gray testified at the temporary reinstatement hearing that he did not see who made either 

of the deep cuts. He stated the miner man’s name who would have made the cut was Steve. 

(Temp. R. 80, 91-92.) 

When asked if Gray was aware of deep cuts being taken in Kentucky in his 30 years of 

mining experience in Kentucky, he said it was not unusual. (Tr. 189.) Upon further probing by 

the Respondent’s counsel, Gray could not “recollect” how many mines he had worked in that 

took deep cuts. He never reported any of these violations to MSHA. (Tr. 202.) He stated he had 

bolted a deep cut but he did not have “a number that comes to mind” when asked how many 

times this occurred. (Tr. 202.) 

Hanging Curtains 

Gray testified at hearing that the issue of hanging curtains, which he alleges was part the 

general “other safety issues” he put in his original discrimination complaint, occurred on the 

same day as the second deep cut that he refused to bolt which was one week before he was fired. 

(Tr. 203.) Gray said he was not required to advance the curtain after each row of bolts was 

installed. He would do so every 21⁄2 rows, or 10 feet. (Tr. 209-10.) He moved the curtain as 

required, he said, and was never criticized for failing to do so. Tr. 210.) Gray said that he had 

stopped to hang curtains and Cornett mumbled something to him and just walked off as he had 

done with regard to bolting the deep cuts. (Tr. 204.) Again, Gray could not identify what Cornett 

said, and had no idea if it was because Cornett did not want him to hang the curtains. (Tr. 204.) 

Nor did he know if he was fired in part because he hung a curtain that Cornett did not want him 

to hang. (Tr. 207.) Gray insisted that Cornett never got after him for not hanging curtains before. 

(Tr. 209.) In fact, he was never criticized by Cornett for anything concerning his work 

performance. (Tr. 210-12.) Gray told Investigator Fain that the mine is gassy and the methane 

sensors on the bolter would often shut it down at a reading of 2% which happened often if the 

curtain was not properly advanced. (Tr. 156; Temp. R. 26; Temp. R. Ex. G-1.) 

When Gray was asked why he did not go higher up the chain of command than Cornett in 

reporting his complaints, he stated that “Mr. Cornett was the one that I needed to go to first.” 

When asked why he did not report his complaints to Estevez, he responded, “Because Mr. 

Cornett would have handled it. I thought Mr. Cornett would have handled it.” (Temp. R. 95-96.) 

Gray confirmed that he had known Investigator Fain for 20 years from attending the same 

church. (Temp. R. 89.) He also testified that he knew Inspector Harris, Fain’s supervisor, for 

about 10 years. (Temp. R. 89.) He explained Harris called him as a witness in a federal court 

case where a mine was charged with “mining out of law” and ventilation violations. (Temp. R. 

96-97.) 

Gray confirmed that MSHA inspectors were in the mine every other day but he said 

nothing to them about the deep cuts. (Tr. 220.) In addition to being acquainted with Fain and 

Harris, he was also acquainted with MSHA inspector Silas Brock and spoke to him quite often at 

the mine. (Temp. R. 32, 78.) He did not report his safety concerns to any of them. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1445
Gray’s Termination 

At the end of the shift on May 15, Gray was approached by a scoopman as he was 

coming out of the drift and was told Estevez wanted to see him in his office. (Tr. 191.) When he 

got there Estevez told him he needed his rescuer because he had to let Gray go. When Gray 

asked why, Estevez replied that it was because “people had complained about him.” Gray asked 

who had complained and Estevez replied he could not tell him but he would believe his foreman 

over Gray. Gray then walked out, got into his truck and went home without comment. (Tr. 192.) 

Guy Fain 

MSHA Investigator Guy Fain was assigned to investigate Gray’s claim of discrimination 

by his superior, Gary Harris. (Temp. R. 101.) He testified that Gray did not mention curtains in 

his initial complaint. (Temp. R. 102.) In pursuit of his investigatory duties, Fain interviewed 

Anthony Estevez on June 23, 2009. (Temp. R. 108; Ex. R-11A.) Among other things, Estevez 

told Fain that he and Cornett had discussed problems with Gray’s performance such as slowing 

down, burning up bits and not putting pressure on the drill to install bolts. (Temp. R. 109.) These 

issues led to Gray’s termination. (Temp. R. 110.) Fain did not ask Estevez anything about the 

curtain complaint. (Temp. R. 111.) 

Fain also interviewed Thomas Cornett, the section foreman. (Temp. R. 111.) Cornett told 

Fain that Gray never made the alleged safety complaints to him about bolting deep cuts. He 

denied deep cuts ever being taken in the mine. Cornett stated that he had given Gray a verbal 

warning for not spot-bolting and not hanging curtains. (Temp. R. 113.) He said Gray was a slow 

worker and was off task when he was supposed to be moving the drill or putting up curtains. 

(Temp. R. 113.) 

The other crew members on the 001 section, William Peak, William McFarland and Jerry 

Lynn Hall, also provided information that Gray was not a good worker. They denied ever seeing 

or hearing about deep cuts or hearing Gray complain about safety issues. (Temp. R. 116-22.) 

After interviewing Cornett, Fain returned to Gray’s home on July 31 to ask him if he had 

any other safety complaints. (Temp. R. 124-25.) Specifically, it was Tom Cornett’s comments 

about Gray not hanging curtains that first brought up the question about curtains and caused Fain 

to return to ask Gray about them. (Temp. R. 124-26.) At no time prior did Gray mention curtains 

to Fain. (Temp. R. 126.) 

At trial, Fain was asked to elaborate on Gray’s comments about the curtains. Fain stated 

that Gray told him he had to rehang curtains because the curtains would be pulled down 

sometimes when tramming the bolter and it would shut the miner off due to a buildup of 

methane. (Temp. R. 138-39.) Gray further told Fain that he was directed by his foreman to hang 

the curtains. (Temp. R. 139.) Fain stated that if the curtains were not put back up, there would be 

a safety issue and confirmed that if the foreman told them to reinstall them, as Gray said, it 

would be to improve safety. (Temp. R. 140.) When Fain was asked how Gray’s statement that 

Cornett directed him to hang the curtains could be construed as a safety complaint, he could not 

do so. (Temp. R. 141.) Fain had reported in his summary of interview from July 31 that Gray 

37 FMSHRC Page 1446
said “he had complained several times about mine ventilation curtains not being up to Tom 

Cornett, the section foreman.” (Temp. R. 142; Temp. R. Ex. G-1.) Gray further said he had 

complained to two other foreman about the curtains, one of whom he could only identify as 

“Moondog” who told him to just shut down the machine and hang the curtains. Gray went on to 

say, Cornett seemed to get mad if Gray shut down to hang them but the machines would shut off 

by themselves if he did not. (Temp. R. 142-43.) Fain testified that he thought Gray must have 

had a dispute about whether he should shut the machine down or let the methane monitor shut it 

down when he did his curtain work to explain how the curtain issue could be interpreted as a 

safety complaint. (Temp. R. 156.) 

Fain also spoke to other regular mine inspectors William Clark, Kevin Doan and Silas 

Brock as to whether they had ever seen deep cuts in the mine. None had. (Temp. R. 128-29.) 

Doan had reported to Investigator Sturgill that he (Doan) was at the mine and watched Gray roof 

bolting on the day Gray was fired. (Temp. R. 132.) 

Stephen Countiss 

Stephen Countiss was the day shift mine foreman from November 2008 to March 2010. 

(Tr. 123.) He observed Gray on an occasional basis and found him to be a slow worker. He saw 

Sheeks waiting for Gray to catch up. (Tr. 124.) Sheeks complained to him about Gray’s work 

performance because he was concerned it might affect his job as well. (Tr. 125.) The other 

bolting crew complained because they had to shoulder more of the load when Gray and Sheeks 

would not do as much. Cornett also complained to him about Gray. (Tr. 126.) Cornett had asked 

Countiss to speak with Gray about hanging the curtains because Gray was not doing it as 

required. (Tr. 126.) 

Countiss stated that he was underground almost every day and never saw a 56 foot cut 

nor had anyone ever told him about or complained of a deep cut. The mine was on a 40 foot plan 

but it had been a long time since anyone had attempted a cut of that depth because the roof was 

in poor condition. (Tr. 126.) Gray had never made a complaint about a deep cut nor did he ever 

complain to him about anything regarding ventilation curtains. (Tr. 128.) Once Gray was fired 

and replaced, the production picked up considerably. (Tr. 129.) 

Countiss was aware of Gray having been counseled by Russell Ison on February 27, 2009 

for his performance. Ison told him that it was a verbal warning so it was not signed by a witness. 

(Tr. 116; Ex. Compl.-B.) Countiss stated that Ison was mistaken if he said that he (Countiss) was 

not present when this verbal warning was given to Gray. Countiss recalled an additional written 

warning given to Gray a couple months before Ison issued the verbal warning in February. It was 

for substandard performance. (Tr. 121.) Countiss, Ison and Gray signed this document but 

Countiss did not know what happened to it. (Tr. 121-22.) This warning should have been in 

Gray’s personnel file but it could not be located. (Tr. 133-35.) Countiss believed Ison gave Gray 

a copy of this warning. (Tr. 120.) 

Countiss was a witness to the final counseling given to Gray on April 29, 2009. (Tr. 118; 

Ex. Compl.-A.) He did not recall Estevez speaking to Gray about any of the prior warnings at 

this meeting. Countiss could not recall whether he had informed Estevez of Gray’s prior 

37 FMSHRC Page 1447
counseling before or after Gray’s termination, but he did tell Estevez about it at some point in 

time. (Tr. 117.) Countiss did not know if there were any documents on Estevez’s desk when he 

had Gray sign the April warning. (Tr. 118.) What he did recall was that Estevez was at his desk 

when he talked to Gray about his performance. (Tr. 111, 114.) Countiss watched Gray sign the 

document. Gray was standing over the document and signed his name with a slashing motion at 

the end, threw the pen down and stomped out the door. (Tr. 120.) As Countiss recalled, Gray did 

not take a copy of the letter with him. (Tr. 120.) After Grey left the room, Countiss signed the 

document as a witness. (Tr. 110-11.) 

Following Gray’s termination and filing of the discrimination complaint, Countiss was 

interviewed by Fain and signed a written summary of interview. (Ex. R-12.) In his statement, he 

did not mention the earlier written warning to Fain. (Tr. 131.) He also did not tell Fain that the 

other crew and Cornett complained about Gray’s performance because he was not asked that 

question. (Tr. 132. He did state that Sheeks complained about Gray, however. (Tr. 132.) He was 

asked if he had any personal issues with Gray to which he responded in the negative. (Tr. 133.) 

Countiss stated that there was no progressive disciplinary system at the mine that he 

knew of. He had never personally been asked to fill out the pre-printed disciplinary form and did 

not know how they were to be filled out. (Tr. 136-37.) 

Chris Sheeks 

Sheeks had been employed by North Fork since 2005 and was trained as a roof bolter by 

Mark Gray. (Tr.II 61, 81.) He and Gray operated a dual-headed bolter. (Tr.II 62.) The other roof 

bolter on the shift was operated by William Peak and “Snappy.” (Tr.II 62-63.) It was the roof 

bolters’ responsibility to hang curtains within four feet of the back of the drill. (Tr.II 63.) It was 

primarily Gray’s responsibility to do this. (Tr.II 63.) As Sheeks trammed the drill forward, the 

curtain had to be rolled up and then dropped back down which was Gray’s responsibility but he 

did not do it; Sheeks had to. (Tr.II 68-69.) He would have to drive the drill, throw the miner 

cable over, and roll up the curtain himself while Gray would be standing around talking. (Tr.II 

80.) 

Sheeks testified that Gray was lazy and very slow. (Tr.II 64.) He and Gray bolted about 

11⁄2 places to every five or six done by the other team in the same amount of time. (Tr.II 64.) 

Sheeks had observed Gray spin the drill without putting pressure on it on a few occasions. (Tr.II 

65.) Cornett had often spoken to them about picking up production and moving faster. (Tr.II 66.) 

Estevez and Countiss had also spoken to them about their production being too slow. (Tr.II 67.) 

This led to Sheeks asking both Countiss and Estevez to change bolting partners so he would not 

get fired for Gray’s poor performance. (Tr.II 67-68.) Gray’s performance resulted in the other 

bolting team having to bolt more places to pick up their slack, the third shift having to finish the 

job or their having to finish the following day. (Tr.II 68.) 

Sheeks testified that Gray told him that he had been written up three or four times, once 

by Estevez and the other times by Russell Ison. (Tr.II 69, 90.) Gray said he was written up once 

for not having enough cable to move the drill which would stop production until the cable was 

pulled and hung up so the rest of the equipment could operate. (Tr.II 70-71.) On another 

37 FMSHRC Page 1448
occasion, Sheeks and Gray were brought to Estevez’s office with Steve Countiss for disciplinary 

reasons. (Tr.II 71.) Cornett was present as well. (Tr.II 71.) Estevez showed them a production 

report that tracked the number of bolts installed by the other bolting team compared to their 

numbers. They were told to pick up their pace. Gray remarked to Sheeks that the other team was 

lying about their numbers and he could not work any faster. (Tr.II 72.) Sheeks met with Estevez 

a second time without Gray to ask Estevez to move him to another crew or give him a new roof 

bolting partner because he did not think it was right that he was being reprimanded for Gray’s 

poor performance. (Tr.II 72-73.) 

Gray had told Sheeks that the company could not fire them because it had a bad name 

and they could not get anyone else to work for them. Gray further stated that he would sue them 

if he could not get unemployment. (Tr.II 74.) Gray stated that he kept an attorney on retainer. 

(Tr.II 75.) 

Sheeks had never seen a cut of 50 feet or deeper in the mine, he had never heard Gray 

refuse to bolt a cut of 50 feet or deeper and he had never heard Gray make any complaints about 

the company not keeping the curtains up. (Tr.II 76.) 

 Sheeks had observed Gray put up four foot rope bolts which are designed to allow the 

roof to move. It took Gray 30 to 45 minutes to install one bolt whereas it should take two or three 

minutes. (Tr.II 79.) Sheeks described Gray as being able to do his job well if he chose to but he 

was lazy. (Tr.II 105-07.) 

On the day Gray was fired, Estevez and an MSHA inspector came to the 001 section 

while Sheeks and Gray were in the number one entry installing the first row of bolts. The drill 

they were using had a new feature on it; it was the only one in the mine with rock guards. (Tr.II 

78.) A few hours later Estevez and the MSHA inspector returned at which time Sheeks and Gray 

had installed about seven bolts. They should have had about 70 bolts installed in that amount of 

time. (Tr.II 77.) 

Jerry Lynn Hall 

Hall was the continuous miner operator for North Fork on the 001 section day shift for 

approximately three years. (Tr.II 13.) He had been a miner operator for seven or eight years with 

26 years of mining experience. Hall testified that he was the only miner operator on the day shift. 

(Tr.II 9.) Hall was not specifically aware of Gray being written up and warned however he had 

heard “hearsay” to that effect. (Tr.II 15.) Hall had never heard Gray complain about or refuse to 

bolt a deep cut. The typical cuts in that mine were 20 feet. (Tr.II 7.) 

William “Snappy” McFarland 

McFarland was a roof bolter on Gray’s shift. (Tr.II 22.) The depth of the cuts in the mine 

was never in excess of 20 feet. (Tr.II 22-23.) He had never seen cuts in excess of 50 feet nor had 

he heard of anyone saying there had been any such cuts. (Tr.II 23.) He described the general 

condition of the roof as pretty bad. If a cut of 50 feet had been made, there would be a lot of 

draw rock falling down. (Tr.II 23-24.) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1449
There were times when they had to cross the cable of the other bolter to tram to their next 

entry because Gray’s team was lagging behind them. (Tr.II 25-26.) Once Jim Pennington 

replaced Gray, the speed picked up. (Tr.II 26.) 

William Peak 

Peak was McFarland’s roof bolting partner on the 001 day shift. He observed that Gray 

and Sheeks did not bolt at the same pace; they would bolt five to six places for every one or two 

places Gray and Sheeks bolted. The effect would be that production would slow down and it 

would put more work on him and his partner. He complained to Cornett about it. (Tr.II 32.) 

When Pennington was hired, they two teams bolted equally fast. (Tr.II 33.) The typical depth cut 

was 20 feet or less. (Tr.II 33.) 

Peak had never seen a cut of 50 feet. The top was real bad and a cut of that depth would 

have been extremely dangerous. He never been asked to bolt a deep cut or heard anyone else say 

they were asked to bolt one. He never heard Gray said he had been asked to bolt a deep cut. He 

had heard Gray had bolted a deep cut at some other mines but not at North Fork. (Tr.II 34-35.) 

Peak told Fain that he had never seen a crosscut mined all the way through without being bolted. 

He also told Fain that the deepest cut he ever saw was 40 feet deep and that was two years prior 

in a different coal seam where the roof conditions were better. (Ex. R-9.) 

Peak was no longer working for North Fork as he was out on long term disability. (Tr.II 

32.) He had been terminated because his disability was permanent. (Tr.II 38.) 

Marty Bates 

Marty Bates was the 001 section second shift foreman in May 2009. (Tr.II 42.) The first 

and second shifts were production shifts where the third shift was only maintenance. (Tr.II 43.) 

The depth of the cuts being taken were 18 to 20 feet and no more. (Tr.II 43.) Had a cut of 50 feet 

been taken, the roof would cave in. (Tr.II 44.) There were no cuts taken of 50 feet or more, no 

one ever asked him to make a cut of that depth and no one ever complained about taking such a 

cut. (Tr.II 44.) 

Kevin Doan 

Kevin Doan is an MSHA roof control specialist of five years. (Tr. 149.) He visited the 

mine in the day Gray was fired. (Tr. 142.) Doan had no present recollection of the events; he 

testified from his notes. (Tr. 146. He traveled with Estevez to the section. (Tr. 146.)15 He entered 

15 Doan testified that he went to the 002 section; however, it was clear from the testimony 

that he went to observe the only roof bolting machine that had the rock deflector shields (ATRS) 

installed which was Gray’s machine. Additionally, he testified that he recognized “Tom” in the 

courthouse as the foreman on the section. (Tr. 153.) He also confirmed that he spoke with Gray 

during the inspection. The 002 section was located 11⁄2 miles away from the 001 section. (Tr.II 

53.) Additionally, Estevez testified that the citation Doan issued that day was corrected during 

(continued...) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1450
the mine with Estevez sometime around eight or nine. (Tr. 151.) He made an imminent danger 

run across the working section starting at the number one heading and going across to six. (Tr. 

152.) He was interested in seeing the Automatic Temporary Roof Support system (ATRS) that 

had been installed on one of the roof bolters as he had never seen one before. (Tr. 152-53.) The 

machine was in the number one heading. (Tr. 153.) Doan was extremely reluctant to state how 

long it took for him to travel from entry one across to six and come back again. He finally 

estimated one hour or more. (Tr. 158.) He cited a rib roll as well as an improper test hole along 

the way. (Tr. 156.) Estevez was with him the entire time. (Tr. 158.) When they came back to the 

number one entry, the roof bolter was still in the same entry bolting the same cut as they had 

been when they first saw it. (Tr. 158-59.) Doan testified, however, that he could not recall 

making a comment about how slow they were bolting as Estevez stated. (Tr. 159.) 

Doan stated that no roof control plans in District 7 allowed for cuts as deep as 50 feet. 

(Tr. 161.) Doan stated that he had never seen 56 foot unbolted cuts in this mine nor had he ever 

written a citation for deep cuts in the mine. (Tr. 161.) No miner had ever told him deep cuts were 

being taken in the mine. (Tr. 161.) Doan confirmed that he had seen and issued citations for cuts 

exceeding the roof control plan in other mines which he discovered during his inspection. (Tr. 

163.) 

Thomas Cornett 

Cornett had been a section foreman for 26 years. He started on the 001 day shift in April 

2009. (Tr. 227.) He was Gray’s immediate supervisor. (Tr. 227.) His responsibility was to ensure 

safety and production and to supervise the crews underground involved with cutting and hauling 

the coal and bolting the roof. (Tr. 228-29.) In his observations of Gray, he felt Gray started out as 

a good worker for the first few days but then started to slow down in his job and not hang the 

ventilation curtains as required. (Tr. 229.) It was Gray’s duty to keep the curtain within four feet 

of the bolter at all times. (Tr. 229.) Every time the bolter moves up four feet, the curtain is to be 

moved up four feet as well. (Tr. 230.) Gray would at times use the wrong size bolts as well. (Tr. 

229.) 

 In comparison to the other bolters, Gray and Sheeks bolted two places to every five the 

other team bolted. The other crew was made up of William McFarland and Bill Peak. (Tr. 232.) 

Cornett spoke to Sheeks and Gray about their performance and kept a personal notebook in 

which he entered notations about speaking with these two bolters about their performance.16 (Tr. 

233; Ex. R-3.) Cornett testified that he personally photocopied the pages from his notebook and 

the termination inspection by putting the spad number from the mine map on the paperwork 

which coincided with the 001 section. (Tr.II 59.) I conclude Doan was on the 001 section where 

Mark Gray was working. 

16 Counsel for Gray objected to the photocopied notes being entered into evidence under 

the best evidence rule, there being no originals by which to test their authenticity or his 

15 (...continued) 

(continued...) (c

37 FMSHRC Page 1451
produced all notes pertaining to Gray and Sheeks. (Tr. 236.) As he stated, Gray only worked for 

him for a month or so. (Tr. 255.) His notes document numerous instances of Gray’s misbehavior. 

Some examples are: (1) 4-14-09 Gray was not putting pressure on the drill, meaning he was not 

putting up pressure on the drill to install the bolt. Cornett observed this when Gray was unaware 

he was being watched; (2) 4-22-09, Gray was making remarks that “the men could f*** over a 

boss and cut coal run down,” and it took him 25 minutes to spot one bolt. Sheeks was listed as a 

witness to this; (3) 4-23-09 he spoke to Gray and Sheeks about doing a safe job bolting because 

they had installed too wide a bolt; (4) 4-28-09 curtains were not hung as required in #6 and #4 

and a 6-foot bolt instead of a 12-foot rope bolt was installed in the corner; (5) 4-28-09 Gray was 

told to quit holding up production, he did not hang the two curtains and spot bolted again with a 

6-foot bolt; and, (6) 5-11-09 it took Gray three hours and twenty minutes to install nine bolts. 

(Tr. 237-44.) Cornett testified that he had to speak to Gray on a daily basis for a while about 

keeping up with hanging curtains. (Tr. 240.) On April 29, 2009 he gave Gray a verbal warning 

about curtains and spot bolting, which was similar to the warning Gray had received the day 

before. (Tr. 243.) He was warned on three subsequent days to pick up the pace of bolting. It took 

Gray over three hours to spot bolt nine bolts when it should have taken about twenty minutes. 

(Tr. 244.) Cornett did not inform Fain, when interviewed, that he had these notes. (Tr. 272.) He 

stated that he did not think to produce the notebook until counsel for North Fork asked for any 

notes he may have on Gray. (Tr. 233.) He could not recall what Fain asked him but he did tell 

Fain that he had problems with Mark Gray. (Tr. 273.) 

Cornett testified that typically cuts of about 18 feet were being taken in the April to May 

2009 time frame because there was draw rock on the roof that could come down, creating a 

safety hazard. (Tr. 245-46.) No one took a cut deeper than 30 feet in the mine. Had a 50 or 60 

foot cut been taken, the roof would have fallen in. (Tr. 246.) He had not seen a deep cut in many 

years. (Tr. 262.) A deep cut would also have been observed by the bolters, car drivers, the miner 

man and the foreman. (Tr. 248.) Gray never mentioned deep cuts to him, he never pinned a deep 

cut, he was never asked to bolt a deep cut and he never refused to bolt a deep cut. (Tr. 248.) Gray 

never complained about wanting to hang curtains, it was the other way around; he complained 

because Cornett told him he had to do it. (Tr. 248.) Gray’s response was that he complained 

about it and said it was somebody else’s job. (Temp. R. 227.) 

credibility. (Tr. 235.) The objection was overruled as the strict rules of evidence do not apply in 

administrative hearings before this Commission. Additionally, as Gray alleges that these notes 

could have been written at any time after Gray’s termination, having the originals would not tend 

to prove or disprove this allegation. If there was a grand design as Gray alleges to fabricate 

documents to prove poor performance after his termination, Cornett could have just as easily 

have fabricated the entire notebook after the fact as well. Additionally, Cornett produced the 

same photocopied entries at the Temporary Reinstatement hearing at which time counsel for 

Gray did not object to their admission. (Temp. R. 224.) Counsel stated that the court advised 

Cornett to maintain the originals for trial but that comment was not contained in the record of 

trial from the earlier hearing. What is contained in the record is counsel for Gray asking Cornett 

to hold on to the originals because he intended to subpoena them. (Temp. R. 252-53.) He never 

did so. (Tr. 234.) I have considered the fact that the original notebook was not produced in my 

assessment of the credibility of the witness and the authenticity of the notes themselves. 

16

 (...continued) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1452
Cornett was not aware Ison had counseled Gray. (Tr. 262.) He did not tell Estevez about 

Gray not putting pressure on his drill although it was serious thing. (Tr. 266.) Countiss, however, 

was aware of it. (Tr. 266.) At the temporary reinstatement hearing Cornett also testified that he 

had discussed Gray not putting pressure on the drill on April 14 with Ison. (Temp. R. 232.) He 

also told Ison that he verbally counseled Gray on April 22 for not spot bolting. At one time 

Cornett recommended to Ison that Gray be fired but nothing came of it. (Temp. R. 250.) He did 

speak to Estevez about Gray’s performance but not the specifics and never told Estevez to fire 

Gray. (Tr. 267-69.) 

Cornett testified that Gray had made threats to sue the company from time to time as far 

back as when he worked on the night shift about one year prior to his termination. (Temp. R. 

246-48.) 

On the day Gray was fired, two inspectors were at the mine. (Tr. 251.) Kevin Doan was 

one of them who accompanied Estevez to the section Gray was working on that day. (Tr. 252.) 

Cornett’s notes indicated that both Gray and Sheeks took 21⁄2 hours to bolt the #4 right break. 

Sheeks was verbally counseled by Cornett but he was not fired because Cornett saw that Sheeks 

was bolting faster and waiting for Gray to put his bolts up. (Tr. 260.) After Gray was fired and 

his replacement was put in place, production evened out between the two bolting teams. (Tr. 

249.) Prior to Gray’s termination Cornett spoke to Estevez about Gray being the reason why that 

bolting team was slow. (Tr. 250.) 

Anthony Estevez 

Estevez had become the superintendent at the North Fork #4 mine in late March 2009. 

(Tr. 36, 61.) Upon taking control of the mine, he traveled the entire mine, observed the different 

shifts and evaluated every aspect of the mine. (Tr. 611.) He studied production reports for the 

various sections and established a cut sequence to be followed for ventilation and methane 

issues. (Tr. 63.) Soon after taking control, he noticed that the 001 day shift under Cornett was not 

complying with the plan. When he asked Cornett why there was a problem, Cornett stated that he 

had problems with the roof bolters staying caught up. Specifically, he indicated it was the 

Gray/Sheeks bolting team that was the problem. (Tr. 63.) Cornett told Estevez that he felt Gray 

was the problem. He was slowing down, burning up bits, spinning the drill without putting up 

pressure on it, not bringing enough cable to move the equipment and not hanging the curtains 

according to the ventilation plan. (Ex. R-11A.) Estevez observed them every time he was on the 

section. (Tr. 64.) Not only did he see that they were always behind in bolting but he observed on 

two occasions they did not have enough cable to move the bolter from one place to another. On 

the first occasion, the entire section was down because their machine blocked all the other 

equipment while they were trying to pull enough cable to get them out of the way. (Tr. 65.) On 

the second occasion, the same thing happened but Estevez told them to move out of the way and 

Estevez and some other miners pulled the cable. (Tr. 66.) Another time he was on the section he 

observed a cable jumping up and down as the bolter was exiting the entry. When he approached 

the bolter, he found Sheeks backing out on his own. When asked where Gray was, Sheeks said 

he did not know. Estevez helped Sheeks back out of the entry as two operators are required when 

doing so. (Tr. 66.) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1453
Having observed the bolting on the shifts, Estevez found the Gray/Sheeks machine to bolt 

well below the pace of the other crew; they were moving two to three times slower than the 

crew. In early April Estevez called Gray and Sheeks into his office to show them production 

reports and explained to them that they were below standard. They stated they would do better. 

(Tr. 67-68.) Gray stated that he felt like he was doing a good job. On that particular day, Sheeks 

and Gray bolted 11⁄2 rows during that shift while the other team had bolted 51⁄2 rows. (Ex. R11A.) When performance had not improved, they were called into Estevez’s office one at a time. 

Sheeks said if he had a better partner he could do a better job. He said it was Gray’s fault 

because Gray was often missing when he needed to move the machine, he was always waiting on 

Gray and Gray was not hanging the curtains. (Tr. 68-69.) When Gray was questioned and given 

an opportunity to explain his performance, he said he could do better but said nothing else. (Tr. 

69.) This was before any disciplinary letters were issued. (Tr. 70.) 

Estevez held weekly safety meetings and daily meetings before or after each shift when 

he was at the mine. All miners were present at the meetings. He also maintained an open door 

policy. (Tr. 70.) Gray had never made any safety complaints at any meeting nor did he ever 

mention any deep cuts in excess of 20 feet or anything about curtains. (Tr. 71, 76.) Had a deep 

cut been taken, those responsible would have been terminated, Estevez said. (Tr. 73.) A deep cut 

would endanger the miner operator, two shuttle car men and the roof bolters. (Tr. 73.) Cuts in 

excess of 20 feet were not being taken. (Tr. 74.) There were three or four MSHA inspectors are 

at the mine almost every day traveling in the working areas looking for things such as deep cuts 

and unsupported top. (Tr. 74-75.) 

Estevez testified that he accompanied MSHA inspector Doan on his inspection of the 001 

section on the day Gray was terminated. They traveled to where Gray and Sheeks were bolting 

the first row of bolts. They left the area to make a run across the entire section. When they 

returned about two hours later Gray and Sheeks had only advanced to the second row of bolts in 

that time. (Tr. 51-52.) That would have been a total of about 12 bolts which was extremely slow. 

Doan had wanted to see the reflector pads on the bolter which Gray and Sheeks operated. (Tr. 

50-51.) Estevez had expected them to be done bolting by the time they returned so that Doan 

could look at the front end of the bolter. When they found Gray and Sheeks still bolting the same 

entry upon their return, Doan said something to the effect of “I can’t believe they’re still in it.” 

Estevez replied that he realized he had a problem that he was going to take care of. (Tr. 50, 54-

55.) Estevez testified that Doan’s comment played no part in his decision to fire Gray. (Tr. 57.) 

At the temporary reinstatement hearing, he stated that he had decided if there was no 

improvement in Gray’s performance firing was inevitable but when an outsider commented on it, 

he felt like it had gone too far. (Tr. 57.) 

When Estevez fired Gray, Gray did not mention deep cuts, curtains or any safety 

complaints. (Tr. 76.) Gray asked why he was being fired and Estevez told him it was because he 

had been warned about his poor performance already and it had not improved. It was now a 

safety issue. Gray responded, “That’s okay, I’ll have a job tomorrow.” (Tr. 77.) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1454
Gray testified that up until the day he was terminated, he had never been disciplined by 

any one in management, he had never been called into Estevez’s office with Sheeks for any 

reason and he had never been told he was performing too slowly nor was he ever shown 

production reports. He had never failed to secure enough cable on the miner to tram it to a new 

location. (Tr. 221-24.) He denied that he told Sheeks that he had been written up by Ison on 

previous occasions. (Tr. 222.) He denied that he told Sheeks he could not be fired because North 

Fork could not get other roof bolters. (Tr. 222.) He denied that he told Sheeks that if he was 

fired, he would file an unemployment claim and if that was denied, he would sue the company. 

(Tr. 222.) He denied that any foreman had ever kept after him for hanging curtains as required, 

he never ran his drill without putting upward pressure on it, he did not tell Estevez on the day he 

was fired that he would have a job the next day and he was never fired or received any written 

warnings from any of the 30 mines he had worked in in 29 years. (Tr. 209-12.) Most importantly, 

Gray denied ever having seen, received or signed any written counseling warnings given to him 

by Russell Ison in February or by Estevez in April, 2009. (Tr. 192.) Gray claims his purported 

signature on the documents are forgeries made by someone on behalf of North Fork. 

Essentially, if Gray is to be believed, all of the witnesses for North Fork, management 

and non-management alike, have conspired against him and have created an intricate and 

detailed fabrication of performance down to the last detail to which they all testified under oath. I 

find that not only do the witnesses for North Fork provide credible testimony that contradicts 

Gray’s assertions, but also the statements and admissions made by disinterested parties directly 

contradict or cast significant doubt on Gray’s testimony. I further find Gray’s own testimony 

contradictory and lacking credibility on its face. 

Deep Cuts and Hanging Curtains 

There are several troubling omissions in detail, inconsistencies and lapses in memory in 

both Gray’s testimony at trial and the temporary reinstatement hearing held in September 2009 

and his statement to Investigator Fain. 

Gray’s account of what protected activities he engaged in and when evolved over time. 

His initial complaint mentioned only one deep cut and did not provide any details as to when that 

cut was made. (Temp. R. Ex. R-1.) Subsequently Gray told Investigator Fain that this cut was 

made about a week before he was fired, then he added that he had bolted a similar deep cut “a 

couple of days prior.” (Temp. R. Ex. R-2.) At the temporary reinstatement hearing he initially 

said that the first deep cut was made two days before the second deep cut. (Temp. R. 38.) He 

later said that it was three days before. (Temp. R. 56, 79; Tr. 188.) In his second statement to 

Investigator Fain, Gray for the first time said he had also made complaints about ventilation 

curtains. He said he had made these complaints to two foremen “since the first of 2009.” (Temp. 

R. Ex. G-1.) He later testified that there was one specific incident in which he complained about 

curtains to Cornett and Cornett appeared to be angry, walked off, and thereafter exhibited a cold 

attitude toward Gray. (Temp. R. 27-28, 71-72.) At the temporary reinstatement hearing he 

testified he was sure that the alleged curtain incident he complained of occurred about two weeks 

IV. CREDIBILITY OF WITNESSES

Mark Gray 

37 FMSHRC Page 1455
before he was discharged. (Temp. R. 28, 69.) Gray testified at trial, however, that the curtain 

incident occurred on the same day he refused to bolt the second deep cut, which was one 

week before he was fired. (Tr. 203.) Gray never gave a date on which any of these events 

occurred. 

Gray testified at the earlier proceeding that Sheeks was not with him when he refused to 

bolt the second cut and he could not recall where Sheeks was at the time. (Temp. R. 42-43.) 

Later in his testimony when questioned by the court he stated that Sheeks was with him when he 

told Cornett he was not going to bolt the second cut; Sheeks was sitting on the drill. (Temp. R. 

57.) Sheeks heard him refuse to bolt the second cut. (Temp. R. 86.) At hearing he testified 

unequivocally that Sheeks was with him at the time he refused to bolt the second cut. (Tr. 209.) 

At the temporary reinstatement hearing, Gray was asked directly why he bolted the first 

deep cut. He said that he did so because “Tom” told him he needed it for air so he bolted it. 

(Temp. R. 49.) He then stated several times that directly after bolting this cut, he told Cornett 

that he bolted this one but he would not bolt another one. (Temp. R. 37-39, 52-53, 55-56.) It was 

not until the hearing some fifteen months later that he testified that he bolted the first deep cut 

because he was “job scared.” (Tr. 183.) 

At trial Gray acknowledged that he stated in his complaint to MSHA that the deep cuts 

were 60 feet deep. (Temp. R. Ex. R-2.) At the earlier proceeding and at trial, he said he knew the 

first one was 56 feet by counting the bolts installed and he could tell the second one was the 

same as the first just by looking at it. (Temp. R. 38, 74; Tr. 182, 187.) He took no notes of the 

incidents to help recall the number of bolts he installed and could not recall the bolting pattern in 

the other mines he worked in but he was certain about his recollection here even though he could 

not provide a date certain on which any of the three alleged incidents occurred. (Temp. R. 75.) 

He could not recall, moreover, the name of the miner man who made the deep cut although there 

was only one on the shift. (Temp. R. 75.) He later identified the miner man who made both cuts 

as “Steve.” (Temp. R. 80.) The miner man’s name was, in fact, Jerry Lynn Hall. (Tr.II 6.) Nor 

could he recall the names of the other two roof bolters on his section until provided their names 

by counsel for Respondent. 

Gray repeatedly called his section foreman “Tom Caudill” at the earlier proceeding. (Tr. 

23-24.) Despite being given Cornett’s name by counsel several times, Gray continually referred 

to Cornett as Caudill although he later stated that there was no one by the name of Caudill that 

worked with him. (Tr. 37, 39, 42, 43, 47.) Gray also could not identify the area in the mine he 

was working in May 2009, only that he was on the 001 section. (Tr. 35-36.) 

I find the inconsistencies in Gray’s testimony and his inability to recall the dates on 

which the events took place or even the sequence of events to be extremely perplexing at best. 

The stark contrast between his testimony at the earlier hearing that he bolted the first cut because 

he was asked to so he just did it and his assertion of being “job scared” is difficult to attribute to 

anything but having had many months to embellish his story. The vacillations between his 

statements whether his roof bolting partner did or did not hear his refusal to bolt the alleged 

second deep cut, along with his inability to properly identify his day to day foreman or the one 

and only miner man on his shift or the two other roof bolters with whom he had worked for 

months or anyone who would have seen the second deep cut are inexplicable. These events are 

the crux of the alleged protected activity yet he cannot recall such obvious and important details 

37 FMSHRC Page 1456
or keep his story straight having had one year and seven months from the time of his termination 

to trial to prepare. It would stand to reason that he should have a far clearer recollection and 

more believable account of the events, if they did in fact occur. These apparent lapses and 

inconsistencies make his testimony seem disingenuous and fabricated. 

Gray’s testimony does not withstand reasonably objective scrutiny. For example, Gray 

trained his roof bolting partner, Chris Sheeks. At trial he said the reason he bolted the first 

alleged deep cut was because he was “job scared” and he said nothing to anyone including 

Sheeks or Cornett about bolting the area. (Tr. 183.) But he further stated that immediately after 

he bolted the cut he faced off with Cornett and told him that he would not bolt another one. (Tr. 

182-83; 213-14.) This is particularly incredible taking into consideration that at the earlier 

hearing just a short time after the alleged events, he utterly failed to mention that he was fearful 

of Cornett or losing his job. His explanation for bolting the cut was because he was told to. 

(Temp. R. 38, 49.) And, despite his claim that Cornett was angry with him for refusing to bolt 

the second cut, Cornett just told him and Sheeks to bolt another place. (Tr. 185.) Had Gray been 

“job scared” it apparently lasted only for a few seconds as he faced up to Cornett immediately 

after bolting a deep cut and refused to Cornett’s face to bolt another deep cut just three days 

later. And had Cornett been angry with him, as Gray asserts, Cornett’s reaction was surprisingly 

mild in merely directing him to bolt another area and bringing in another crew to bolt this 

allegedly illegal deep cut. It is also difficult to believe that despite being the highly experienced 

bolter responsible for his partner’s safety as well as his own, Gray allegedly entered into 

unsupported roof in a 56 foot cut without saying a word to Sheeks or anyone else in this 

momentary period of being job scared. 

 As another example, Gray confirmed Estevez’s testimony that he held weekly safety 

meetings that Gray attended yet Gray said nothing about the deep cuts that he was allegedly so 

concerned about. Estevez also testified that he held informal safety talks before or after a shift 

when he was down in the mines but Gray never raised the issue there either. Estevez was new as 

superintendent of the mine and there was no allegation by Gray that Estevez harbored an 

animosity towards Gray which would prevent him from speaking up at these meetings. When 

Gray was asked at the temporary reinstatement hearing why he did not complain to someone up 

the chain of command, he lamely responded that Cornett was the one he needed to tell and who 

would have handled it. (Temp R. 95-96.)

As a third example, Gray could not identify who would have bolted the second cut 

although there was only one other bolting duo on the shift. When asked by Respondent’s counsel 

if someone bolted up the second alleged deep cut, Gray responded as follows: 

Q. And somebody bolted up that 56 foot place you’re telling the Judge about? 

A. I suppose so. 

Q. What do you mean, you suppose so? You saw it bolted up, didn’t you? Later on? 

A. I didn’t see nobody bolt it up. 

Q. You saw it bolted up after it was – 

A. Yes, it was bolted up. 

(Tr. 216-17.) Counsel for Gray attempted to explain this oddity by establishing anyone else could 

fill in on a bolting machine if the regular crew was absent. However, there was no evidence to 

37 FMSHRC Page 1457
suggest such an occurrence despite the opportunity to ask the other roof bolters who appeared at 

trial if that was possible. Gray also testified that he had no idea who would have seen the second 

cut besides Sheeks. (Temp. R. 79.) Obviously, Cornett would have seen the cut as he allegedly 

directed that it be made and that Gray and Sheeks bolt it. The car drivers who would haul the cut 

coal away would also see it, not to mention the other bolters who bolted it. Gray’s inability to 

state even the obvious lacks an objectively logical explanation and leads to the conclusion that he 

was having difficulty thinking on his feet while spinning a tale. 

Gray asserted that deep cuts were “not unusual” in Kentucky yet when he was asked 

which mines he worked in that took deep cuts or how often this occurred he could not come up 

with any answer whatsoever. He stated that he never reported any of these illegal cuts to MSHA 

over the 30 years of his career as a miner despite being so concerned with safety and being 

acquainted for years with Fain, Harris and Brooks whom he could have approached outside of 

the mine environment had he been truly “job scared” about making a safety complaint. And then, 

suddenly on or about May 12, 2009, he squared off with his section foreman the first time when 

was asked to bolt a deep cut and refused to bolt a second one. 

Gray’s allegations that these two deep cuts were made is completely unsubstantiated 

aside from his own testimony which is contradicted by the rank-and-file miners as well as noncompany witnesses alike. As Fain testified, not one of the regular inspectors of North Fork 

reported ever seeing any deep cuts. (Temp. R. 128-29.) Doan did an imminent danger run across 

the entire 001 section on the day that Gray was fired and saw no dangerous roof conditions. (Tr. 

160-63.) Every miner on the 001 day shift testified that no such cut had been made. There was 

not a single witness that had ever heard Gray refuse to bolt a deep cut or make any type of safety 

complaint to anyone. 

Counsel for Gray asserts that a deep cut would never be reported to MSHA voluntarily 

and therefore it would never be known to have occurred. However, Doan, a roof specialist, 

testified that he was aware that deep cuts had been made in Kentucky in the past and they were 

in fact discovered during inspections at the mines. Despite having cited North Fork for a rib roll 

on the day he was there, Doan had not seen evidence of a deep cut at North Fork. (Tr. 160-64.) 

Fain testified that during the investigation of Gray’s complaint, William Clark and Silas Brock, 

two other inspectors who frequented the mine, were asked if they had ever seen deep cuts. None 

had despite the frequency with which they were on site. I find that Gray’s allegation that deep cut 

would not be discovered by MSHA is without merit. I also find it would be highly unlikely that a 

foreman would order an illegal cut in a mine with a roof in extremely poor condition that is 

crawling with MSHA inspectors on almost a daily basis for the sake of “ventilating the face” as 

Gray claims Cornett did. 

I find that the Gray’s assertion that two deep cuts had been made in the months preceding 

his termination is unsubstantiated, contradicted by credible evidence from MSHA inspectors as 

well as management and rank-and-file witnesses and is lacking credibility. 

With regard to the curtain allegation, Gray’s assertion that Cornett appeared to become 

angry and walked off in a huff when he stopped to hang curtains is highly subjective and 

questionable. Gray could not say what if anything Cornett said or what exactly he did that Gray 

37 FMSHRC Page 1458
interpreted as anger towards him on Cornett’s part. Gray’s theory of the case is that Cornett acted 

perturbed because it would slow production when Gray stopped bolting to hang ventilation 

curtains. However, the methane sensors on the roof bolter would often shut the machine down 

when methane rose. (Tr. 156, 179.) The only way to prevent this from happening was to advance 

the curtain once a new row of bolts was installed. Each time the bolter shut down due to a rise in 

methane, production would cease. There is no objectively logical explanation for why Cornett 

would be upset with Gray for not hanging the curtains in this scenario if his goal was to keep the 

mine producing. The more logical explanation is Cornett’s testimony that he had to tell Gray 

repeatedly to keep up with hanging his curtains because he was not doing so as he stated and 

recorded in his notes. (Tr. 240; Ex. R-3.) Gray testified that he had to advance the curtain after 

every 2 1⁄2 rows of bolts installed which would be every 10 feet. (Tr. 210.) However, Cornett 

stated that the curtain was to be advanced after each row of bolts was installed which would be 

every four feet. (Tr. 229-30.) This was also confirmed by Sheeks. (Tr. 63.) So, by Gray’s own 

testimony, he was not following the ventilation plan. All of these factors would be an objectively 

reasonable basis for Cornett to be annoyed with Gray each time he had to tell Gray to hang the 

curtains. 

Casting further doubt on Gray’s credibility with respect to hanging the curtains is the fact 

that Gray never mentioned anything about curtains in his initial complaint to MSHA. (Temp. R. 

102.) Nor did he mention anything about curtains to Investigator Fain when first interviewed by 

him. (Temp. R. 126; Temp. R. Ex. R-1.) Moreover, when he did provide a statement to Fain 

regarding the curtains, it made no sense. Fain testified that he was the one who asked Gray on a 

subsequent interview if he had anything to say about hanging curtains. (Temp. R. 124-25. Fain 

confirmed that he got the idea of asking Gray about curtains only after his interview with Cornett 

who told Fain that he had a problem with Gray not hanging the curtains as required. (Temp. R. 

126.) When finally questioned by Fain about the curtains, Gray made some very vague comment 

which Fain did not readily understand. As Fain testified, Gray told him his foreman directed him 

to hang the curtains. Fain could not state how hanging the curtains as directed could be 

interpreted as a safety complaint. He confirmed, in fact, that this would promote safety. (Temp. 

R. 139-41.) Fain then stated that the only statement Gray made that he could interpret as a 

complaint was that Gray told him “he had complained several times about ventilation curtains 

not being up to Tom Cornett, the section foreman.” (Temp. R. 140-42.) One objective 

interpretation of Gray’s statement that it was not “up to Tom Cornett” would be that Gray was 

saying Cornett had no business telling him to hang the curtains. This interpretation is supported 

by Cornett’s testimony that when he got on Gray about hanging curtains, Gray responded by 

saying it was not his job. (Temp. R. 227.) It is further supported by Gray’s overall negative 

attitude toward management as Sheeks had testified. 

Gray told Fain during the second interview that he made similar complaints to two other 

foreman, one he could only identify as “Moondog” who told him to go ahead and hang the 

curtains. He stated that he made these complaints since the first of 2009 yet he never mentioned 

this in his initial complaint nor did he mention it at trial. (Temp. R. Ex. G-1.) He again provided 

no dates, time frames or details to support this allegation. (Temp. R. Ex. G-1.) 

Complainant posits that Gray raised the issue of curtains in his initial complaint when he 

said that he had made “other safety complaints.” However, it is not sufficient to say Gray 

37 FMSHRC Page 1459
mentioned “other safety complaints” to overcome this very important and telling omission on 

Gray’s part. The time to identify what “other complaints” he was referring to would have been at 

his first interview with Fain, not after Fain had provided him with a suggestive opportunity to do 

so. And yet, when Fain had done so, Gray still could not articulate a scenario in which his 

hanging curtains could be interpreted as having brought about the animus of Cornett for 

engaging in safety-related behavior. 

I find this allegation of having made any sort of safety complaint concerning ventilation 

curtains (in any sense of the discrimination context) wholly unsupported by the evidence. It flies 

in the face of Gray’s own statement to Fain that he was directed by his foreman to hang the 

curtains. (Temp. R. 139.) 

Counseling Issues 

Gray denied ever having been counseled for his performance by anyone at any time. He 

categorically denied that he had been presented with the two written counseling documents at 

issue here. Most notably, Gray testified at hearing that the first time he was aware of the written 

counseling warnings, Exhibits Compl.-A and -B, was at his second interview with Fain in late 

July. He said Fain brought them to him after speaking with management and said, “I thought you 

wasn’t wrote up for nothing.” Fain then showed him the two documents, at which time Gray 

simply responded by saying he had never seen them before. (Tr. 194.) At the earlier temporary 

reinstatement hearing in September 2009, however, Gray testified that Fain came back to talk 

with him in late July and showed him “some papers” but he could not remember what those 

papers were. (Temp. R. 68-69.) Considering the alleged forgeries are the epicenter of Gray’s 

case17 it is incredible that just two months after being confronted by Fain with the allegedly 

forged documents, he would forget what the documents were. And yet somehow he recalled in 

detail at trial, nearly two years later, being shown the counseling documents in July and denying 

he had seen them before. (Tr. 193.) It is difficult to fathom how someone who is confronted with 

two false counseling documents would not remember very clearly the details just two months 

later. It is also extremely difficult to believe that when confronted with forged personnel records 

one would reply as Gray did rather than vehemently and immediately deny their authenticity. Yet 

Gray said “I’ve never seen this before.” (Tr. 194.) 

For the reasons set forth herein and those discussed above regarding my analysis of the 

handwriting expert’s testimony, I find Gray’s assertions that he never received the counseling on 

February 27 and April 29 not credible. 

Gray’s counsel makes much of the fact that Gray worked for North Fork for over a year 

before being fired. Counsel suggests that if Gray’s performance were as poor as the witnesses 

indicated, it would have been absurd to keep him on the payroll. But Cornett, Sheeks, and 

17 I find the entire issue of the alleged forgeries to be a red herring. The crucial point is 

that there is no credible testimony to support Gray’s allegation that he engaged in protected 

activity and he has failed to establish a prima facie case. There is more than substantial evidence 

provided by MSHA inspectors, rank-and-file miners and Gray’s statements themselves to 

establish that Gray had been verbally counseled repeatedly by several managers for poor 

performance that led to his termination. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1460
Estevez have explained that Gray escaped being fired sooner only because there were a number 

of management changes around the time he was switched to the production shift and began 

having trouble keeping up. For one thing, Gray’s immediate supervisor was fired and replaced by 

Cornett. (Temp. R. 192.) Cornett began noting problems with Gray’s performance almost 

immediately, but he did not have firing authority. (Tr. 265-71.) He testified he complained about 

Gray to the former superintendent, Ison, but no action was taken until Estevez had stepped in as 

new superintendent and evaluated the situation. (Temp. R. 192-93, 239-40, 251, 270-71.) I do 

not find it suspicious that mine management took the time to assess the situation carefully before 

deciding to terminate Gray’s employment. 

As discussed above, I find that Gray harbored a resentment towards management 

providing a motive for his allegations of discrimination. His attitude is exhibited by his inability 

to remember or disinterest in remembering any of his supervisors’ names or how long he worked 

for them, his telling his partner that they could not be fired because the mine had a bad 

reputation, using profanity when stating what he could do to management by working slowly,18

deliberately not putting pressure on his drill, not carrying enough cable to tram the bolter, 

causing the entire section to stop production, not using the correct size or type of bolt, advancing 

his curtain every 10 feet rather than every 4, being off task, and telling the foreman that it was 

not his job to hang the ventilation curtains. 

Most telling of his attitude is his comment to Sheeks that if he was denied 

unemployment, he would sue the company. Gray confirmed that he had been involved in a 

federal court case in which management was charged with illegal mining and ventilation 

violations. (Temp. R. 96-97.) He was called as a witness in that hearing by Harris. Gray was 

aware, therefore, of the results he could bring about by making such a claim against North Fork. 

This lends credence to Sheeks’ testimony and it would explain why each of his allegations 

regarding the deep cuts, the curtains and the forged counseling documents are such general 

allegations which do not hold up to objective reasonable scrutiny. Moreover, it explains why 

there is not a single witness who could support his allegations even among the MSHA 

investigators and non-management personnel that these events took place during between March 

and May 2009. 

Chris Sheeks 

I find Sheeks’ testimony to be credible. Sheeks came across as an unsophisticated person 

who was relatively new to the mining industry at the time of these events. He was trained as a 

roof bolter by Gray and thereafter they worked together every day for over one year. (Tr.II 81.) I 

find it likely that Gray would share his thoughts and comments with Sheeks as his roof bolting 

partner more freely than with anyone else. I also find Sheeks would have been in a better 

position to observe Gray’s work habits and his attitude toward management than anyone else. 

That Gray would make the comments Sheeks attributed to Gray, therefore, does not come as a 

surprise. 

 18 Gray did not deny making this profane comment. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1461
Sheeks testified that Gray told him he had been written up on three or four occasions; 

once by Estevez and the other times by Ison.19 (Tr.II 69, 90.) Gray told him one was for 

production and another for not having enough cable pulled when tramming the bolter. (Tr.II 70.) 

Neither of these counselings were for issues related to the two allegedly forged documents 

involved here, meaning that any doubts Gray has raised about the authenticity of the questioned 

documents does not affect the credibility of Sheeks’ testimony on this point. Sheeks stated he 

had seen Gray fail to pull the proper amount of cable several times which had stopped 

production. (Tr.II 71.) 

Sheeks stated that he and Gray were reprimanded for poor performance before Gray was 

fired. He testified that Gray had mentioned being written up at least three or four times, including 

once by Estevez for not pulling enough cable and three times by Ison for poor performance. 

(Temp. R. 170, 197-201; Tr.II 69-70, 91.) Although Sheeks did not see any of the written 

warnings, he knew that Ison had spoken to Gray in the mine office because “You’d be in the 

office getting your supplies for the day, and you’d hear Doe [Ison] talking to him [Gray].” 

(Temp. R. 205-06.) Countiss also testified that he was aware of Ison counseling Gray on 

February 27, 2009 for poor performance because he was present, but Ison had said it was a 

verbal warning so he did not need to sign as a witness. (Tr. 116.) Countiss recalled one additional 

written warning given by Ison to Gray two months prior to the February one which he did sign as 

a witness. This document could not be found in Gray’s file and Countiss had no idea what had 

happened to it. (Tr. 121-22.) Countiss’ statement lends credence to Sheeks’ testimony that Gray 

said he had been counseled by Ison on more than one occasion as Countiss was witness to two of 

them. In addition, Estevez’s testimony confirms that he counseled Gray for the cable issue. 

(Temp. R. 259, 296-97; Tr. 65-66.) The final warning written by Estevez in April 2009 would 

make at least four warnings that Gray would have been referring to in his conversations with 

Sheeks. In addition, Estevez testified he had found in Gray’s personnel file a note written on 

yellow paper by former section foreman Eddie Cox referencing problems with Gray. (Temp. R. 

293.) I find this testimony credible. Estevez had not been the superintendent when Cox worked 

at the mine and therefore had no personal knowledge of what problems the note referenced, but 

the existence of the note lends additional credibility to Sheeks’ testimony that Gray had been in 

trouble with mine management before. 

Sheeks testified to an attitude Gray held toward management. Gray’s comments to 

Sheeks about the mine having a bad reputation and filing for unemployment and suing the 

company exemplified this attitude. These comments had nothing to do with the alleged forgeries. 

Gray in fact did file for unemployment and then sued when denied as Sheeks had testified he 

would do. (Temp. R. 87-88; Tr. 222-23.) I find it doubtful that Sheeks would have the savvy to 

make up this testimony after the fact. 

 19 Russell Ison was called as a witness by the Complainant at trial but asserted his Fifth 

Amendment rights based upon the advice of independent counsel and refused to testify regarding 

the counseling documents at issue. I do not draw a negative inference from this. Ison was 

represented by counsel at hearing and was instructed by him to take the Fifth which is entirely 

understandable. His attorney would not have been worth the retainer had he allowed Ison to 

testify. It appears MSHA sent the questioned documents to the US Attorney to investigate Gray’s 

allegations of forgery. After receiving Belcastro’s handwriting analysis report of August 31, 

2009, the US Attorney declined to pursue Gray’s claim sometime thereafter. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1462
Sheeks’ testimony is also corroborated by non-management and MSHA witnesses on 

several issues. Fain corroborated the fact that the regular MSHA inspectors who were at North 

Fork on an almost daily basis reported no signs of deep cuts. Doan, a roof control specialist, 

corroborated that he was on the section Gray was on the day Gray was terminated to view the 

reflector shields as Sheeks stated. He observed them bolting the very entry that Sheeks testified 

they were in and confirmed that after approximately one and one half hours, Sheeks and Gray 

were still bolting the same entry. (Tr. 158-59; Tr.II 77-78.) This corroborates Sheeks’ testimony 

regarding the slow rate at which Gray performed and Gray’s overall attitude towards 

management and his job. Doan also testified that no roof control plans allowed for cuts near the 

depth Gray alleged and that he had never seen one or cited North Fork for one. He had, however, 

discovered such cuts in other mines during his inspections. And although he spoke with Gray on 

the day he was fired, Gray never mentioned any deep cuts to him. (Tr. 161-63.) This 

independent testimony from an MSHA inspector corroborates Sheeks’ testimony as well as all 

the other witnesses’ testimony that no such deep cuts were taken and Gray never made any safety 

complaints about deep cuts in the period Gray alleges. 

As a general matter, in order for Sheeks to have made up all of the comments and actions 

he attributed to Gray he would have had to have been thoroughly coached, rehearsed and 

informed of the intended testimony of each of North Fork’s managers down to such minute 

details as being shown production reports by Estevez when called into his office, asking both 

Estevez and Cornett for a new partner, Gray being counseled for not having enough cable pulled 

to tram the bolter, Gray not putting pressure on the drill to drive in the bolt, installing the wrong 

sized bolts, and so forth, in order to be as consistent in his testimony as he was. I find this 

extremely unlikely. This is especially true considering that Sheeks testified in a similar manner at 

the reinstatement hearing just three months after Gray filed his discrimination complaint. Such a 

plot as that alleged by Gray would likely take significantly longer to successfully orchestrate. 

Objectively consistent is the fact that Gray acknowledged that he did file for unemployment 

upon discharge and filed this complaint immediately upon being denied those benefits just as 

Sheeks testified Gray had said he would do. Also objectively supported is the fact that the mine 

roof by all accounts was in poor condition and no deep cuts were allowed in District 7. Shallow 

cuts, spot bolting with rope bolts that enable the roof to move, and a four foot bolting pattern 

were being used to help control the top. Under such circumstances, cuts of 56 feet would create 

an unreasonable danger of a significant roof fall, exposing several miners to injury or death. Yet, 

no such occurrence took place. 

 The Commission majority felt it was significant that Sheeks described being “written up” 

as being presented with a written document on which one was asked to sign. If the two written 

documents are forgeries then, the majority opined, Gray never made the statements to Sheeks 

about having been “written up” two or three times and Sheeks was lying. As discussed above, I 

find credible support for Sheeks’ testimony that Gray told him he had been counseled three or 

four times. Additionally, while Sheeks may have interpreted being “written up” as requiring a 

signed document, he was merely repeating what Gray had told him. Gray may have an entirely 

different perception of what written up means to include verbal counseling. Furthermore, one of 

the counseling sessions Gray told Sheeks about concerned not having enough cable to tram the 

bolter which has nothing to do with the content of the two questioned documents but was 

corroborated by Estevez’s testimony. Estevez testified that on two occasions he witnessed the 

37 FMSHRC Page 1463
bolter being moved without enough cable pulled. On one occasion, he told Gray and Sheeks to 

keep moving and had other miners assist him in pulling the cable as the entire section was unable 

to move. Estevez had also observed Sheeks attempting to move the bolter by himself against 

mine policy when Gray was not to be found. (Tr. 66.) I do not find the majority’s concern with 

Sheeks’ credibility to be founded. 

Hall, McFarland, Peak 

The testimony of these rank-and-file miners is not in any way affected by the allegation 

that the counseling documents were forged. They were not involved in any way with disciplinary 

measures taken against Gray or the counseling documents Gray alleges are forgeries. 

Hall testified that except for hearsay statements, he was not even aware that Gray had 

been counseled. His testimony was most relevant with respect to the fact that he would have 

been the miner man who made the deep cut. He denied that he or anyone else was making cuts 

deeper than 20 feet due to the condition of the roof. (Tr.II 7-12.) This was confirmed by roof 

specialist Doan who said no mine in District 7 was allowed to take cuts of the depth Gray alleged 

and he had never seen or heard of any at North Fork being taken. (Tr. 161.) I find Hall credible. 

Peak testified that he and McFarland were bolting five to six places to Gray’s and 

Sheeks’ two and he had complained about it to Cornett. (Tr.II 31-32.) He stated that the pace 

picked up after Tim Pennington replaced Gray. (Tr.II 33.) Also confirmed by McFarland was 

Peak’s testimony that the top was in very poor condition, making a deep cut extremely 

dangerous. (Tr.II 22-24, 33-34.) Neither Peak nor McFarland had ever heard Gray or anyone else 

complain about deep cuts at the mine. (Tr.II 23, 33-34.) Again, Doan’s testimony with regard to 

never having seen deep cuts in the North Fork mine lends credibility to Peak’s as well as the 

other bolters’ and miner man’s credibility. Doan also confirmed that Gray and Sheeks had not 

finished bolting a cut in more than one hour on the day of his inspection. Peak was receiving 

long-term medical disability and no longer employed by North Fork at the time of trial and, 

therefore, had no reason to testify on behalf of North Fork. (Tr.II 33-36.) I find his testimony 

credible. 

McFarland testified similarly with respect to the condition of the roof and the depth of the 

cuts being taken in the mine in 2009. He also confirmed that Gray and Sheeks were slower 

bolters and he had had to cross their cable to advance his equipment. (Tr.II 25-26.) I find 

McFarland’s testimony credible also based upon Doan’s testimony as stated above. 

Marty Bates 

Bates also confirmed that the roof at North Fork was extremely bad and a deep cut of 60 

feet would cause it to cave in. As the second shift foreman on the 001 section, he knew that no 

deep cuts were taken for that reason; they were limited to 18-20 feet. (Tr.II 43-46.) As a 

foreman, he would lose his card if he violated the roof control plan which I find makes his 

testimony more credible in view of the fact that inspectors were at this mine constantly, making 

discovery of a deep cut an unreasonably high risk. (Tr.II 46.) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1464
I find Bates has nothing at stake here in providing false testimony. He was not involved 

in any counseling of Gray. The fact that he could lose his license as a foreman if he was involved 

in making deep cuts is far outweighed by the fact that he would expose himself to death if the 

roof caved in. In fact it provides an additional motivation not to make such dangerous cuts in this 

mine. 

Thomas Cornett 

I find Cornett’s testimony that Gray was a slow worker who failed to advance the 

curtains as directed to be credible. I also find his testimony that deep cuts were not taken in the 

mine and Gray never made any complaints to him about bolting deep cuts to be credible. 

The curtains would often be knocked down when moving the equipment requiring them 

to be rehung. According to Gray, the curtains had to be hung every two and one-half rows of 

bolts which would be every ten feet. (Tr. 209-10.) Like Sheeks, Cornett testified that they were 

required to move the curtain after every four foot row of bolts was installed, not every ten feet, to 

be compliant with the mine’s plan. (Tr. 230; Tr.II 63.) Fain corroborated Cornett’s testimony that 

Gray did not hang the curtains as required in that he testified that when interviewed, Gray told 

him that Cornett directed him to hang the curtains. (Temp. R. 113; Temp. R. Ex. R-8.) 

Cornett elaborated on his assessment that Gray was a poor performer. He stated that Gray 

and Sheeks bolted about two places for every five other bolting team did. (Tr. 232.) He 

documented many instances of Gray’s performance in his notebook. (Ex. R-3; Tr. 233.) As set 

forth above, the notes reference occasions when Gray failed to put pressure on the drill, made an 

obscene comment about management, used the wrong size and type of bolt, placed the bolts too 

far apart and did not hang the curtains. (Tr. 240-43.) 

The Commission majority casts doubt on the authenticity of the notebook for two 

reasons: first, because the complete original notebook was not produced, and second, because 

the notes do not include any mention of a verbal warning being issued to Sheeks on the day Gray 

was fired. Taking the second objection first, to the extent that the majority believes that the notes 

did not mention Sheeks, this factual finding is absolutely incorrect. As Gray’s attorney pointed 

out, the notes from May 11, 12 and 15 specifically state that Sheeks and Gray were bolting too 

slowly. (Tr. 260; Ex. R-3.) Gray’s counsel asked why Sheeks was not counseled along with 

Gray. Cornett’s response was that he was already aware that Sheeks bolted faster than Gray and 

was waiting on Gray to finish. (Tr. 260.) Cornett testified that when he spoke to both Gray and 

Sheeks it was because they were a team but he was well aware from his own observations that it 

was Gray holding up production. It was also Gray who made the obscene comment about 

management, which Gray did not deny. It was also Gray who was primarily responsible for 

moving the curtains as Gray acknowledged himself. Cornett need not have included Sheeks’ 

name in each of the notes when he was aware Gray was the problem and not Sheeks. I find the 

lack of Sheeks being mentioned as having been counseled does not detract from the authenticity 

of the notes. 

Addressing the former of the majority’s concerns, the majority also mistakenly states that 

the judge at the temporary reinstatement hearing instructed Cornett to maintain the original 

37 FMSHRC Page 1465
notebook. There is no such instruction by Judge Melick in the transcript from that hearing. 

Gray’s counsel asked Cornett to keep the original because he intended to subpoena it. (Temp. R. 

252-53.) However, as counsel for North Fork stated at trial, Gray’s counsel never issued any 

discovery. (Tr. 234.) Also of note is the fact that the pages Cornett produced were introduced at 

the earlier hearing without objection from Gray. (Temp. R. 244.) As set forth in footnote 15 

above, I find having the original notebook would not lead to a different finding of authenticity. 

I find there are other indicia of authenticity. Despite the fact that Cornett testified he did 

not mention the notebook to Fain when interviewed, he related the essential contents of the notes 

to Fain in saying that he had repeated problems with Gray including Gray not hanging the 

curtains as required, spinning his steel, and working slowly. (Ex. R-8.) Significant entries in the 

notebook were confirmed by other witnesses. The pace at which Gray bolted was confirmed by 

Doan on the day Gray was fired. The failure to hang the curtains as directed was confirmed in 

part by Gray’s statement to Fain and his testimony that he hung the curtains every ten feet rather 

than every four as required. Gray’s overall attitude towards doing as told was confirmed by 

Gray’s comments to Fain. That the other roof bolters testified similarly with respect to these 

issues is not a product of collusion but independent observations by witnesses who had no 

involvement with the alleged forged counseling documents or Cornett’s notebook entries. And 

lastly, as Cornett stated, Gray had only worked for Cornett since about April. (Temp. R. 212; Tr. 

227, 256.) The first note is dated April 14, 2009 which would coincide with Cornett having had 

the opportunity to observe Sheeks and Gray for a few weeks and having drawn the conclusion 

that Gray was a poor worker. The date also coincides with Estevez’s statement that he called 

Sheeks and Gray in to his office the first week of April to warn them about their poor 

performance. (Ex. R-11A.) It also tracks Estevez’s testimony that he had told his foremen to take 

notes of significant events that take place during their shift. (Tr.II 53-54.) 

I find the entries from Cornett’s notebook were made on the dates indicated and are 

authentic. 

Cornett’s testimony that Gray never made any safety-related complaints to him about 

deep cuts or hanging curtains is also sufficiently substantiated and more credible than Gray’s 

assertions that he did. I make this finding based upon my discussion of Gray’s credibility above. 

I also consider the fact that Cornett testified that the condition of the roof was such that a deep 

cut as Gray alleges would have caused a roof fall exposing the entire mining crew as well as 

himself to a very dangerous situation. Had such a cut been taken, it would have been seen by the 

car drivers, the other bolting crew, the miner man and the foreman. Cornett would have called 

the superintendent had he seen a deep cut. (Tr. 247-48.) Although these statements may be selfserving, I find it extremely unlikely that a foreman would expose himself and his entire crew to 

such a dangerous situation and would do so with the presence of MSHA inspectors at the mine 

on an almost daily basis. As stated above, that the subject of curtains was not raised as an alleged 

safety complaint by Gray until Cornett told Fain he had a problem with Gray hanging the 

curtains. Only then did Fain return to Gray and ask him if he had something to say about hanging 

curtains at which time Gray made the statement that it was not up to Tom Cornett. I find this 

lends credence to Cornett’s testimony as well. I note that Cornett’s credibility on these issues is 

not affected in anyway by the alleged forgery of the counseling documents as suggested by the 

majority in its remand decision. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1466
Anthony Estevez 

Estevez had become the superintendent of the mine just two months prior to Gray’s 

termination. There is no reason to believe he had any prior knowledge of Gray before March 

2009 nor did Gray allege any animus on Estevez’s part towards Gray. As he testified, he made 

rounds in the mine and observed the miners at work and reviewed production reports from each 

shift to familiarize himself with the operation. It was his personal observations and review of 

records that alerted him to the problems on the 001 section day shift. When he asked the shift 

foreman, Cornett, what the problem was Cornett stated that he had problems with Gray and 

Sheeks. They were bolting one or two places to every five to six places the other bolting team 

was per shift. Cornett further identified Gray as the primary problem as he had observed Gray 

spinning his steel, burning up bits and not replacing the ventilation curtain when moving the 

drill. Estevez then made his own observations of Gray not keeping up with Sheeks. He also 

observed two occasions where Gray had not pulled enough cable to tram the machines and one 

occasion when Sheeks was backing the equipment on his own when Gray was nowhere to be 

seen against mine rules. (Tr. 63-67.) During the first week of April Estevez confronted Gray and 

Sheeks in his office and warned them to pick up the pace and then brought them in separately 

shortly thereafter, which is when Sheeks asked for a new partner. (Tr. 67-69.) Estevez then gave 

Gray the written counseling warning on April 29, 2009 which Gray signed. On the day Gray was 

fired, Estevez observed Gray and Sheeks had bolted less than two complete rows in a new cut 

during the time that he and Doan traveled the 001 section and returned, which took in 

approximately two hours. (Ex. R-11A; Tr. 52-55.) 

 Many of Estevez’s observations as related to Fain and as he testified to in court have 

nothing to do with the subject matter of the purportedly forged warnings. His observations were 

confirmed by Cornett and the notations in Cornett’s notebook and by the testimony of Chris 

Sheeks. Most notably, Estevez’s testimony regarding Gray’s slow performance was also 

confirmed by Doan’s testimony that upon returning to inspect the roof bolter after making the 

run over the 001 section, Gray and Sheeks were still bolting a cut that should have been 

completed. While Doan said he did not recall making a comment about how slow they were 

bolting, he did confirm they had not completed bolting the entry in a significantly long period of 

time. (Tr. 159.) 

 Gray confirmed Estevez’s testimony that he was not hanging curtains as required. As 

previously stated, Gray testified that he advanced the curtain every ten feet when he was required 

to advance it every four feet. Estevez’s testimony that he held safety meetings on a regular basis 

at which Gray was in attendance but never made any complaints was also confirmed by Gray. 

(Temp. R. 84-86.) 

On the day Gray was fired, he did not make any mention of curtains or deep cuts. Gray 

testified that Estevez told him someone had complained about him and he (Estevez) believed his 

foreman and Gray then left without saying a word. Estevez testified that Gray was told he was 

fired because his performance had not improved despite being told numerous times he needed to 

improve. He said Gray’s response was “It’s okay, I’ll have another job tomorrow.” (Tr. 77.) 

Whether Gray said nothing or said he would have another job the next day, the fact that he did 

not react by raising the issue of being forced to bolt a deep cut or being treated unfairly by his 

37 FMSHRC Page 1467
foreman for hanging curtains is odd, at best. Gray’s reaction would make sense, however, if he 

was well aware of his substandard performance, had been counseled several times and his being 

fired was not unexpected. Whether or not Gray was counseled in writing or verbally before he 

was fired is immaterial. Estevez had made personal observations of Gray’s performance, had 

spoken to Gray about it and had spoken with Cornett about it as well which formed the basis for 

his decision to terminate Gray. It was Estevez’s observations of Gray’s performance when Doan 

was in the mine that solidified Estevez’s decision to fire him. The mine had no progressive 

disciplinary program and Estevez had the right to terminate Gray on the spot had he chosen to do 

so.20 (Tr. 136-37, 273.) 

I find Estevez’s testimony credible. 

Stephen Countiss 

 Countiss, the mine foreman, testified that he had observed Gray on an occasional basis 

and found him to be a slow worker and observed Sheeks waiting for Gray to catch up. (Tr. 124.) 

Sheeks had complained to Countiss about Gray as he was afraid of losing his job based upon 

Gray’s performance. The other bolting crew also complained about Gray’s slow bolting and 

Cornett told Countiss that Gray was not hanging curtains as required. (Tr. 125-26.) I find this 

testimony credible based upon the fact that Countiss was not alleged by Gray to harbor any ill 

will towards Gray. 

 Countiss’ confirmation that no 40 foot cuts had been made in North Fork for a long 

period of time due to poor roof conditions was corroborated by all other witnesses, including the 

rank-and-file miners. It was also corroborated by Fain’s and Doan’s testimony that none of the 

regular inspectors who frequented the mine had ever seen any indication of deep cuts. The 

testimony that no deep cuts were taken corroborates his testimony that Gray never made any 

complaints to that effect. 

 By Countiss’ account, he was present when Ison gave the February verbal warning to 

Gray about his performance. While Ison told Fain that Countiss was not present on this occasion, 

Ison and Sheeks both confirmed that a counseling session had taken place and Sheeks testified 

Gray had been written up by Ison on more than one occasion. (Ex. Compl.-C; Temp. R. 199-201, 

205; Tr. 69-70.) Countiss recalled a previous counseling by Ison that was signed by Gray and 

Ison and him for poor performance that was not found in Gray’s personnel file. (Tr. 121-22, 133-

35.) The only way Sheeks would know of the multiple counseling sessions would have been 

through Gray himself as Sheeks was not present at those counseling sessions. Sheeks’ testimony 

that Gray told him he had been written up more than once by Ison is then consistent with 

Countiss’ testimony, which corroborates Sheeks’ testimony that Gray told him he had been 

 20 It is not Commission’s place to decide whether the operator’s disciplinary program is 

fair. In analyzing an operator’s asserted business justification for taking adverse action against an 

employee, the Commission is limited to a “restrained” analysis and may not substitute its own 

business judgment for that of the operator. Cumberland River Coal Co. v. FMSHRC, 712 F.3d 

311, 319 (6th Cir. 2013); Haro v. Magma Copper Co., 4 FMSHRC 1935, 1937-38 (Nov. 1982);

Sec’y of Labor on behalf of Chacon v. Phelps Dodge Corp., 3 FMSHRC 2508, 2516-17 (Nov. 

1981), rev’d on other grounds, 709 F.2d 86 (D.C. Cir. 1983). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1468
written up more than once by Ison. Had management engaged in a concerted effort to 

manufacture evidence, particularly documentary evidence, after Gray was fired to justify their 

actions as the Complainant asserts, it would stand to reason that they would have “found” this 

earlier signed counseling document as well which they did not. I find this lends credence to 

Countiss’ testimony on the issue. 

 Countiss testified that when Gray signed the April counseling letter, Gray appeared angry 

and made a slashing motion at the end of his signature and then stomped out of the room. (Tr. 

120, 135-36.) As discussed above, this would account, in part, for the appearance of Gray’s 

signature being inconsistent with some of his known exemplars. It also stands to reason that Gray 

would have been angry. 

 While Countiss confirmed that he did not tell Fain during his interview about the earlier 

counseling warning, he did tell Fain that Sheeks had asked for another roof bolting partner 

because Gray was making him look bad and that when “we got on Gray” about his slow bolting 

he would improve for a few days and then revert to bolting slowly again. (Ex. R-12; Tr. 132-33.) 

Countiss stated that Fain did not ask questions regarding the other issues. Fain confirmed that he 

did not investigate the ventilation curtain complaint when he conducted his initial interviews. 

(Temp. R. 123-24.) It is apparent from the brevity of the written summary that the Countiss 

interview lacked any detail and I therefore do not find Countiss’ omissions detract from his 

credibility. 

Summary 

 Overall, I find Gray’s credibility to be lacking. I find that he did not engage in protected 

activity by making any sort of safety complaints at the North Fork mine. His allegations were 

likely contrived and fabricated as a result of being denied unemployment benefits and hatched 

out of a disdain and animosity he harbored for persons in positions of authority. I find that there 

is more than substantial credible evidence presented by not only management but rank-and-file 

miners and MSHA personnel as well to prove that no deep cuts were taken in this mine during 

Gray’s employment and that he did not make a safety complaint regarding the hanging of 

ventilation curtains. In sum, I find for the reasons set forth above that Gray has failed to produce 

a scintilla of credible evidence that he engaged in protected activity and has not established a 

prima facie case. 

My evaluation of the evidence as set forth in my earlier decision stands as written. As the 

majority indicated in its remand decision, it is important to consider “the nature of the evidence” 

and “the integrity of our proceedings.” 35 FMSHRC at 2362. The nature of the evidence is that 

Gray was counseled numerous times for poor performance by his supervisors. When he failed to 

respond appropriately, he was formally counseled and eventually fired. Gray thereafter embarked 

on a crusade against North Fork raising broad and nondescript accusations of discriminatory 

behavior by his foreman and the mine superintendent that are simply not substantiated by 

credible evidence. His attempt to prevail was not fortified by the expert testimony of Dr. Miller 

whose substandard methods of analysis and his apparent bias make his inconclusive findings 

lacking in probative value. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1469
 For the reasons set forth herein and as set forth in my original decision incorporated by 

reference herein, I dismiss Mark Gray’s discrimination complaint. 

ORDER 

It is hereby ORDERED that the Complainant’s discrimination claim be DISMISSED. 

 

/s/ Priscilla M. Rae 

 Priscilla M. Rae 

 Administrative Law Judge 

Distribution: 

Tony Oppegard, Esq., P.O. Box 22446, Lexington, KY 40522 

Wes Addington, Esq., Appalachian Citizens Law Center, 317 Main Street, Whitesburg, KY 

41858 

Stephen M. Hodges, Esq., Penn, Stuart & Eskridge, P.O. Box 2288, Abingdon, VA 24212 

37 FMSHRC Page 1470
FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES 

1331 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W., SUITE 520N 

WASHINGTON, DC 20004-1710 

TELEPHONE: 202-434-9950 / FAX: 202-434-9949

July 2, 2015 

 

DECISION AND ORDER

Appearances: Thomas J. Motzny, Esq., U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Solicitor, 

Nashville, Tennessee, for Petitioner; 

 K. Brad Oakley, Esq., Jackson Kelly, PLLC, Lexington, Kentucky, 

for Respondent. 

Before: Judge Paez 

 This case is before me upon the petitions for the assessment of civil penalty filed by the 

Secretary of Labor (“Secretary”) pursuant to section 105(d) of the Federal Mine Safety and 

Health Act of 1977, 30 U.S.C. § 815(d) (“Mine Act”). In dispute are one section 104(d)(1) 

citation and three section 104(d)(1) orders issued to Mill Branch Coal Corporation (“Mill 

Branch” or “Respondent”) at its Osaka Mine. To prevail, the Secretary must prove his charges 

“by a preponderance of the credible evidence.” In re: Contests of Respirable Dust Sample 

Alteration Citations, 17 FMSHRC 1819, 1838 (Nov. 1995) (citing Garden Creek Pocahontas 

Co., 11 FMSHRC 2148, 2152 (Nov. 1989)), aff’d sub nom., Sec’y of Labor v. Keystone Coal 

Mining Corp., 151 F.3d 1096, 1106–07 (D.C. Cir. 1998). This burden of proof requires the 

Secretary to demonstrate that “the existence of a fact is more probable than its nonexistence.” 

RAG Cumberland Res. Corp., 22 FMSHRC 1066, 1070 (Sept. 2000) (citations and internal 

quotations omitted), aff’d, 272 F.3d 590 (D.C. Cir. 2001). 

I. STATEMENT OF THE CASE

 Chief Administrative Law Judge Robert J. Lesnick assigned Docket Nos. VA 2013-366 

and VA 2014-240 to me in separate assignment orders, and pursuant to Commission Procedural 

Rule 12, 29 C.F.R. § 2700.12, I consolidated them for hearing with Docket Nos. VA 2013-252 

and VA 2013-299. The parties informed me that the latter two dockets settled prior to hearing, 

SECRETARY OF LABOR, 

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

 ADMINISTRATION (MSHA), 

 Petitioner, 

 v. 

MILL BRANCH COAL CORPORATION, 

 Respondent. 

 CIVIL PENALTY PROCEEDINGS 

Docket No. VA 2013-366 

A.C. No. 44-07150-320574 

Docket No. VA 2014-240 

A.C. No. 44-07150-346197 

Mine: Osaka Mine 

37 FMSHRC Page 1471
and I disposed of them in separate decisions approving settlement. Thereafter, I held a hearing on 

January 6, 2015, in Abingdon, Virginia.1

 

Four alleged violations remain at issue, all of which were issued under section 104(d)(1) 

of the Mine Act. First, Citation No. 8180209 charges Mill Branch with violating its roof control 

plan under 30 C.F.R. § 75.220(a)(1) for failing to replace damaged roof bolts. In connection with 

this citation, MSHA also alleges in Order No. 8180210 that Mill Branch had not performed an 

adequate preshift examination of the area pursuant to 30 C.F.R. § 75.360(b)(3). Next, Order No. 

8180213 alleges that Respondent violated 30 C.F.R. § 75.507 because a non-permissible 

electrical box was located in a return air course.2 Finally, in Order No. 8180214 the Secretary 

alleges that Mill Branch violated its duty under 30 C.F.R. § 75.512 to perform an adequate 

electrical examination when it did not identify the non-permissible box for over a year. The 

Secretary designated each of these alleged violations as significant and substantial (“S&S”)3 and 

contends that each is the result of Respondent’s unwarrantable failure to comply with a 

mandatory health or safety standard.4 The Secretary also argues that all four violations were the 

result of Respondent’s high negligence and has proposed a total penalty of $14,936.00. 

At the hearing, the Secretary presented testimony solely from MSHA Inspector James 

Larry Bryant. Mill Branch presented testimony from former Electrician Charles Fields, former 

Mine Foremen Jeffrey Chad Lane, Section Foreman Matthew Gilliam, and Superintendent Hagy 

Barnett. The parties each filed closing and reply briefs. 

II. PARTIES’ ARGUMENTS AND ISSUES TO BE DECIDED

 The Secretary argues that allegations underlying the citation and each of the three orders 

are valid and that his proposed penalties are appropriate. (Sec’y Reply at 7.) Respondent 

contends that the violations were neither S&S nor unwarrantable. (See Resp’t Br. at 11, 17–18, 

21, 23–24, 27–28; Resp’t Reply at 3, 8–10.) In disputing the Secretary’s allegations regarding the 

roof bolt violations, Mill Branch claims Inspector Bryant misunderstood the type of roof bolts it 

 1

 In this decision, the hearing transcript, the Secretary’s exhibits, and Respondent’s 

exhibits are abbreviated as “Tr.,” “Ex. S–#,” and “Ex. R–#,” respectively. The parties also 

admitted a list of stipulations in a joint exhibit, which was admitted as Joint Ex. 1. 

2

 The inspector initially issued Order No. 8180213 as a section 104(a) citation resulting 

from Mill Branch’s high negligence, but later modified it to a section 104(d)(1) order alleging 

high negligence and unwarrantable failure. See discussion infra, Part VI.A. 

3

 The S&S terminology is taken from section 104(d)(1) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. 

§ 814(d)(1), which distinguishes as more serious any violation that “could significantly and 

substantially contribute to the cause and effect of a . . . mine safety or health hazard.” 

4

 The unwarrantable failure terminology is taken from section 104(d)(1) of the Mine Act, 

30 U.S.C. § 814(d)(1), which establishes more severe sanctions for any violation that is caused 

by an “unwarrantable failure of [an] operator to comply with . . . mandatory health or safety 

standards.” 

37 FMSHRC Page 1472
used, disputes the length of time these conditions existed, and argues that the Secretary has not 

shown the cited conditions affected the structural integrity of the mine roof. (See Resp’t Br. at 4–

5, 10–11, 13; Resp’t Reply at 1–7.) Further, Respondent argues it held a good faith belief that the 

cited conditions did not violate its roof control plan. (See Resp’t Br. at 12–13; Resp’t Reply at 8.) 

As to the Secretary’s allegations regarding the non-permissible electrical equipment, Mill Branch 

points to the amount of methane, as well as the high air velocity and long distance from the 

working section of the mine, to claim that injuries were not reasonably likely. (Resp’t Br. at 23–

24; Resp’t Reply at 9.) Respondent also argues that the failure of both state and MSHA 

inspectors to previously cite the condition mitigates its negligence. (Resp’t Br. at 25–26; Resp’t 

Reply at 9–10.) 

 Accordingly, the following issues are before me: (1) whether the Secretary has satisfied 

his burden of demonstrating the length of time the cited roof bolt conditions existed on 

Respondent’s working section; (2) whether, as to the roof bolting violations, Respondent had an 

objectively reasonable and good faith belief that its conduct complied with its roof control plan; 

(3) whether the Secretary has satisfied his burden of demonstrating that the alleged violations 

were S&S; (4) whether the Secretary has satisfied his burden of demonstrating that each of the 

alleged violations constituted an unwarrantable failure to comply with a mandatory health or 

safety standard; and (5) whether the Secretary’s proposed penalties are appropriate. 

 For the reasons set forth below, Citation No. 8180209 and Order No. 8180210 are 

AFFIRMED as S&S and as the result of Respondent’s high negligence but MODIFIED to 

remove the unwarrantable failure designations. In addition, Order Nos. 8180213 and 8180214 

are AFFIRMED as written. 

III. BACKGROUND AND STATEMENT OF FACTS

The Osaka Mine is an underground coal mine located in Norton, Virginia. (Ex. S–2; 

Ex. S–4 at 1.) Mill Branch employs large continuous mining machines with 800 foot long power 

cables to develop the room-and-pillar mine. (Ex. S–2; Tr. 123:18–24, 157:23–25, 235:12–24; 

see, e.g., Tr. 53:11–22.) This type of mine requires Respondent to cut long, parallel pathways—

known as entries—through the coal seam. (Tr. 218:25–219:7; Ex. S–2; Ex. S–4 at 10–11.) As 

Mill Branch advances deeper into the mine, it also cuts perpendicular pathways—known as 

crosscuts—that connect the entries. (Tr. 218:25–219:7; Ex. S–2; Ex. S–4 at 10–11.) However, 

Respondent does not remove the square-shaped pillars of coal that remain between the entries 

and crosscuts because these pillars are necessary to support the rock and dirt separating the mine 

from the earth’s surface. (Tr. 38:6–39:6.) When viewed from above, the Osaka Mine resembles a 

checkerboard with entries and crosscuts surrounding pillars of coal. (Ex. S–2.) 

Because the rock and dirt above an underground coal mine places downward pressure on 

the mine roof (see, e.g., Tr. 49:20–50:5), the operator must secure the roof against cave-ins and 

roof falls to protect the miners working below. See, e.g., 30 C.F.R. § 75.202(a) (requiring 

operators to support or otherwise control the roof, face, and ribs to protect persons from hazards 

related to falls of the roof). Deep cover increases the amount of downward pressure on the roof 

and ribs, and the Osaka Mine is located 1,500 to 2,200 feet beneath the surface. (Tr. 37:24–

38:16, 39:19–41:2, 292:24–293:14; Ex. S–4 at 1.) In addition, the laminated sandstone roof at the 

37 FMSHRC Page 1473
mine is not a solid formation of rock; instead, it contains individual layers. (Tr. 37:13–23, 48:14–

49:6.) Finally, a mine roof that shows cracks or “cutters” may indicate that it is beginning to sag 

under the pressure above. (Tr. 257:6–25.) 

One method of supporting a mine roof from collapse is to install metal bolts. (See, e.g., 

Ex. S–4 at 4, 6.) Mill Branch employs large roof bolting machines to drill holes and to insert 

long metal roof bolts into the mine’s roof along with a resin glue (or grout) to hold the bolt in 

place. (See, e.g., Tr. 34:7–13, 35:11–18.) Some roof bolts are fully grouted, meaning that the 

entire bolt is covered with resin glue. (Tr. 35:19–21, 188:19–189:3, 210:22–211:5, 255:3–17.) 

Fully grouted bolts create a larger “beam” effect that transfers the downward force along the 

beam and to the pillars of coal left behind. (Tr. 255:18–256:12, 290:13–291:24, 292:21–293:14.) 

Other bolts—known as torque tension bolts—include threads in addition to glue. 

(Tr. 35:9–18, 36:10–13, 135:14–16, 156:5–13.) Although tension bolts may be fully grouted 

when they are installed, torque is also applied to the bolt’s nut and secures the bolt to the roof 

above. (Tr. 35:9–21, 135:10–25, 188:19–189:3, 210:22–211:5, 255:3–17, 285:5–15.) In addition, 

torque tension bolts include a bolt plate between the end of the nut and the roof itself. (Tr. 34:24–

35:18, 156:5–13.) Unlike normally glued bolts, the bolt plate on torque tension bolts is firm 

against the roof and helps to secure loose rock within the first few inches of the roof, also known 

as the “skin.” (Tr. 35:9–18, 35:22–36:7, 47:2–11, 48:2–9, 135:10–25, 214:5–15, 288:17–289:3, 

293:15–295:2, 296:7–297:6.) If a torque tension bolt is missing its head or plate, it must be 

replaced. (Tr. 224:5–13, 258:2–10, 259:6–13, 288:17–289:3.) 

When installed correctly, approximately one or two inches of the torque tension bolt 

extend beyond the surface of the mine roof. (Tr. 36:8–18, 212:19–24.) Torque tension bolts are 

normally installed with 165 to 225 pounds of torque, and the amount of torque on the bolt may 

be tested after installation. (Tr. 115:18–21, 134:23–135:9, 136:3–13, 189:20–191:2, 212:25–

213:11, 213:19–24; Ex. S–1 at 14; Ex. S–4 at 6.) These bolts are sometimes installed on a 5 to 15 

degree angle to accommodate mining conditions. (Tr. 60:4–12, 225:5–20; Ex. S–4 at 4.) As a 

result, Mill Branch uses a special washer on all of its bolts to compensate for angles and maintain 

bolt plates tight to the roof. (Tr. 60:4–12, 150:5–17, 158:25–159:11, 189:14–19, 225:5–20, 

256:13–257:2, 295:7–296:2, 297:19–298:3; Ex. S–4 at 4.) 

In accordance with the Secretary’s regulations at 30 C.F.R. § 75.220(a)(1), MSHA 

approved a roof control plan applicable to the Osaka Mine on January 30, 2013 (“January 30 

Plan”). (Ex. S–4.) However, the plan did not specifically define when a bolt should be 

considered “damaged” or be replaced. (Tr. 114:21–115:9.) Moreover, MSHA had not published 

any materials about what constituted a “damaged” roof bolt. (Tr. 116:24–117:5.) 

In addition to securing the roof against collapse from the weight above, coal mine 

operators must also follow detailed ventilation plans to sweep noxious gasses out of their mines. 

In particular, underground coal mining releases methane into the mine atmosphere. Methane is 

an explosive gas and ignites at certain concentrations.5

 Accordingly, the Secretary’s safety 

5

 The Osaka Mine had a poor history of methane ignitions. (Tr. 112:9–14.) In addition, 

(continued...) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1474
regulations also require mine operators to take precautions to prevent methane ignitions. (See

Tr. 109:12–18.) Mine operators must design ventilation systems to direct fresh air through an 

“intake” entry to the active working face and then sweep dangerous gases away through a 

“return” entry. (See Tr. 55:7–57:4.) Because the air traveling in the return entry can contain 

methane, mine operators may only use permissible equipment in those entries. (See Tr. 84:1–22, 

100:23–101:2.) Permissible equipment is specifically designed to prevent electrical sparks from 

escaping into the mine atmosphere. (Tr. 84:1–22.) 

Careful and consistent examination by qualified mine personnel also helps to ensure safe 

conditions within an underground coal mine. Preshift examiners may begin up to three hours 

before a shift starts and must take air readings, inspect roof and rib conditions, and identify areas 

for cleanup across the entire working section. (Tr. 68:5–69:5.) Similarly, electrical examiners 

trace the power cable from the power center to the electrical equipment, ensure that the cable has 

not been damaged, and ensure that the attached equipment is permissible. (Tr. 90:14–25, 178:24–

179:21, 281:12–15.) 

IV. PRINCIPLES OF LAW

A. Significant and Substantial

A violation is S&S “if, based on the particular facts surrounding that violation, there 

exists a reasonable likelihood that the hazard contributed to will result in an injury or illness of a 

reasonably serious nature.” Cement Div., Nat’l Gypsum Co., 3 FMSHRC 822, 825 (Apr. 1981). 

To establish an S&S violation, the Secretary must prove: “(1) the underlying violation of a 

mandatory safety standard; (2) a discrete safety hazard—that is, a measure of danger to safety—

contributed to by the violation; (3) a reasonable likelihood that the hazard contributed to will 

result in an injury; and (4) a reasonable likelihood that the injury in question will be of a 

reasonably serious nature.” Mathies Coal Co., 6 FMSHRC 1, 3–4 (Jan. 1984) (footnote omitted);

see also Buck Creek Coal, Inc. v. Fed. Mine Safety & Health Admin., 52 F.3d 133, 135–36 (7th 

Cir. 1995) (affirming ALJ’s application of the Mathies criteria); Austin Power, Inc. v. Sec’y of 

Labor, 861 F.2d 99, 103 (5th Cir. 1988) (approving the Mathies criteria). 

The Commission has provided guidance to Administrative Law Judges in applying the 

Mathies test. The Commission indicated that “an inspector’s judgment is an important element” 

in an S&S determination. Mathies, 6 FMSHRC at 5 (citing Nat’l Gypsum, 3 FMSHRC at 825–

26); see also Buck Creek Coal, 52 F.3d at 135 (stating that ALJ did not abuse discretion in 

crediting opinion of experienced inspector). The Commission has also observed that “the 

reference to ‘hazard’ in the second element is simply a recognition that the violation must be 

more than a mere technical violation—i.e., that the violation present a measure of danger.” 

5

 (...continued) 

MSHA was required to provide spot inspections of Osaka Mine every 15 working days because 

it liberated more than 200,000 cubic feet of methane every twenty-four hours. (See

30 U.S.C. § 813(i); Tr. 85:1–16.) The Secretary did not elicit testimony specifying the explosive 

range of methane, but I take judicial notice that methane concentrations of 5 to 15 percent are 

explosive. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1475
U.S. Steel Mining Co., 6 FMSHRC 1834, 1836 (Aug. 1984) (emphasis added) (citing Nat’l 

Gypsum, 3 FMSHRC at 827). Moreover, the Commission clarified “the correct inquiry under the 

third element of Mathies is whether the hazard identified under element two is reasonably likely 

to cause injury.” Black Beauty Coal Co., 34 FMSHRC 1733, 1742 n.13 (Aug. 2012). Finally, the 

Commission has specified that evaluation of the reasonable likelihood of injury should be made 

assuming continued mining operations. U.S. Steel Mining Co., 7 FMSHRC 1125, 1130 (Aug. 

1985) (quoting U.S. Steel Mining Co., 6 FMSHRC 1573, 1574 (July 1984)). 

B. Unwarrantable Failure Determinations

 In Emery Mining, the Commission determined that an unwarrantable failure is aggravated 

conduct constituting more than ordinary negligence. 9 FMSHRC 1997, 2001 (Dec. 1987). 

Unwarrantable failure is characterized by such conduct as “reckless disregard,” “intentional 

misconduct,” “indifference,” or a “serious lack of reasonable care.” Id. at 2003–04; Rochester & 

Pittsburgh Coal Co., 13 FMSHRC 189, 194 (Feb. 1991); see also Buck Creek Coal, 52 F.3d at 

136 (approving the Commission’s unwarrantable failure test). 

 Whether conduct is “aggravated” in the context of unwarrantable failure is determined by 

looking at all the facts and circumstances of each case to see if any aggravating factors exist, 

such as the length of time that the violation has existed, the extent of the violative condition, 

whether the operator has been placed on notice that greater efforts are necessary for compliance, 

the operator’s efforts in abating the violative condition, whether the violation is obvious or poses 

a high degree of danger, and the operator’s knowledge of the existence of the violation. See 

Consolidation Coal Co., 22 FMSHRC 340, 353 (Mar. 2000); Cyprus Emerald Res. Corp., 20 

FMSHRC 790, 813 (Aug. 1998), rev’d on other grounds, 195 F.3d 42 (D.C. Cir. 1999); Midwest 

Material Co., 19 FMSHRC 30, 34 (Jan. 1997); Mullins & Sons Coal Co., 16 FMSHRC 192, 195 

(Feb. 1994); BethEnergy Mines, Inc., 14 FMSHRC 1232, 1243–44 (Aug. 1992); Peabody Coal 

Co., 14 FMSHRC 1258, 1261 (Aug. 1992); Quinland Coals, Inc., 10 FMSHRC 705, 709 (June 

1988). The Commission’s factors are “viewed in the context of the factual circumstances of each 

case, and some factors may not be relevant to a particular factual scenario.” Consolidation Coal 

Co., 22 FMSHRC at 353. All “relevant facts and circumstances of each case must be examined 

to determine if an actor’s conduct is aggravated” or whether mitigating circumstances exist. Id.

V. FURTHER FINDINGS OF FACT, ANALYSIS, AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW ―

DAMAGED BOLT CITATION AND PRESHIFT EXAM ORDER ― MARCH 4, 2013 

A. Further Findings of Fact

1. Inspector Bryant’s Inspection ― March 4, 2013 

On March 4, 2013, Inspector Bryant visited the Osaka Mine to collect rock dust samples 

from the 1 West Panel of the mine. (Tr. 15:15–16:12.) As Bryant traveled with Foreman Johnny 

Mullins, he noticed a portion of the mine roof near survey station number 2178 with draw rock, a 

few damaged bolts, and a missing roof bolt. (Tr. 16:13–17:13, 18:1–9, 25:12–17, 118:9–119:15; 

Ex. S–1 at 7–8.) Although this area was not part of the active working section, Bryant was 

37 FMSHRC Page 1476
concerned enough about the mine’s roof that he decided to inspect the working section. 

(Tr. 16:24–17:13, 20:8–21, 24:8–26:17, 119:15–18; Ex. S–2; Ex. S–1 at 7–8.) 

Bryant arrived in the active working area at approximately 3:00 p.m., which was near the 

end of the day shift at Osaka Mine.6 (Tr. 28:1–3.) Mill Branch was in the process of developing 

the 2 Southeast Panel of the mine, which intersected at a right angle with the 1 West Panel. 

(Tr. 18:18–19:10; Ex. S–2.) Looking toward the face, the 2 Southeast Panel consisted of six 

entries that were numbered 1 through 6 from left to right. (Ex. S–2.) On that day, Respondent 

had mined just one crosscut deep into the 2 Southeast Panel and was in the process of developing 

a second crosscut between Entry No. 1, Entry No. 2, and Entry No. 3. (Ex. S–2.) Entry No. 5 was 

an intake entry that provided fresh, ventilating air to the panel. (Tr. 30:12–18, 55:19–24.) As the 

intake air approached the last open crosscut, it split into two air courses to accommodate the 2 

Southeast Panel’s two continuous miners. (Tr. 53:11–55:6, 55:19–56:12, 205:1–206:5.) Entry 

Nos. 1 and 6 served as return air entries, and the coal feeder and conveyor belt transporting 

mined coal to the surface were located in Entry No. 3. (Tr. 22:25–23:22, 29:23–30:11, 30:21–

31:1, 55:7–12.) In addition, Mill Branch had built a brattice line—an airtight partition— 

separating the air courses in Entry Nos. 5 and 6 approximately two days prior to Bryant’s 

inspection. (Tr. 21:7–16, 65:13–66:12, 74:9–12, 215:16–216:12; Ex. S–2; see Ex. S–1 at 19.) At 

the time, Mill Branch typically completed eight cuts in a given shift, and installed six-foot torque 

tension bolts that were fully grouted. (Tr. 188:16–20, 219:14–20.) Respondent had already 

installed approximately five thousand bolts on the 2 Southeast Panel. (Tr. 116:11–23, 264:24–

265:5.) 

 Inspector Bryant visited each of the six entries on the 2 Southeast Panel during his 

inspection. Beginning in Entry No. 6, he identified a total of thirteen damaged bolts, including: 

five near Survey Station No. 2153 in the intersection with the second to last crosscut, three near 

the newly constructed brattice line separating Entry Nos. 5 and 6, three near the intersection with 

the last open crosscut, and two near the face. (Tr. 20:22–21:19, 27:15–19, 34:19–35:8, 41:3–

42:5; see Ex. S–1 at 10–12; Ex. S–2.) One of the bolts near Survey Station No. 2153 had been 

sheared off. (Tr. 20:22–21:19, 34:19–35:8, 120:8–20, 156:18–157:1; see Ex. S–1 at 10–12; 

Ex. S–2.) He characterized the others as bent or damaged. (Tr. 34:19–35:8, 41:3–42:5, 121:10–

123:10; see Ex. S–1 at 10–12; Ex. S–2.) Nearby Survey Station No. 2153, he also observed 

Foreman Gilliam’s dates, times, and initials indicating he had examined the area at 11:14 a.m. 

and 1:50 p.m.7

 (Tr. 19:6–20:4, 21:20–22:7; 27:20–28:12; 31:5–32:17, 67:3–7, 70:4–72:21, 

239:4–22; Ex. S–1 at 10, 19; see also Ex. S–8.) The area near Survey Station No. 2153 was well 

rock dusted. (Tr. 33:7–19, 66:14–19, 74:7–18; Ex. S–1 at 19.) Although Bryant saw footprints in 

 6

 Mill Branch operated the Osaka Mine on three overlapping shifts. (See Tr. 67:25–68:4, 

143:7–11, 146:1–10, 187:17–19, 223:3–5; Ex. S–7; Ex. S–9.) At the time, Mill Branch was “hot 

seating” its equipment, meaning that miners stayed at their equipment until the next crew arrived 

to take over. (Tr. 236:23–237:8.) 

7

 Because onshift and preshift examinations require examiners to check many of the same 

conditions, foremen often complete them concomitantly. (Tr. 70:9–21; Ex. S–6; Ex. S–10; Ex. 

R–8; see, e.g., Tr. 238:20–240:5.) The preshift exam had been completed between 12:05 p.m. 

and 2:15 p.m. (Tr. 67:3–21, 238:16–239:3; Ex. S–9.) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1477
the rock dust, he did not see any equipment tracks. (Tr. 33:7–19, 66:14–19, 72:22–73:11, 158:1–

15; Ex. S–1 at 19.) Bryant also observed cracks and loose rock in the mine roof. (Ex. S–1 at 12; 

Tr. 21:20–22:7, 25:12–17, 33:22–34:2.) 

 As Bryant continued his inspection through the remaining entries, he identified thirteen 

additional damaged bolts. First, he observed one bent bolt with a damaged bolt plate in Entry No. 

5 with a one-inch separation between the draw rock above and the bolt itself.8

 (Tr. 43:19–44:13; 

Ex. S–1 at 13; Ex. S–2.) He also identified four bent bolts in Entry No. 4, as well as a broken bolt 

in Entry No. 3 surrounded by loose draw rock.9

 (Tr. 45:12–46:16, 129:18–130:6; Ex. S–1 at 14–

15.) Further, he identified two damaged bolts at the intersection between Entry No. 2 and the 

new crosscut Mill Branch was driving to connect to Entry No. 1. (Tr. 52:10–15; Ex. S–1 at 17; 

Ex. S–2.) These two bolts had dust and gob on the threads of the bolts. (Tr. 52:20–23; Ex. S–1 at 

17.) Finally, he observed five damaged bolts in Entry No. 1. (Tr. 57:9–58:6, 139:5–10; Ex. S–1 

at 18; Ex. S–2.) One of the bolts in Entry No. 1 had been broken and rusted.10 (Ex. S–1 at 18; see 

Tr. 57:19–20.) Two other bolts had been broken off even with the nut, while another was loose. 

(Tr. 57:12–24; Ex. S–1 at 18.) On cross-examination, Bryant admitted either he was unsure when 

the area had been cut or that it was possible that the bolts in question had been damaged after 

Gilliam completed his preshift examination. (Tr. 125:21–126:2, 128:8–129:6, 130:12–133:7, 

138:16–24, 140:25–141:10.) 

Bryant did not see any of these conditions recorded in the preshift examination report for 

the evening shift on March 4, 2013. (Tr. 67:3–17; Ex. S–9.) Based on his observations, Bryant 

cited Mill Branch for two violations. First, Bryant issued Citation No. 8180209, which generally 

matches his testimony on Respondent’s failure to comply with the January 30 Plan. Bryant 

indicated: 

The operator failed to follow his approved Roof Control Plan on 

the active 001/002 working section. When checked, in the #6 entry 

1 break outby the last open crosscut in the middle of the 

intersection 1 bolt had been broken off even with the mine roof and 

3 other bolts were damaged leaving an area 11 feet long x 7 feet 

wide of unsupported roof. 3 bolts were damaged in the crosscut to 

the left of the intersection and 3 more in the entry going toward the 

 8

 Foreman Chad Lane attempted to pull the rock down and was unable to do so. 

(Tr. 147:14–24, 195:8–196:7, 261:10–20; see Ex. S–1 at 13.) 

9

 When Respondent replaced this bolt, Foreman Lane pulled down the rock. (Tr. 46:16–

47:1, 131:10–12; Ex. S–1 at 15.) Bryant measured the largest piece, which was 22 inches long by 

16 inches wide by 2 inches thick. (Tr. 46:16–47:1, 132:3–16; Ex. S–1 at 16.) Smaller pieces 

measured 1 foot long by 6 inches wide by 2 inches thick. (Ex. S–1 at 16.) 

10 Bryant explained that he could tell the difference between a bolt that had been struck 

recently and one that had not. (Tr. 43:3–6.) Freshly damaged roof bolts do not have any rock dust 

above them. (Tr. 43:6–8.) Further, recently damaged bolts will not show any rust spots; rust 

appears after a day. (Tr. 43:9–12.) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1478
last open crosscut. When checked, the #6 heading had 3 damaged 

roof bolts[.] [M]ining height in this area is 6 [feet.] 1 damaged bolt 

was in the #5 entry[,] 20 feet outby the last open crosscut with 

loose draw rock with a 1 inch separation from the mine roof. 4 

damaged bolts were in the #4 entry outby the last open crosscut, 

[and] 1 damaged roof bolt was in the #3 heading where the 3 left 

crosscut was turned with loose draw rock above the bolt, mining 

height was 8 feet and the rock measured 22 inches long x 16 inches 

wide x 2 inches thick after being pulled[.] 4 smaller pieces were 

pulled measuring 1 foot long x 6 inches wide x 2 inches thick[.] #2 

heading had 2 damaged bolts where the 2 left crosscut was turned 

and the #1 heading had 5 damaged bolts with 1 bolt loose from the 

mine roof with a mining height of 8 1⁄2 feet. In the #1 return entry 

at SS#2178 break from where they butted the mains section off a 

roof bolt has been broken off leaving an area of roof 7 feet x 7 feet 

with 1/2 inch separation in the mine roof with rock dust visible 

above the crack. All measurements were made with a standard 

rule[r]. These conditions expose miners to hazards of crushing 

injures while traveling and working under damaged and 

unsupported roof. This mine was put on notice on 2/20/13, Citation 

#8201859 to maintain compliance with this regulation and future 

non-compliance with this standard would result in evaluations for 

increased enforcement. This violation is an unwarrantable failure 

to comply with a mandatory standard. The operator of this mine 

engaged in aggravated conduct constituting more than ordinary 

negligence in that[:] #1.The condition has existed for a period of 

time. #2.The condition was obvious and extensive.#3.The operator 

was making exams of these areas 3 times per day. 

Standard 75.220(a)(1) was cited 8 times in two years at mine 

4407150 (8 to the operator, 0 to a contractor). 

(Ex. S–3.) Bryant designated the citation as an S&S violation that was reasonably likely to result 

in fatal injuries affecting one person. (Ex. S–3; Tr. 63:9–65:1.) He also characterized Mill 

Branch’s level of negligence as high. (Ex. S–3; Tr. 65:2–12, 78:11–18.) 

 Inspector Bryant also issued Order No. 8180210 for failing to perform an adequate 

preshift exam for the evening shift. (Tr. 69:13–18.). He noted: 

The preshift examiners conducting the examinations of the 

001/002 active section did not recognize the obvious and extensive 

hazards that were visible to the most casual observer. A prudent 

mine examiner would have observed the hazardous conditions and 

taken action to correct them. The hazard exists of miners traveling 

through the area without any knowledge of a hazardous condition 

and being seriously injured. The mine operator engaged in 

37 FMSHRC Page 1479
aggravated conduct constituting more than ordinary negligence in 

that an adequate preshift exam was not done of the 001/002 active 

section and the obvious and extensive conditions were not reported 

and corrected. This violation is an unwarrantable failure to comply 

with a mandatory standard. 

(Ex. S–5.) Again, Bryant marked the order as an S&S violation that was reasonably likely to 

result in fatal injuries to one miner. (Ex. S–5; Tr. 76:10–77:19.) Likewise, Bryant characterized 

Respondent’s negligence as high. (Ex. S–5; Tr. 77:20–78:18.) He terminated both the citation 

and order after his safety talk with the miners, and Respondent replaced bolts, installed timbers 

as necessary, and completed an adequate examination. (Tr. 58:8–11; Ex. S–1 at 22–23; Ex. S–3; 

Ex. S–5.) 

At 6:30 a.m. the following day, Osaka Mine Superintendent Barnett visited the 2 

Southeast Panel to examine the bolts Inspector Bryant cited and the condition of the roof. 

(Tr. 254:7–15.) In Entry No. 6, Barnett testified that he did not see any problems with the roof 

conditions, but he admitted that one of those bolts might have required replacement. (Tr. 260:19–

261:9; see Tr. 267:5–15.) He also testified that he did not see any other bolts in the other entries 

that needed to be replaced nor did he observe any adverse roof conditions. (Tr. 261:21–262:11, 

263:3–264:8.) 

2. Number and Duration of Damaged Bolts

a. Number of Damaged Bolts

Mill Branch repeatedly disputes Inspector Bryant’s “theory of a ‘damaged’ bolt.” (Resp’t 

Br. at 4; see Resp’t Br. at 12, 16–21, Resp’t Reply at 1, 3–4, 7.) The crux of Respondent’s 

argument is that Inspector Barnett misunderstood the type of bolts Mill Branch employed on the 

2 Southeast Panel. (See, e.g., Resp’t Reply at 1 (“[T]he Secretary and his only witness rely on 

their mistaken belief that the Mine used ‘torque tension bolts[,]’ . . . . [t]hus, the Secretary’s 

analysis of what constitutes a ‘damaged’ roof bolt is flawed and there is no evidence of damage 

to the type of bolts actually used in the [m]ine.”).) Mill Branch suggests that it did not employ 

“pure” torque tension bolts, but rather “bolts [that] function as fully grouted glue bolts.” (Id.) In 

fact, Mill Branch claims “the entire purpose of using fully grouted glue bolts is that the bolt head 

can be hit without affecting the integrity of the roof or roof support.” (Id. at 2.) Respondent also 

avers that its bolts “are first torqued to ensure they are tight until the glue seals . . . and then the 

bolts function as glue bolts.” (Id. (emphasis removed).) Mill Branch describes the fully-grouted 

torque tension bolt as a belt and suspenders approach, meaning it is an added level of safety.11

(Id.) 

11 Looking at the January 28 Plan, no torque test is required on previously installed roof 

bolts. (Ex. S–4 at 6.) Thus, Superintendent Barnett inferred that torque tension no longer served 

any purpose once the glue had hardened. (Tr. 285:8–15; see 286:8–288:9.) However, testimony 

from Respondent’s other witnesses supports Inspector Bryant’s theory that torque tension 

continued to play a role in the function of the bolt. (Tr. 189:20–190:3, 224:5–13.) Given this 

testimony, it appears that tension—and maintaining a roof bolt plate tight to the mine roof— 

(continued...) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1480
Yet Respondent’s premise—that Bryant misunderstood the type of bolts in use in the 

area—is flawed. At the hearing Bryant specifically testified that Respondent fully grouted its 

torque tension bolts. (Tr. 35:9–18.) Bryant also differentiated fully grouted torque tension bolts 

from normal fully grouted resin bolts, which do not have a nut on the end. (Tr. 136:15–18.) 

Although Bryant acknowledged that a bolt could be struck without losing tension on the bolt 

plate in a fully grouted torque tension bolt (Tr. 115:10–17), he explained that the threads on the 

torque tension bolts make them easy to bend and crack. (Tr. 136:19–25.) Because these bolts 

have threads, the bolt head breaks off easily, particularly when five or six inches of draw rock 

weigh on the head. (Tr. 37:9–12, 136:19–137:18.) More importantly, he explained that when he 

referred to “damaged” bolts, he meant they had either been bent over or broken. (Tr. 36:22–

37:7.)

In view of the above evidence, I reject Respondent’s argument that Inspector Bryant 

misunderstood the types of bolts used on the 2 Southeast Panel or how to determine whether 

those bolts were damaged. Bryant is an experienced inspector and accurately described the bolts 

Mill Branch employed. Because Bryant characterized each of these bolts as bent, broken or 

sheared off, missing a bolt plate, or otherwise damaged, I find that each of the twenty-six bolts 

on the 2 Southeast Panel did not comply with the January 30 Plan and required replacement. 

b. Duration of Damaged Bolts

Mill Branch also disputes Inspector Bryant’s claim that these conditions existed for a 

significant period of time. (Resp’t Br. at 13–15; Resp’t Reply Br. at 6–7.) Respondent 

emphasizes the possibility that each of the twenty-six bolts in question was struck after Foreman 

Gilliam completed his preshift examination, and I recognize Bryant’s admission that any of these 

bolts could have been damaged after Gilliam passed through the area. But acknowledging that 

any individual condition may have developed after Gilliam passed through an area does not 

necessarily imply that every condition developed in that timeframe. For Respondent’s theory to 

be viable, Mill Branch would have mined from 6:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. without damaging a 

bolt, but then damaged twenty-six bolts in a pattern precisely tracing Gilliam’s path. (See Sec’y 

Br. at 14.) 

Given the volume of damaged bolts, Respondent’s theory is implausible. Further, 

Respondent provided no unifying theory as to how this damage, as widespread as it was, could 

have occurred within the time period. As Gilliam acknowledged: “It’s not likely that, what is it, 

20-some bolts are going to get damaged after I [completed my preshift examination] . . . .” (Tr. 

242:7–10.) Considering Inspector Bryant’s admission that each condition may have arisen after 

Gilliam completed his examination, I cannot determine that each condition existed before 

Gilliam examined the area. Nevertheless, the number of damaged bolts and compressed 

timeframe allow me to infer that these conditions did not all develop in the three hours after 

Gilliam started his preshift examination. 

11 (...continued) 

remains important, even after the glue in the fully grouted bolt has set. Barnett’s inference 

therefore does not appear sound. To borrow Respondent’s belt and suspenders analogy, it is 

simply unclear why Mill Branch would throw away its belt once it attached its suspenders. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1481
 Specifically, the evidence also demonstrates that the five bolts located near Survey 

Station No. 2153 in Entry No. 6 and the three bolts near the recently constructed brattice line had 

existed for at least one shift. Although Mill Branch had mined the face of Entry No. 6 on March 

4, 2013, the face was located on the far side of the last open crosscut from the intersection in 

question. (Tr. 124:15–125:13; Ex. S–2.) I recognize Bryant did not know what time the face had 

been cut (Tr. 127:2–4), and I have considered Respondent’s contention that a continuous miner 

may have been backed down Entry No. 6 to straighten its power cord. (Resp’t Br. at 12; Resp’t 

Reply at 7.) However, it is uncontroverted that Mill Branch completed its machine dusting 

during the overnight shift. (Tr. 74:12–18.) Bryant also repeatedly testified that the area near the 

intersection with the second to last crosscut had been well rock dusted and that he did not see any 

equipment tracks in the dust. Notwithstanding the normal mining cycle of “cut, bolt, clean, dust,” 

it is unclear how or why additional dusting would have taken place in the intersection area of 

Entry No. 6, meaning that the dust in question had existed since at least the previous overnight 

shift. Thus, I infer that no equipment had moved in that portion of Entry No. 6, and these eight 

damaged roof bolts had existed since at least the previous shift.12

 The evidence also demonstrates that the rusted bolt in Entry No. 1 existed prior to 

Foreman Gilliam’s preshift examination. I understand that Bryant admitted it was possible that 

bolts in Entry No. 1 had been damaged after Gilliam examined the area. (Tr. 139:1–141:10.) Yet 

Bryant also credibly testified—and Respondent’s witnesses did not dispute—that bolts do not 

rust quickly enough for this bolt to have been damaged on the day shift. Accordingly, I find that 

this bolt had existed since at least the previous shift. 

B. Analysis and Conclusions of Law ― Citation No. 8180209 – Roof Control Plan

1. Fact of Violation

 Section 75.220(a)(1) requires operators to develop and follow an approved roof control 

plan that is suitable to the prevailing geological conditions and the mining system in place at the 

mine and to take additional measures to protect persons if unusual hazards are encountered. 

30 C.F.R. § 75.220(a)(1). An operator violates section 75.220(a)(1) when it does not comply 

with the terms of its roof control plan. See Harlan Cumberland Coal Co., 20 FMSHRC 1275, 

1280–82 (Dec. 1998) (explaining how the Secretary must prove violations of roof control plans). 

The January 30 Plan requires that bolt plates be secured firmly to the roof. (Ex. S–4 at 4.) 

It also requires Mill Branch to address adverse roof and rib conditions. (Id. at 2.) Finally, it 

requires Mill Branch to install its roof bolts in specific patterns. (See, e.g., id. at 25.) It is 

uncontroverted that the roof bolt in Entry No. 6 that had been sheared off needed to be replaced. 

Moreover, I have found as a matter of fact that the roof bolts Inspector Bryant identified in 

Citation No. 8180209 constituted roof bolts that needed to be replaced. See discussion supra Part 

 12 In contrast, I cannot make a similar finding regarding the two damaged bolts in Entry 

No. 2. Although they were covered in dust and gob, Inspector Bryant admitted he did not know 

when Respondent had last mined in Entry No. 2. (Tr. 138:9–19.) Unlike Entry No. 6, Bryant did 

not characterize the area as well rock dusted, and I therefore cannot infer that the rock dust on 

the bolts had been placed there by the machine dusting on the overnight shift. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1482
V.A.2.a. Given my factual findings, I conclude that the Secretary has met his burden of proving 

that Mill Branch violated 30 C.F.R. § 75.220(a)(1). 

2. S&S

Respondent’s violation of section 75.220(a)(1) establishes the first element of an S&S 

violation. However, Mill Branch claims the Secretary has neither demonstrated a discrete safety 

hazard nor shown that any alleged hazard was reasonably likely to result in reasonably serious 

injuries. (Resp’t Br. at 10–11.) Specifically, Mill Branch claims the Secretary has not proven that 

the cited conditions affected the structural integrity of the mine.13 (Id. at 11.) However, the 

operator provides no case law supporting the proposition that the Secretary must meet such an 

elevated burden. The Secretary might not be able to demonstrate that the missing bolts affected 

the “structural integrity” of the mine even with a battery of expert testimony and geological 

study. But that is not the standard that Mathies requires. Instead, it requires the Secretary to 

demonstrate that the damaged roof bolts in question more likely than not contributed to a discrete 

safety hazard that is reasonably likely to result in reasonably serious injury. 

Respondent’s curious arguments notwithstanding, the facts demonstrate that the 

conditions at issue contributed to a discrete safety hazard. Inspector Bryant described the 

damaged roof bolts as contributing to the hazard of rocks falling and striking miners working on 

the section. (Tr. 63:14–23.) Bryant also explained that damaged bolts do not provide the support 

that is intended under the approved plan. (Tr. 63:4–8.) In addition, he explained that striking and 

loosening these torque tension bolts would make it more likely that a roof fall would occur. (Tr. 

49:6–19.) He also identified draw rock and cracks in the roof on the 2 Southeast Panel.14 Finally, 

during Bryant’s previous inspections that quarter he identified two roof falls in other parts of the 

mine, as well as many areas where bolts had broken off under the weight of the mine roof. (Tr. 

50:19–51:23.) Considering Bryant’s credible testimony, I determine that Mathies’ second 

element has been satisfied. 

Likewise, this falling rock hazard was reasonably likely to result in reasonably serious 

injuries. It is uncontroverted that Respondent’s miners worked in every one of the entries in 

which Bryant identified damaged roof bolts. In the course of normal mining operations, miners 

would have continued to work beneath the damaged bolts on the section. Considering Barnett’s 

assertion that Mill Branch selected these type of bolts because they could be struck without 

requiring replacement, additional bolts would be damaged and never addressed. Draw rock—

including large chunks like the piece pulled down from Entry No. 3—would have continued to 

develop. In this context, it is reasonably likely that falling rock would cause serious or fatal 

injuries. Indeed, a roof fall caused a fatality at the Osaka Mine just a few years earlier. (Tr. 64:3–

 13 Respondent suggests “the one potential hazard observed—the draw rock in [Entry No. 

5]—was not hazardous” because it could not be pulled down. (Resp’t Br at 11.) Yet, this 

argument ignores the large piece of rock Foreman Lane did pull down in Entry No. 3. 

14 Although Superintendent Barnett claimed he did not see any adverse roof conditions 

when he examined the 2 Southeast Panel, he did not examine the section until the next day—

after Respondent had abated the conditions. Thus, I accord little weight to this testimony. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1483
10, 149:2–150:4.) Thus, I determine that elements three and four of the Mathies test have been 

satisfied. 

Based on the above, the Secretary has demonstrated each of the four elements of Mathies. 

I conclude that Citation No. 8180209 was appropriately designated as S&S. 

3. Unwarrantable Failure and Negligence

The Secretary charges Mill Branch with an unwarrantable failure to comply with a 

mandatory health or safety standard and contends that the operator acted with a high degree of 

negligence. As I noted, the unwarrantable failure analysis is a totality of the circumstances 

analysis focusing on seven different factors. See discussion supra Part IV.B. Yet given the 

number of bolts Inspector Bryant cited and the differing factual determinations I have reached, 

weighing Respondent’s conduct with regard to several of these factors is akin to finding the 

center of a Venn Diagram: identifying how many bolts were both damaged enough to be readily 

apparent and existed long enough that Respondent’s examiner would have had an opportunity to 

observe the obvious condition. 

At the hearing, Bryant ably demonstrated that he understood the types of bolts in use and 

the damage they might sustain, and I have determined that all twenty-six of the cited bolts were 

damaged for the purpose of finding a violation. See discussion supra Part V.A.2.b. and Part 

V.B.1. In addition, I have determined that nine of the twenty-six damaged bolts existed since at 

least the previous shift. See discussion supra Part V.A.2.a–b. Nevertheless, a careful 

consideration of the record reveals the varying level of detail Bryant presented about each bolt—

details that are critical to determining the obviousness of the cited bolts, as well as their extent 

and Respondent’s knowledge of conditions at issue. 

For example, Bryant indicated that one of the bolts he found near Survey Station No. 

2153 in Entry No. 6 had been “sheared off.” Similarly, the bolt in Entry No. 5 had a damaged 

plate, while the shank had been broken off of the bolt in Entry No. 3. Three of the bolts in Entry 

No. 1 had been broken off. These six conditions were missing parts of the bolt itself, and they 

should have been apparent to a foreman carefully examining the area. 

In contrast, Inspector Bryant described the other four bolts in the intersection of Entry 

No. 6 as merely “damaged” and “bent.” When questioned about these bolts specifically, Bryant 

admitted he was unsure whether they were cracked. He presented neither an indication about 

how badly they had been bent, nor explained in what direction they were bent. Bryant’s 

description of the three bolts he identified near the brattice line were also brief, as were his 

characterizations of the three bolts near the last open crosscut and the two bolts near the face, the 

four bolts he identified in Entry No. 4, the two bolts he noted in Entry No. 2, and two of the bolts 

in Entry No. 1. Without at least some description beyond the conclusory terms “damaged” or 

“bent,” I cannot infer that this second group of damaged bolts would have been readily apparent 

to a foreman passing through the area.15 

15 If the Secretary had elicited testimony or presented evidence demonstrating that the 

damage to these twenty bolts was as plain as the six bolts I described in the previous paragraph, 

(continued...) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1484
Considering Barnett’s testimony that missing bolt heads require replacement, Mill 

Branch could not have held an objectively reasonable belief that any of the six bolts with readily 

apparent damage complied with its roof control plan. But given the many thousands of bolts 

installed on the 2 Southeast Panel, six demonstrably damaged bolts spread across four different 

entries separated by hundreds of feet is not an extensive condition. (See Ex. S–2 (providing map 

scale).) Moreover, I also note that five of these six bolts may not have been obvious. In light of 

the six-foot mining height in Entry Nos. 5 and 6, I understand how a stooped-over miner might 

miss an isolated bolt when he passed through the area. Moreover, it is unclear when the 

conditions in Entry No. 5 and Entry No. 3 arose. See discussion supra Part V.A.2.b. Thus, it 

appears only one bolt that existed for longer than a shift—the rusted bolt in Entry No. 1—should 

have also been obvious to Foreman Gilliam when he completed his preshift exam. Although Mill 

Branch reasonably should have known about this bolt, overlooking one obvious bolt for the 

period of one shift does not imply aggravated conduct. Instead, duration, extent, obviousness, 

and knowledge all suggest that Mill Branch’s negligence in this case was ordinary. 

The three remaining unwarrantable failure factors likewise point to ordinary negligence. 

As the Secretary admits, “there was not much testimony” regarding notice to Mill Branch that 

greater efforts were necessary to comply with the January 30 Plan.16 (Sec’y Br. at 17.) It also 

seems Mill Branch made no previous efforts to abate the conditions specifically at issue, but I 

note that Mill Branch regularly examined the area in previous shifts and had installed 

supplementary roof bolts on the section. (Ex. R–8.) Respondent’s past examinations and 

supplementary bolts are inapposite to my S&S analysis, see discussion supra Part V.B.2, and I 

recognize that these conditions exposed Respondent’s miners to serious dangers from a 

collapsing roof. However, these past examinations and supplementary bolts are pertinent to my 

negligence analysis because it appears Mill Branch took at least some care to protect miner 

safety. Those steps proved inadequate, but Respondent’s past efforts suggest an ordinary level of 

negligence rather than the purposeful misconduct, indifference, recklessness, or serious lack of 

reasonable care that are the hallmarks of unwarrantable failure. 

Based on the above, I understand the Secretary’s concerns in this case. Twenty-six roof 

bolts required replacement, and nine of them required replacement since at least the previous 

15 (...continued) 

Respondent’s failure to address them might have been more troubling. I recognize that the 

opinion of an experienced inspector is entitled to significant weight, and I understand that this 

second set of damaged bolts may well have been equally apparent to a section foreman. But the 

Secretary has the burden of proving the facts underlying his allegations, including his contention 

that these conditions were obvious and extensive. 

16 Instead, the Secretary notes that Mill Branch was “on notice of the amount of cover 

they were under and the requirements of the roof plan” and claims that the two roof falls 

Inspector Bryant identified put Mill Branch “on notice that they were mining under bad roof.” 

(Sec’y Br. at 17.) Yet it is unclear why the Secretary believes this would put Mill Branch on 

notice that it needed to take additional steps to replace damaged bolts. In fact, Inspector Bryant 

admitted on cross-examination that he did not know whether any of the bolts had been damaged 

before the roof fall. (Tr. 148:6–16.) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1485
shift. Six bolts had sustained damage that was readily apparent. Moreover, the damaged bolts 

exposed miners to serious dangers, and Mill Branch reasonably should have known about at least 

one of the cited bolts. In addition, abatement was relatively simple. From this perspective, I 

conclude that Respondent’s level of negligence was high. However, I recognize that only one of 

the cited bolts was both obvious and existed for more than a shift. Respondent made some 

previous efforts to protect its miners. Accordingly, I conclude that the Secretary has not met his 

burden of proving this violation to be the result of aggravated conduct, and the unwarrantable 

failure designation is removed. 

C. Analysis and Conclusions of Law ― Order No. 8180210 – Inadequate Preshift 

1. Fact of Violation

Section 75.360(b)(3) requires that mine operators conduct “an examination for hazardous 

conditions at the mine . . . .” McCoy Elkhorn Coal Corp., 36 FMSHRC 1987, 2000 (Aug. 2014). 

The adequacy of a preshift examination is based on whether a reasonably prudent person, 

familiar with the mining industry and the protective purpose of the safety standard, would have 

recognized that the hazard needed to be recorded in the preshift examination book. Emerald Coal 

Res. LP, 34 FMSHRC 482, 495 (Feb. 2012) (ALJ) (citing Utah Power & Light Co., 12 

FMSHRC 965, 968 (May 1990), aff’d 951 F.2d 292 (10th Cir. 1991). 

In this case, the Secretary contends that Foreman Gilliam performed an inadequate 

preshift examination when he failed to identify twenty-six damaged roof bolts across the 2 

Southeast Panel. Based on my factual determinations above, see discussion supra Part V.A.2.b, 

nine of these bolts existed for at least a shift. In addition, one of those bolts—the rusted bolt in 

Entry No. 1—should have been readily apparent to a careful examiner. Given Superintendent 

Barnett’s admission that bolts missing their bolt nuts or plates need to be replaced, I determine 

that a reasonably prudent miner would have recorded this bolt in his preshift examination records 

so that appropriate steps would be taken to replace the bolt and protect Respondent’s miners. I 

therefore conclude that the Secretary has proven a violation of 30 C.F.R. § 75.360(b)(3). 

2. S&S

The Secretary claims that Order No. 8180120 was properly designated as S&S for the 

same reasons as Citation No. 8180209. (Sec’y Br. at 14.) Mill Branch again disputes Bryant’s 

characterization of damaged bolts and notes that preshift examinations are not per se S&S. 

(Resp’t Br. at 17–18; Resp’t Reply at 1–3.) Rather than reiterate my analysis for Citation No. 

8180209 in detail, I will succinctly address each of the Mathies elements. First, Respondent’s 

failure to note the damaged bolts satisfies the first element. Second, Inspector Bryant’s testimony 

and the roof conditions on the 2 Southeast Panel demonstrate that this violation contributed to a 

discrete safety hazard of falling rock striking miners beneath. Thus, Mathies’ second element has 

been satisfied. Finally, in continued normal mining operations Respondent’s miners would have 

continued to travel in the active working section as draw rock developed and roof conditions 

deteriorated. Thus, the hazard was reasonably likely to cause injuries. When large pieces of 

falling rock—like the draw rock pulled down in Entry No. 3—struck Respondent’s miners, it is 

reasonably likely that those injuries would be serious. Accordingly, the Secretary has satisfied 

37 FMSHRC Page 1486
the third and fourth elements of the Mathies test. I therefore conclude that Order No. 8180210 

was appropriately designated as S&S. 

3. Unwarrantable Failure and Negligence 

Neither party meaningfully differentiates their arguments regarding unwarrantable failure 

and negligence, as they apply to Order No. 8180210, from similar arguments they made 

regarding Citation No. 8180209. (See Sec’y Br. at 14–19; Sec’y Reply at 1–5; Resp’t Br. at 18–

21; Resp’t Reply at 4–7.) Here, nine of the twenty-six damaged bolts existed for at least one shift 

prior to Gilliam’s preshift examination, but only one of those bolts was obvious. In light of the 

thousands of bolts on the section and the relatively simple fix of installing a relatively small 

number of additional bolts, the conditions underlying the preshift examination violation were not 

extensive. The Secretary also introduced no evidence that Respondent was on notice that greater 

efforts were necessary to comply with the standard. I also recognize that Superintendent 

Barnett’s opinion regarding what constitutes a damaged bolt is based on his conversations with 

the roof bolt manufacturer. An objectively reasonable miner might therefore conclude that many 

of these bolts were not damaged. Each of these factors suggests that Gilliam’s failure to note the 

underlying condition in his preshift examination did not constitute intentional misconduct, 

indifference, or a reckless disregard for the safety of miners. Again, it appears Mill Branch made 

no previous efforts to abate the specific conditions at issue, but I note that Respondent had made 

some previous efforts examine the area and install supplemental roof bolts. 

On the other hand, the remaining unwarrantable failure factors highlight Inspector 

Bryant’s serious concerns with Respondent’s conduct. The conditions underlying this violation 

presented a serious danger to miners. Although the Secretary has only proven that one bolt was 

both present at the time of the preshift examination and obvious, Gilliam should have identified 

the bolt. Mill Branch reasonably should have known about the violative condition. 

 In view of the above, I again conclude that Respondent’s negligence in this case was 

high. However, the Secretary has not proven that Gilliam’s failure to record these conditions 

constituted aggravated conduct. Accordingly, I conclude that Order No. 8180210 was not an 

unwarrantable failure to comply with a mandatory standard, and the designation is removed. 

VI. FURTHER FINDINGS OF FACT, ANALYSIS, AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW ―

NON-PERMISSIBLE EQUIPMENT ORDERS ― MARCH 15 & 19, 2013 

A. Further Findings of Fact ― Inspector Bryant’s Inspection ― March 15, 2013

On March 15, 2013, Inspector Bryant returned to the Osaka Mine to perform an electrical 

inspection of pumps, belt lines, and carbon monoxide monitors as part of his quarterly 

inspection. (Tr. 79:5–80:16, 99:20–22; Ex. S–12 at 1–10.) Quarterly inspections require MSHA 

inspectors to examine every piece of equipment at the mine. (Tr. 99:23–100:1.) 

That day, Inspector Bryant traveled along with Electrician Fields and Foreman Mullins. 

(Tr. 79:5–80:16, 170:3–7, 268:25–269:1; Ex. S–12 at 1, 10.) During the inspection, Bryant 

examined two water pumps in a sump hole outside of one of the seals Mill Branch had installed 

37 FMSHRC Page 1487
to seal off an old working area that was located approximately two miles from the active mining 

area. (Tr. 80:17–23, 81:16–25, 92:3–9, 94:18–95:1, 97:7–15, 177:1–8, 180:2–10, 306:16–

307:11.) Seals are built to help maintain stable methane and oxygen levels in the mine. 

(Tr. 97:7–15.) Nevertheless, seals will sometimes either outgas—pushing air from the sealed 

area back into the active mine—or ingas—sucking air out of the active mine and behind the seal. 

(Tr. 97:16–25.) Without proper ventilation, outgassing seals will allow methane to accumulate 

into the explosive range. (Tr. 98:2–99:4.) Bryant did not find any problems with the seals leaking 

at the time. (Tr. 110:20–111:4.) 

One of the water pumps was a primary pump, and the other was a backup.17 (Tr. 270:9–

271:4.) The backup pump only operated when the water level in the sump hole rose too high. 

(Tr. 270:9–18.) When Bryant inspected the backup pump, he followed the power connection 

from the pump toward the power center that provided the pumps’ electricity. (Tr. 81:16–19, 

270:11–271:4.) A power cord ran from the 13-horsepower water pump to a line starter box 

attached to the left rib approximately 150 feet away and four feet off the ground, which then 

connected to the power center through another power cord. (Tr. 80:19–81:8, 81:19–25, 82:6–10, 

95:24–96:4, 96:10–21, 109:19–22, 177:9–178:23, 270:9–18, 281:9–11.) The line starter was gray 

in color and measured approximately 1 foot by 1 foot. (Tr. 170:14–171:4, 269:17–25; Ex. R–15-

A; Ex. R–15–B.) The box enabled Mill Branch to run the connected pump intermittently. 

(Tr. 82:2–5, 170:8–13, 270:9–18.) When water in the sump hole rose too high, the pump sent a 

signal back to the line starter box. (Tr. 82:2–5, 94:10–17, 95:8–23, 170:8–13, 177:22–178:3.) 

The line starter box could then send the power it received from the power center back to the 

pump. (Tr. 82:2–5, 170:8–13, 177:22–178:3.) 

When Mill Branch initially installed the line starter box, it was an acceptable piece of 

equipment because it was located in a neutral air entry separated from other air courses using a 

brattice line constructed of gray concrete blocks. (Tr. 82:12–23, 91:13–25, 171:5–25, 275:13–

22.) However, on March 6, 2012, Mill Branch removed the brattice line and changed the 

ventilation of the area to ventilate seals approximately four crosscuts away that were outgassing 

methane. (Tr. 98:2–14, 101:3–9, 103:21–104:6, 272:6–274:5, 284:9–11; Ex. R–12 at 8 (March 

19 Inspection Notes); Ex. R–14–A; Ex. R–14–B.) After the ventilation change, the line starter 

box was now located in a return air entry. (Tr. 82:17–23, 173:4–6, 272:6–274:5; Ex. R–12 at 8 

(March 19 Inspection Notes); Ex. R–14–A; Ex. R–14–B; see Tr. 172:5–11.) The box at issue was 

non-permissible and thus provided an ignition source. 

Although Mill Branch replaced its other non-permissible equipment in the area, it never 

replaced the line starter box at issue for a permissible piece of equipment. (Tr. 82:17–23, 174:3–

16, 278:15–279:11.) Mill Branch also did not remove roughly 100 old brattice blocks—which 

were the same color as the line starter box—from the crosscut. (Tr. 82:6–14, 171:18–25, 274:23–

275:9.) Several old water lines and cables were also in the area. (See, e.g., Tr. 92:3–9.) 

 17 Inspector Bryant initially claimed that the line starter box was connected to the primary 

pump. (Tr. 94:10–95:8.) In Bryant’s rebuttal testimony, he admitted that he was unsure whether 

the box was connected to the primary pump or the backup pump. (Tr. 306:3–307:11.) 

Accordingly, I credit Supervisor Barnett’s testimony that the line starter box was connected to 

the backup pump, which had never been activated prior to March 15, 2013. (Tr. 270:19–272:5.) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1488
During his inspection, Bryant found just 0.05 percent methane at the non-permissible 

box, but he did not test for methane near the seals that day. (Tr. 92:13–15, 108:9–109:9.) At the 

time, approximately 50,000 to 55,000 cubic feet per minute (“C.F.M.”) of air traveled out of the 

mine through the return entry. (Tr. 276:24–277:5.) Based on his observations, Bryant issued 

Order No. 8180213, alleging: 

The 13 HP. Flyght Pump SN#MO7-0711 being used in the Return 

air course at the #17 Prescott Seal in the sump hole is not being 

maintained. When checked a non[-]permissible box measuring 

1[]foot x 1 foot containing a #2 line starter, overloads and fuses is 

being used through a float switch to provide 440 volts of power to 

the pump. This condition exposes miners to the hazards of a 

methane ignition by the arcing of the contactor tips when they are 

energized. This mine is on a 15 day I spot inspection for liberation 

of methane. 

(Ex. S–13 at 1.) Although Inspector Bryant designated the violation as S&S and reasonably 

likely to result in injuries of lost workdays or restricted duty to one miner, he initially 

characterized Mill Branch’s negligence as moderate and issued Citation No. 8180213 pursuant to 

section 104(a) of the Mine Act. (Id.) However, after discussing the conditions with his 

supervisor, on March 19, 2013, Bryant modified the citation to a section 104(d)(1) order

charging Mill Branch with an unwarrantable failure to comply with a mandatory safety standard 

and increased the level of negligence to high. (Ex. S–13 at 2; Tr. 86:7–87:4, 93:7–21, 104:25–

107:16, 155:5–6.) He claimed he would cite the violation as an unwarrantable failure if he saw it 

today. (Tr. 154:15–155:4.) To abate the violation, Mill Branch removed the box. (Tr. 154:1–5.) 

 On March 19, Bryant also issued Order No. 8180214, alleging: 

The operator failed to do an adequate exam of the #2, 13 

Horsepower Flyght pump SN#MO-0711 located in the left return 

air course across from the #17 Prescott Seal. When checked[,] a 

non[-]permissible line starter box was being used to control the 

float switch for the pump. All electric equipment shall be 

frequently examined, tested, and properly maintained by a 

qualified person to assure safe operating conditions. This condition 

has existed since 3/6/12, a prudent examiner would have 

recognized the hazardous condition and taken action to correct the 

condition. The mine operator engaged in aggravated conduct 

constituting more than ordinary negligence by not doing an 

adequate exam of the pump and allowing this obvious and 

extensive condition to exist for an extended period of time. This 

mine is on a 15 day I spot inspection for excessive liberations of 

methane. Standard 75.512 was cited 5 times in two years at mine 

4407150 (5 to the operator, 0 to a contractor). This violation is an 

unwarrantable failure to comply with a mandatory standard. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1489
(Ex. S–14 at 1–2.) Bryant designated the order as an S&S violation that was reasonably likely to 

result in injuries of lost workdays or restricted duty to one person. (Id. at 1.) In addition, he 

characterized Respondent’s level of negligence as high. (Id.) 

No MSHA inspector identified the non-permissible box in any of their quarterly or spot 

inspections of the Osaka Mine between March 6, 2012, and Inspector Bryant’s quarterly 

inspection on March 15, 2013. (Tr. 104:7–14.) Similarly, no state inspectors identified the nonpermissible box during their roughly three or four inspections during that time period. 

(Tr. 276:3–13.) 

B. Conclusions of Law ― Citation No. 8180213 – Non-Permissible Equipment

1. Fact of Violation

To prove a violation of section 75.507, the Secretary must show that (1) non-permissible 

power connection points (2) that were further away from the working face than the last open 

crosscut were also located (3) in a non-intake air course. See 30 C.F.R. § 75.507; Zeigler Coal 

Co., 15 FMSHRC 949, 950–51 (June 1993). The Commission has noted that “‘[t]he purpose of 

[section 75.507] is to prevent methane gas explosions. In the presence of methane gas, a source 

of ignition, such as arcing from power connections, can cause an explosion.” Zeigler Coal Co., 

15 FMSHRC at 951 (quoting Eastover Mining Co., 4 FMSHRC 123, 123 (Feb. 1982).) 

The facts of this case are not in dispute. Respondent’s line starter box was located in a 

return entry. Despite weekly examinations of the area for approximately one year, Mill Branch 

did not identify or remove the non-permissible box. (See Ex. S–15.) In fact, Electrician Fields 

agreed that Order 8180213 was a violation (Tr. 172:1–4), but explained that the concrete blocks 

in the area obscured the line starter box from view. (Tr. 173:2–10, 179:2–5, 181:15–22.) Given 

Respondent’s failure to remove and replace the non-permissible line starter box, I conclude that 

the Secretary has proven a violation of 30 C.F.R. § 75.507.

2. S&S

Respondent’s violation of 30 C.F.R. § 75.507 satisfies the first element of Mathies. 

Inspector Bryant also credibly testified that the non-permissible line starter box provided an 

ignition source for a methane explosion. (See Tr. 84:18–85:5.) Although the line starter box 

connected to the secondary pump, this non-permissible piece of equipment provided an ignition 

source that would not have otherwise been present. Regardless of its actual use, it provided a 

measure of danger to safety because it made a methane ignition more likely. Thus, Respondent’s 

violation contributed to a methane explosion hazard. Indeed, Mill Branch essentially concedes 

this point as it made no counterargument in its post-hearing briefs. I therefore determine that 

Mathies’ second element has been satisfied. 

The Secretary also argues that this hazard is reasonably likely to result in reasonably 

serious injuries18 because sparks from the non-permissible box could ignite methane in the area. 

18 The Secretary relies on Bryant’s testimony that Order No. 8180213 would result in 

(continued...) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1490
(Sec’y Br. at 22–23.) In contrast, Mill Branch claims that the Secretary has not proven that an 

injury was reasonably likely to result in reasonably serious injuries. (Resp’t Br. at 23–24; Resp’t 

Reply at 9.) In particular, Respondent notes the low level of methane Bryant found at the line 

starter box, his failure to test for methane near the seals in question, the volume of air movement 

at the time of the inspection, and the absence of defects on the pumps themselves. (Resp’t Br. at 

23–24; Resp’t Reply at 9.) Mill Branch also argues that Bryant did not testify that he had any 

reason to expect methane levels to rise in the future. (Resp’t Br. at 24.) Moreover, Mill Branch 

contends that an injury producing event was unlikely because the non-permissible box was 

approximately two miles away from the active working area of the Osaka Mine. (Resp’t Br. at 

23–24; Resp’t Reply at 9.) 

 Yet Respondent’s arguments fundamentally misunderstand the pertinent timeframe for 

an S&S analysis under Mathies. The Commission has long made clear that S&S determinations 

are made considering the length of time the condition existed and in the context of continued 

mining operations. U.S. Steel Mining Co., 7 FMSHRC at 1130. Rather than examining a mere 

snapshot of conditions that existed at the time of the inspection, the Commission instead asks 

whether a reasonably serious injury is reasonably likely to occur if normal mining were to 

continue. See, e.g., Knox Creek Coal Corp., 36 FMSHRC 1128, 1132 (May 2014) (indicating 

that a Judge erred when he took a “‘snapshot’ approach” to the S&S analysis), appeal pending, 

4th Cir. 14-2313. Notwithstanding the relatively low-level of methane Bryant measured at the 

line starter box and high volume of ventilating air at the time of his inspection, it is 

uncontroverted that Respondent’s examiner did not identify this non-permissible box for over a 

year—or more than fifty-two examinations. Despite Fields’ claim that Mill Branch was 

“working” on cleaning up the concrete blocks that obscured the non-permissible box (Tr. 179:7–

9; see Tr. 173:4–10, 175:4–5, 179:17–19, 181:15–22), Mill Branch had not moved those blocks 

for more than a year. Thus, I infer that the non-permissible box would have simply remained in 

place in the return entry if Bryant had not identified it during his inspection. In view of this 

extraordinary duration, the Respondent’s myopic focus on the level of methane and airflow at the 

precise moment of Bryant’s inspection is misplaced. Considering Commission precedent, the 

relevant time period includes both the year the condition had already existed as well as continued 

mining operations. 

It is also uncontroverted that Osaka Mine is a “gassy” mine that releases a significant 

volume of methane every day. Further, Inspector Bryant credibly testified that eight to ten 

percent of methane would outgas from the seals. (Tr. 98:2–14.) The seals were located just four 

crosscuts away from the non-permissible box. (Tr. 98:13–14; Ex. R–14–A; Ex R–14–B.) Over 

18 (...continued) 

“lost workday or restricted duty injuries.” (Sec’y Br. at 23.) I note that the Secretary did not elicit 

any specific testimony about the types of injuries a methane ignition would cause. Instead, he 

stands on Inspector Bryant’s conclusory statement that injuries would result in lost workdays and 

restricted duty. Although specific testimony would be helpful for my analysis, I reasonably infer 

from the Secretary’s methane ignition theory that those injuries would be smoke inhalation and 

burns. The Commission has routinely considered smoke inhalation and burns to constitute 

reasonably serious injuries for the purpose of a Mathies analysis. See, e.g., Big Ridge, Inc., 35 

FMSHRC 1525, 1528–29 (June 2013) (affirming Judge’s S&S determination where smoke 

inhalation and burn injuries were reasonably likely).

37 FMSHRC Page 1491
the course of a year, a disruption of ventilation would allow methane from this significant source 

to accumulate in proximity to the non-permissible line starter box. Moreover, this nonpermissible box was located in a return entry. By design, return entries carry contaminants—

including methane—out of the mine. Thus, the non-permissible box would come into contact 

with any methane accumulations being swept out of the mine. Indeed, the Commission 

concluded in Ziegler Coal Co. that these are the types of exposures section 75.507 is designed to 

avoid. 15 FMSHRC at 951. Although the likelihood of any one of these events might vary in a 

short timeframe, it bears repeating that this violation existed for more than a year and would 

have continued in normal operations if Inspector Bryant had not identified the non-permissible 

box. In that context, it is reasonably likely that a methane accumulation would have been present 

with an active ignition source. Given this confluence of factors, I determine that a methane 

ignition and explosion was reasonably likely to occur. 

Respondent’s reliance on the distance from the working face to the non-permissible box 

is similarly misplaced. I recognize that relatively few miners might travel in this return at any 

given time; in fact, it might only be the weekly examiner. However, Mill Branch again overlooks 

extreme duration of this hazardous condition. A weekly examiner traveled the area more than 

fifty-two times. Although no injury-producing event occurred, I have determined a methane 

ignition was reasonably likely to occur. Considering the length of time this methane explosion 

hazard existed and the continued normal operations of the mine, I give no weight to 

Respondent’s past good fortune in avoiding injuries. U.S. Steel Mining Co., 18 FMSHRC 862, 

867 (June 1996) (“The fact that injury has been avoided in the past or in connection with a 

particular violation may be ‘fortunate but not determinative.’” ) (quoting Ozark-Mahoning Co., 8 

FMSHRC 190, 192 (Feb. 1986)). Thus, I determine that the Secretary has demonstrated that the 

methane explosion hazard was reasonably likely to result in reasonably serious injuries, and he 

has therefore satisfied the third and fourth elements of Mathies. 

 Given the above, I therefore conclude that Order No. 8180213 was appropriately 

designated as S&S. 

3. Unwarrantable Failure and Negligence 

 The facts of this case are not in dispute. In March 2012, Mill Branch removed a brattice 

line as part of a change in ventilation. As a result, a formerly neutral air course became a return 

entry. Although Mill Branch removed other non-permissible equipment from the new return, it 

inadvertently failed to remove the non-permissible line starter box that connected the power 

center to a secondary pump located near a mine seal. In addition, Mill Branch did not remove the 

brattice blocks—which were the same general size, shape, and color of the non-permissible 

block—from the area. More than a year and more than fifty weekly electrical examinations later, 

the non-permissible box and brattice blocks remained in place. No federal or state inspector 

found the box until March 2013. 

 Not surprisingly, the Secretary and Mill Branch interpret those facts very differently. In 

the Secretary’s post-hearing brief, he argues that each factor pertinent to an unwarrantable failure 

analysis supports his determination that Respondent’s failure to comply with 30 C.F.R. § 75.507 

37 FMSHRC Page 1492
constituted aggravated conduct that is more than ordinary negligence.19 (Sec’y Br. at 24–27.) For 

its part, Mill Branch contends that the Secretary has not proven Order No. 8180213 to have been 

an unwarrantable failure because MSHA and state mine inspectors failed to identify the box 

during their inspections of the Osaka Mine. (Resp’t Br. at 24–27; Resp’t Reply at 9–10.) 

According to Mill Branch, the failure of federal and state inspectors to identify the nonpermissible box mitigates the duration of the violative condition, implies that Respondent had no 

notice that additional efforts were necessary to comply with the cited regulation, and 

demonstrates that the condition was not obvious. (Resp’t Br. at 24–27; Resp’t Reply at 9–10.) 

 Federal and state mine inspectors take their jobs seriously, and I have no doubt that their 

previous inspections were diligent. In some sense, that diligence suggests that the nonpermissible box may not have been immediately obvious to observers in the area. I also 

understand that Mill Branch removed other non-permissible equipment from the return entry, 

which suggests the condition was not extensive. Instead, the violation was limited to a single 

non-permissible line starter box connected to a secondary pump. Looked at in isolation, these 

facts might support a determination that Mill Branch acted with ordinary negligence when it 

failed to remove the line starter box. 

 Nevertheless, Mill Branch ignores its yearlong failure to satisfy its own duties under the 

Mine Act. Federal and state inspectors are not charged with the primary responsibility to 

maintain safe working conditions in mines. Mine operators are. 30 U.S.C. § 801(e). Inspectors 

are not required to make weekly inspections. Mine operators are. 30 C.F.R. § 75.512. Although 

the federal and state mine inspectors seemingly overlooked the non-permissible box, those 

inspectors had considerably fewer opportunities to detect the violation than Mill Branch. Indeed, 

the extraordinary duration of the violation in this case is egregious, and it weighs heavily in favor 

of determining Respondent’s failure to be aggravated conduct constituting more than ordinary 

negligence. Regardless of whether the federal and state inspectors identified the non-permissible 

box, Mill Branch had a continuing obligation to remove the box and protect its miners. It failed 

to do so despite more than fifty examinations. As a result, Respondent’s failure repeatedly 

exposed miners to significant mine ignition and explosion dangers. 

 Turning to the remaining unwarrantable failure factors, I note that Respondent appears to 

have been aware of its duty to remove the non-permissible box from the return entry. In fact, it 

did remove other non-permissible equipment from the area when it made the ventilation change. 

It also had more than a year to clean up the brattice blocks in the area and identify the nonpermissible box. Although Mill Branch may not have had any notice that additional steps were 

necessary to comply with 30 C.F.R. § 75.507, Respondent therefore reasonably should have 

known about the violation. 

 Reduced to their core, Respondent’s arguments simply confuse an explanation for an 

excuse. Mill Branch believes its conduct cannot be considered aggravated when federal and state 

 19 The Secretary’s reply brief claims that the matter before me is analogous to the facts of 

the Commission’s recent decision in Excel Mining, LLC, 37 FMSHRC 459 (Mar. 2015). (Sec’y 

Reply at 5–7.) Given my determination in this case, I need not engage in a point-by-point 

comparison of the facts. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1493
mine inspectors also failed to identify the violative condition. I understand that the nearby 

brattice blocks apparently obscured the non-permissible box from view. If this were an isolated 

or relatively recent event, I might agree with the Respondent. But here, Mill Branch glosses over 

the number times of it failed to protect its miners. Thus, the reason for Respondent’s on-going 

failure might be explainable, but it is not excusable as ordinary negligence. In light of the danger 

the violation presented and Mill Branch’s repeated opportunity to identify and remove the box, 

Respondent’s failure to do so constitutes a serious lack of reasonable care. I therefore conclude 

that Mill Branch acted with a high level of negligence when it failed to remove the nonpermissible box from the return entry for more than a year. Likewise, I conclude that 

Respondent’s conduct constituted an unwarrantable failure to comply with a mandatory health or 

safety standard. 

C. Conclusions of Law ― Order No. 8180214 – Inadequate Electrical Examination 

1. Fact of Violation

Section 75.512 requires mine operators to “frequently” examine, test, and maintain all 

electrical equipment, remove any equipment where a potentially dangerous condition is found, 

and maintain records of those examinations. See 30 C.F.R. § 75.512. Section 75.512-2 defines 

“frequently” for the purposes of section 75.512 to mean “at least weekly.” 30 C.F.R. § 75.512-2. 

Thus, the operator must complete a weekly examination of its electrical equipment. See, e.g., 

Manalapan Mining Co., 36 FMSHRC 53, 92–93 (Jan. 2014) (ALJ). 

Respondent’s failure to perform adequate electrical examinations is uncontroverted. 

Despite the concrete brattice blocks nearby that partially obscured the line starter box, it is also 

uncontroverted that a proper electrical examination would have traced the power cable between 

the power center and the backup pump. A reasonably prudent miner familiar with the protective 

purposes of the act would have performed a thorough examination and identified nonpermissible box. Thus, Respondent’s conduct violated 30 C.F.R. § 75.512. 

2. S&S

The parties see this inadequate examination violation as linked to Respondent’s failure to 

remove the non-permissible box in the first place. (Sec’y Br. at 24–27; Sec’y Reply at 5–7; 

Resp’t Br. at 27–28; Resp’t Reply 9–10.) Given the parties’ inclination to treat these two 

violations together, I need not address their arguments in detail. The Secretary has proven a 

violation and a discrete safety hazard in satisfaction of the first two elements of the Mathies test. 

In addition, he has shown that the methane ignition hazard is reasonably likely to result in 

reasonably serious injuries, which satisfies the third and fourth Mathies elements. See discussion 

supra Part VI.B.2. Thus, I conclude that Order No. 8180214 is S&S. 

3. Unwarrantable Failure and Negligence 

The Secretary and Respondent also each treat the unwarrantable failure designation for 

Order No. 8180214 in concert with Order No. 8180213. (Sec’y Br. at 24–27; Sec’y Reply at 5–7; 

Resp’t Br. at 27–28; Resp’t Reply at 9.) Because the parties again view these orders as linked, I 

37 FMSHRC Page 1494
again see little reason to discuss the matter in great detail. Given the number of inadequate 

examinations Mill Branch performed, Respondent should have known about the violative 

condition. This violation exposed miners to methane ignition and explosion dangers, and the 

condition persisted for over a year. Nevertheless, it appears that Respondent took no additional 

steps to ensure it was performing adequate electrical examinations. On the other hand I recognize 

that the Secretary presented no evidence demonstrating Mill Branch was on notice that greater 

efforts were necessary to comply with 30 C.F.R. § 75.512. Moreover, it appears that MSHA and 

state inspectors did not identify the non-permissible box in their own inspections. Thus, it seems 

the underlying condition was neither obvious nor extensive. 

Considering all of the above, I conclude that Respondent’s negligence was appropriately 

designated as high. In addition, I determine that Respondent’s failure to conduct adequate 

weekly examinations for more than one year constituted aggravated conduct. Accordingly, I 

conclude that the unwarrantable failure designation is valid. 

VII. PENALTIES

Turning to the six penalty factors specified in section 110(i) of the Mine Act, I note that 

Mill Branch has stipulated that the proposed penalty would not affect its ability to remain in 

business. (Joint Ex. 1. at 2.) Moreover, nothing in the record suggests the proposed penalties are 

inappropriate for the size of the mine, and I also note that Respondent promptly abated each 

violation in good faith. Although I have affirmed the Secretary’s allegations regarding S&S and 

Respondent’s level of high negligence, I have modified both Citation No. 8180209 and Order 

No. 8180210 to remove the unwarrantable failure designation. In addition, I have affirmed the 

Secretary’s allegations of S&S, high negligence, and unwarrantable failure for Order Nos. 

8180213 and 8180214. Finally, the Secretary’s Assessed Violation History Report lists 1 final 

citation within the previous fifteen months at the Osaka Mine that involved 30 C.F.R. 

§ 75.220(a)(1). (Ex. S–16.) That citation was not designated as S&S. (Id.) In addition, the 

Secretary’s Assessed Violation History report lists zero final citations or orders within the 

previous fifteen months at the Osaka Mine involving 30 C.F.R. § 75.360(b), 30 C.F.R. § 75.507, 

or 30 C.F.R. § 75.512. (Id.) 

 I recognize that the Secretary has proposed penalties of $3,996.00, $4,440.00, $2,000.00, 

and $4,500.00, respectively, for Citation No. 8180209 and Order Nos. 8180210, 8180213, and 

8180214. However, the Secretary’s proposed penalties are not binding upon me. Given the 

limited history of violations at this mine in conjunction with the other factors, I therefore 

determine that a penalty of $1,000.00 each is appropriate for Citation No. 8180209 and Order 

8180210. Based on the six section 110(i) factors, and particularly the significant danger 

presented by a yearlong violation, I also conclude that penalties of $2,500.00 and $5,000.00 are 

appropriate for Order Nos. 8180213 and 8180214. 

VIII. ORDER

 In light of the forgoing, it is hereby ORDERED that Citation No. 8180209 and Order 

No. 8180210 are AFFIRMED as S&S and as the result of Respondent’s high negligence and are 

37 FMSHRC Page 1495
MODIFIED to remove the unwarrantable failure designation from each. By operation of law, 

both violations are also MODIFIED to citations under section 104(a) of the Mine Act. 

It is also ORDERED that Order Nos. 8180213 and 8180214 are AFFIRMED as written. 

Because Citation No. 8180209 was the predicate section 104(d)(1) citation for both orders, Order 

No. 8180213 is MODIFIED to a citation under section 104(d)(1) of the Mine Act by operation 

of law. Order No. 8180214 remains a section 104(d)(1) order. 

FURTHERMORE, Mill Branch is ORDERED to PAY a civil penalty of $9,500.00 

within 40 days of this decision. 

/s/ Alan G. Paez 

Alan G. Paez 

Administrative Law Judge 

Distribution: 

Thomas J. Motzny, Esq., U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Solicitor, 618 Church Street, 

Suite 230, Nashville, TN 37219-2456 

K. Brad Oakley, Esq., Jackson Kelly, PLLC, P.O. Box 2150, Lexington, KY 40588-2150 

/pjv 

37 FMSHRC Page 1496
FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES 

7 PARKWAY CENTER, SUITE 290 

875 GREENTREE ROAD 

PITTSBURGH, PA 15220 

TELEPHONE: 412-920-7240 / FAX: 412-928-8689 

July 2, 2015 

DECISION AND ORDER 

REINSTATING RICHARD B. HARRISON

Appearances: Jordana L. Greenwald, Esq., Office of the Solicitor, U.S. Department of 

Labor, Philadelphia, PA, Representing the Secretary of Labor 

Philip K. Kontul, Esq. & Michael D. Glass, Esq., Ogletree, Deakins, 

Smoak, Nash & Stewart P.C., Pittsburgh, PA, Representing Respondent 

Before: Judge Harner 

On June 9, 2015, pursuant to section 105(c)(2) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act 

of 1977 (AAct@), 30 U.S.C. '801, et. seq., and 29 C.F.R. '2700.45, the Secretary of Labor 

(ASecretary@) filed an Application for Temporary Reinstatement of miner Richard B. Harrison 

(“Harrison” or “Complainant”) to his former position with Consolidation Coal Co., 

(AConsolidation@ or ARespondent@) at Loveridge #22 Mine pending final hearing and 

disposition of the case. 

The application followed a Discrimination Complaint filed by Harrison on May 6, 2015, 

that alleged, in effect, that his termination was motivated by his protected activity. The Secretary 

represents that this Complaint was not frivolously brought and requests an Order directing 

Respondent to reinstate Harrison to his former position as a beltman. 

1

 Respondent may be in the process of changing its name to “Murray American Energy 

Inc.” and/or “Marion County Coal Co.” and changing the name of the mine to “Marion Mine.” 

SECRETARY OF LABOR 

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

 ADMINISTRATION (MSHA), 

 on behalf of RICHARD B. HARRISON, 

 Complainant, 

v. 

CONSOLIDATION COAL CO.1

, 

 Respondent. 

 TEMPORARY REINSTATEMENT 

PROCEEDING 

Docket No. WEVA 2015-811-D 

MSHA Case No.: MORG-CD 2015-20 

Mine: Loveridge #22 

Mine ID: 46-01433 

37 FMSHRC Page 1497
Respondent filed a timely motion requesting a hearing regarding this application on June 

22, 2015, wherein it summarized its position. A hearing was held in Pittsburgh, PA on June 26, 

2015.2 The Secretary presented the testimony of the Complainant. Respondent had the 

opportunity to cross-examine the Complainant and present testimony and documentary evidence 

in support of its position. 29 C.F.R. '2700.45(d). 

For the reasons set forth below, I grant the application and order Consolidation Coal 

and/or its successors to temporarily reinstate Harrison. 

Discussion of Relevant Law 

Section 105(c) of the Mine Act prohibits discrimination against miners for exercising any 

protected right under the Mine Act. The purpose of the protection is to encourage miners Ato 

play an active part in the enforcement of the [Mine Act]@ recognizing that, Aif miners are to be 

encouraged to be active in matters of safety and health, they must be protected against any 

possible discrimination which they might suffer as a result of their participation.@ S. Rep. No. 

181, 95th Cong., 1st Sess. 35 (1977), reprinted in Senate Subcommittee on Labor, Committee on 

Human Resources, 95th Cong., 2nd Sess., Legislative History of the Federal Mine Safety and

Health Act of 1977, at 623 (1978). 

Congress created the temporary reinstatement as “an essential protection for complaining 

miners who may not be in the financial position to suffer even a short period of unemployment 

or reduced income pending the resolution of the discrimination complaint.” S. Rep. No. 181, 

95th Cong., 1st Sess. 36-37 (1977), reprinted in Senate Subcommittee on Labor, Committee on 

Human Resources, 95th Cong. 2nd Sess., Legislative History of the Federal Mine Safety and 

Health Act of 1977, at 624-25 (1978). 

Temporary Reinstatement is a preliminary proceeding, and narrow in scope. As such, 

neither the judge nor the Commission is to resolve conflicts in testimony at this stage of the case. 

Sec=y of Labor on behalf of Albu v. Chicopee Coal Co., 21 FMSHRC 717, 719 (July 1999). The 

substantial evidence standard applies.3 Sec=y of Labor on behalf of Peters v. Thunder Basin Coal 

Co., 15 FMSHRC 2425, 2426 (Dec. 1993). A temporary reinstatement hearing is held for the 

purpose of determining Awhether the evidence mustered by the miners to date established that

their complaints are non-frivolous, not whether there is sufficient evidence of discrimination to 

justify permanent reinstatement.@ Jim Walter Resources, 920 F.2d 738, 744 (11th Cir. 1990). 

2

 Under Commission Rule 45, a Temporary Reinstatement hearing must be held within 

10 calendar days of an operator’s request. 29 C.F.R. §2700.45(c). 

3 ASubstantial evidence@ means Asuch relevant evidence as a reliable mind might accept 

as adequate to support [the judge=s] conclusion.@ Rochester & Pittsburgh Coal Co., 11 

FMSHRC 2159, 2163 (Nov. 1989) (quoting Consolidated Edison Co. V. NLRB, 305 U.S. 197, 

229 (1938)). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1498
In adopting section 105(c), Congress indicated that a complaint is not frivolously brought 

if it Aappears to have merit.@ S. Rep. No. 181, 95th Cong., 1st Sess. 36-37 (1977), reprinted in

Senate Subcommittee on Labor, Committee on Human Resources, 95th Cong. 2nd Sess., 

Legislative History of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, at 624-25 (1978). In 

addition to Congress= Aappears to have merit@ standard, the Commission and the courts have 

also equated Anot frivolously brought” to Areasonable cause to believe” and Anot insubstantial.”

Sec'y of Labor on behalf of Price v. Jim Walter Res., Inc., 9 FMSHRC 1305, 1306 (Aug. 1987), 

aff'd, 920 F.2d 738, 747 & n.9 (11th Cir. 1990). “Courts have recognized that establishing 

‘reasonable cause to believe’ that a violation of the statute has occurred is a ‘relatively 

insubstantial’ burden.” Sec’y of Labor on behalf of Ward v. Argus Energy WV, LLC, 2012 WL 

4026641, *3 (Aug. 2012) citing Schaub v. West Michigan Plumbing & Heating, Inc., 250 F.3d 

962, 969 (6th Cir. 2001 

In order to establish a prima facie case of discrimination under section 105(c) of the Act, 

a complaining miner must establish (1) that he engaged in protected activity and (2) that the 

adverse action complained of was motivated in any part by that activity. Sec=y of Labor on 

behalf of Pasula v. Consolidation Coal Co., 2 FMSHRC 2786 (Oct. 1980), rev=d on other 

grounds sub nom. Consolidation Coal Co. v. Marshall, 663 F.2d 1211 (3rd Cir. 1981); Sec=y of 

Labor on behalf of Robinette v. United Castle Coal Co., 3 FMSHRC 803 (April 1981). 

In the instant matter, the Secretary and Harrison need not prove a prima facie case of 

discrimination with all of the elements required at the higher evidentiary standard needed for a 

decision on the merits. Rather, the same analytical framework is followed within the “reasonable 

cause to believe” standard. Thus, there must be “substantial evidence” of both the applicant=s 

protected activity and a nexus between the protected activity and the alleged discrimination. To 

establish the nexus, the Commission has identified these indications of discriminatory intent: (1) 

hostility or animus toward the protected activity; (2) knowledge of the protected activity; and (3) 

coincidence in time between the protected activity and the adverse action. Sec=y of Labor on 

behalf of Lige Williamson v. CAM Mining, LLC, 31 FMSHRC 1085, 1089 (Oct. 2009). The 

Commission has acknowledged that it is often difficult to establish a Amotivational nexus 

between protected activity and the adverse action that is the subject of the complaint.@ Sec=y of 

Labor on behalf of Baier v. Durango Gravel, 21 FMSHRC 953, 957 (Sept.1999). The 

Commission has further considered disparate treatment of the miner in analyzing the nexus 

requirement. Secretary of Labor on behalf of Chacon v. Phelps Dodge Corp., 3 FMSHRC 2508, 

2510 (Nov. 1981), rev=d on other grounds, 709 F.2d 86 (D.C. Cir. 1983). 

The Petition for Temporary Reinstatement 

 On May 6, 2015, Harrison executed a Summary of Discriminatory Action, which was 

filed with his Discrimination Complaint. In this statement he alleged the following: 

I am a miner who feels that I have been wrongfully terminated based upon a 

previous 105(c) that was filed on my behalf, which I withdrew due to a settlement 

being reached. In the settlement an agreement was made that these records were 

37 FMSHRC Page 1499
going to be removed from my file. Recently these records were used against me in 

an arbitration. I believe this was a form of retaliation. 

Application for Temporary Reinstatement at Exhibit B, p. 2. 

The Secretary also submitted with the Application the June 8, 2015 Declaration of Jeffrey 

C. Maxwell, a Special Investigator employed by the Mine Safety and Health Administration 

(“MSHA”). Maxwell made the following findings and conclusions: 

2) As part of my responsibilities, I investigate claims of discrimination by miners

filed under Section 105(c) of the Mine Act. In this capacity, I have reviewed

and gathered information as part of an ongoing investigation of the

discrimination claim of Richard B. Harrison filed against Consolidation Coal

Company (“CCC”). My review of the information gathered in this

investigation disclosed the following:

a) Mr. Harrison was employed as a beltman at CCC’s Loveridge #22 Mine.

b) Mr. Harrison filed a Section 105(c) complaint in 2008 concerning an

“unsafe act” slip placed in his personnel file at that time. Mr. Harrison

withdrew his 2008 complaint as part of the resolution of his grievance

concerning the same “unsafe act” slip. CCC agreed, as part of the

resolution of the grievance, to remove the “unsafe act” slip from Mr.

Harrison’s record.

c) Mr. Harrison raised concerns with management about the safety-related

impacts of a bonus plan proposed and implemented by management in

January 2015.

d) Mr. Harrison further objected to the bonus plan by voiding and later

returning his check to CCC. Mr. Harrison was angry about the company’s

decision to implement the plan and about the impact that he believed the

plan would have on safety. In addition to writing “VOID VOID” on the

check he received on February 6, 2015, he also wrote “KISS MY ASS,

BOB.”

e) The company took no action at the time Mr. Harrison returned his check.

Mr. Harrison heard nothing further until March 7, 2015.

f) The company learned of Mr. Harrison’s check only because they reviewed

all returned checks on March 6 or 7, 2015, after discovering that another

employee wrote a message on a returned check.

g) On March 13, 2015, Mr. Harrison was suspended with intent to discharge

for allegedly violating Employee Rule of Conduct No. 4, which provides

that

37 FMSHRC Page 1500
discharge, each employee should avoid conduct which violates 

reasonable standards of an employer-employee relationship 

including: 

 ... 

4. Insubordination (refusal or failure to perform work

assigned or to comply with supervisory direction) or use of 

profane, obscene, abusive, or threatening language or conduct 

toward subordinates, fellow employees, or officials of the 

company. 

h) Mr. Harrison alleges that Employee Rule of Conduct No. 4 is not

consistently enforced at the Mine.

i) Mr. Harrison, who was represented by the UMWA in his dealings with

CCC management, grieved his termination and requested an arbitration

hearing.

j) During the arbitration hearing held on April 3, 2015, CCC management

presented the 2008 “unsafe act” slip as part of Mr. Harrison’s disciplinary

history in support of his termination.

k) On April 27, 2015, the arbitrator issued a decision upholding Mr.

Harrison’s termination. The decision relied, at least in part, on Mr.

Harrison’s disciplinary record.

3) Based upon the information available as the result of the special investigation

being conducted in these matters, I have concluded that there is reasonable

cause to believe that Mr. Harrison was discharged from his employment with

CCC because he filed a prior Section 105(c) complaint and because he

protested the implementation of the bonus plan. There is, therefore, reasonable

cause to believe that Mr. Harrison’s termination violated Section 105(c) of the

Mine Act, and the complaint filed by Mr. Harrison was not frivolous.

Application for Temporary Reinstatement at Exhibit A, p. 1-3. The Secretary cited this 

declaration as a basis for the formal request for temporary reinstatement. Application for 

Temporary Reinstatement at 4. 

Joint Stipulations: 

At hearing, the parties orally submitted the following Joint Stipulations: 

1) At all relevant times, Consolidation Coal Company was the operator of Loveridge #22

Mine near Marion County, West Virginia.

2) Loveridge #22 Mine is a mine as that term is defined in Section 3(h) of the Mine Act, 30

U.S.C. Section 802(h).

In order to minimize the occasions for discipline or 

37 FMSHRC Page 1501
3) At all relevant times, products of Loveridge #22 Mine enter commerce or the operations 

or products thereof affected commerce within the meaning and scope of Section 4 of the 

Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. Section 803. 

4) Consolidation Coal Company is an operator as that term is defined in Section 3(d) of the 

Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. Section 802(d). 

5) Richard B. Harrison worked at Loveridge #22 Mine and is a miner within the meaning of 

Section 3(g) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. 802(g). 

6) Consolidation Coal Company is subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Mine Safety and 

Health Review Commission. 

7) The presiding administrative law judge has authority to hear this case and issue a decision 

regarding this case. 

8) Marion County Coal Company is a successor in interest to Consolidation Coal Company. 

Tr. 6-7.4

Summary of Testimony5

Richard B. Harrison was a general inside worker at the Marion County Coal Mine6 at the 

Sugar Run Portal on A shift before he was terminated. Tr. 17. He had worked in this position for 

approximately three years. Tr. 17. Prior to this position, he worked at the mine as a regular 

bolter, on belt crew, and as a precision mason, for a total of 10 years. Tr. 18. Prior to working at 

Loveridge #22 Mine, Harrison worked at Sago Mine as a general contractor for one year. Tr. 18. 

Murray Energy purchased the instant mine from Consol Energy Inc. in December 2013. 

Tr. 21. Harrison and the other miners at Loveride #22 were represented by the United Mine 

Workers of America (“UMWA”) prior to the purchase, and the UMWA has continued to 

represent the miners at the mine. Tr. 21. 

Harrison has served as the union walk-around for 9 years, and was previously on the 

union safety committee for six months. Tr. 19. As a walk-around, Harrison would accompany 

inspectors on inspections. Tr. 19. As a result of this position, Harrison testified as a witness for 

MSHA in two court proceedings, one in 2006 and one in 2009. Tr. 19-20. 

After Murray Energy purchased the mine, CEO Bob Murray had an initial meeting for 

every shift where he informed the miners that he reviewed previous violations that ended up in 

 4

 Hereinafter, the transcript of the proceeding shall be referred to as “Tr.” The Secretary’s 

exhibits shall be referred to as “GX” followed by the number. The Respondent’s exhibits shall be 

referred to as “RX” followed by the number. 

5

 As Respondent did not call any witnesses, the only testimonial evidence presented at 

hearing was that of the discriminatee. 

6

 This is apparently what the Respondent currently calls the Loveridge #22 Mine. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1502
court, and knew how much those violations cost the company and who served as witnesses. Tr. 

22-23. Harrison understood these statements to mean that Murray and other mine management 

were aware of his court appearances on behalf of MSHA, and that he had cost the company 

money. Tr. 22-23. 

In January 2015, the mine instituted a new production-based bonus program, wherein 

miners’ bonus checks would be tied to the amount of coal extracted. Tr. 26-27. This was after 

UMWA Local 9909 came to an agreement with management that it would hold a vote on the 

bonus plan to determine if its members approved of the Respondent’s proposed plan. Tr. 24-25. 

The vote was held in January, and the members voted to turn down the bonus plan. Tr. 25. 

Respondent nevertheless proceeded with implementation of the new bonus plan, and 

miners were told that if they did not agree with the bonus plan, they had the option to opt out by 

writing “void” on the first bonus check and returning it. Tr. 24-26, 30-31. Harrison was not 

aware of any other means of opting out of the plan. Tr. 26. Shortly before the checks were 

issued, Harrison explained his safety concerns about the bonus plan to the Sugar Run Portal 

superintendent John Larry and the portal safety director Wayne Conaway. Tr. 46-48. They 

responded to Harrison’s safety concerns, saying, “Why would you complain about free money? 

Take the money and run.” Tr. 48. 

Harrison received his bonus check dated February 6, 2015 in early February. Tr. 23-24. 

The check was for $11.58, and was signed by Robert E. Murray. GX-1. Harrison wrote “VOID 

VOID KISS MY ASS BOB,” and returned the check to Sonya Singleton in the payroll office the 

day after he received it. Tr. 24, 31, 33; GX-1. 

Harrison opted out of the bonus plan because he felt that the way the program was set up 

placed the miners’ “safety for sale because...the more coal you got, the bigger the bonus.” Tr. 

26. Harrison testified that he had discussions with other miners and many agreed with him. Tr. 

27. Other miners returned their bonus checks.7 Tr. 68, 72. Harrison knew that another miner 

named Jesse Stolzenfels wrote on his check, “Eat Shit, Bob,” and was subsequently terminated. 

Tr. 68-69, 104. 

Harrison testified that he wrote the statement on the check because he had recently 

experienced various serious health and family issues, which led to a great deal of stress. Tr. 28-

29. Harrison and others believed that the bonus checks constituted a safety issue, and testified 

that he felt “Mr. Murray felt it was okay to go ahead and override our vote.” Tr. 28-29. Harrison 

believed that the company would know that his returned check was a safety complaint because 

he had spoken with several company bosses about the safety implications of the bonus plan. Tr. 

67. 

Harrison testified that safety at the mine has “dropped tremendously.” Tr. 29. He 

described increased citations, especially for problems in rock dusting. Tr. 29-30. Harrison 

 7

 According to Respondent’s counsel, dozens of other miners returned their bonus checks. 

Tr. 68, 72. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1503
explained that he believed that the production-based bonus program would make matters worse, 

leading miners to conclude “why take the time to rock dust. You’re taking my money away from 

me. We need to get in the coal.” Tr. 29-30. Harrison explained that the safety implications of the 

bonus plan upset him. Tr. 103. “It all comes back to the safety issue. If you don’t have safety, 

you’re dead in the coal mine. That’s all there is to it.” Tr. 103. 

Harrison posted a picture of his check with the written statement on UMWA Local 

9909’s Facebook page. Tr. 69, 98. The Local’s Facebook page was private and used by miners to 

talk about work matters. Tr. 99. As part of an ongoing discussion about the bonus plan on the 

Facebook page, other miners were posting photos of their voided checks to show their 

disagreement with the bonus plan. Tr. 69, 99-100. 

On March 6, management first confronted Harrison about his voided check. Tr. 33-34. At 

that time, Harrison did not admit to management that he wrote “Kiss My Ass Bob” on the check 

because he was scared of losing his job and health insurance.8

 Tr. 34, 73-75. He believed that by 

fighting for miners’ safety, his job was at risk. Tr. 34. Mine management did an investigation to 

find out who wrote on the check. Tr. 35. 

Respondent brought Harrison back for another meeting on March 13 with Mr. Hudson 

and Pam Layton from Human Resources, and a union representative. Tr. 35-36, 41. They 

explained that they could not find the person who wrote on the check, and that he was going to 

be terminated. Tr. 35-36, 39. The only matter discussed during this meeting was the check. Tr. 

40-41. On that date, Harrison was issued a letter explaining the suspension with intent to 

discharge. Tr. 39, 40; RX-3. The letter stated that the reason for the action was Harrison’s 

writing “Kiss My Ass Bob” in violation of Conduct Rule No. 4, which defines insubordination 

and mentions the use of profane language. RX-3. 

On the following day, on March 14, Harrison had his 24-48 hour meeting.9

 At this 

meeting on March 14, Harrison again denied writing on the check. Tr. 75. At this meeting, it 

came out that a fellow miner named Tim Cox would corroborate that Harrison did not write the 

phrase on the check. Tr. 76-77. During this meeting, Respondent officials asked Harrison why he 

posted the check on Facebook, and he responded that he thought it was funny. Tr. 69. 

A day or two after the 24-48 hour meeting, Harrison admitted to the union representative 

that he had written “Kiss My Ass Bob” on the check. Tr. 78-79. He and the union representative 

then went to the portal to meet with Mr. Hudson from the company and Harrison admitted to 

Hudson that he wrote the statement on the check, explained why he did so, why he originally 

denied it, and apologized for lying. Tr. 36-41, 46, 78-80. He explained that “after ten years being 

on the walk-around, being in the hole, seeing the violations that they’re getting, they were 

 8

 There was some inconsistency regarding the dates of the March meetings. The first 

meeting took place on a date between March 6-8. Tr. 33-34, 73-75. The next meeting took place 

on either March 12 or 13. Tr. 35-36, 73-75. 

9

 According to the contract, a terminated employee has the right to a meeting within 24 

hours of a termination. This meeting is referred to as the “24-48 hour meeting.” Tr. 37. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1504
basically putting our safety for sale.” Tr. 46. Hudson told Harrison that his admission will count 

in his favor. Tr. 80. 

Harrison requested arbitration. Tr. 41. At the arbitration hearing, Respondent presented 

into evidence the unsafe work act slip from 2008. Tr. 42. Harrison was surprised because the 

grievance settlement agreement required the company to remove the unsafe work slip from 

Harrison’s file in exchange for Harrison withdrawing his 105(c) complaint. Tr. 42; GX-2. Prior 

to seeing the slip at the arbitration, Harrison was not aware that it was still in his file. Tr. 43. 

Pam Layton had filled out the grievance settlement in 2008, which stated “the unsafe slip 

will be removed from the file for the employee.” Tr. 45; GX-2. At the arbitration, Layton said 

she did not know about the 105(c) and the agreement to remove the slip from his file. Tr. 49-50. 

Layton took a leading role in Harrison’s termination. Tr. 45. She was present in all the meetings 

and was involved in the decision to terminate Harrison. Tr. 45-46. 

The arbitrator’s award notes that Harrison does not have a spotless record, but it does not 

mention the 2008 incident explicitly. Tr. 54-55; GX-3, 7. Other than the unsafe act slip, the 

company mentioned Harrison’s participation in the absentee plan for his kidney problems. Tr. 

55. They also mentioned a grievance he filed concerning the company’s denial of Harrison’s 

request to have a union representative present during a drug test. Tr. 57. There was no other 

evidence submitted at the arbitration about disciplinary action, and Harrison received no other 

disciplinary action at the mine that the arbitrator could have been referencing. Tr. 55-58. 

Contentions of the Parties 

The Secretary argued at hearing that Harrison engaged in at least three types of protected 

activities: (1) Harrison filed a Section 105(c) complaint in 2008 for an unsafe act allegation that 

was made and placed in his personnel file. As part of a settlement, Harrison withdrew his 105(c) 

complaint and the company agreed to remove the slip from his personnel file. Tr. 10-11; (2) 

Harrison has served as a walk-around with inspectors, and has testified in two Federal Mine 

Safety & Health Review Commission (“FMSHRC”) proceedings concerning safety issues; and 

(3) Harrison returned a bonus check and wrote a message that included a profane term on it, 

because he believed the bonus plan put miners’ safety at risk. Tr. 12. The Secretary argued that 

the return of the bonus check was part of an ongoing series of concerns that were voiced by both 

Harrison and the union to management about the bonus plan. Tr. 12. 

The Respondent did not contest that an adverse employment action had occurred, but 

rather argued that Harrison’s statement on the check, as well as his subsequent denials, 

constituted a legitimate reason for his termination. Tr. 14. Furthermore, the Respondent argued 

that the arbitration decision did not cite to the 2008 safety issue. Tr. 16. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1505
Findings and conclusions 

Protected Activity and Adverse Employment Action 

 Harrison was fired on March 14, 2015, and none of the parties argued that this does not 

constitute an adverse employment action. According to the Act and well-settled Commission 

precedent, suffering a discharge or a demotion is an adverse employment action. 30 USC '

815(c)(1); see also Moses v. Whitley Dev. Corp., 4 FMSHRC 1475, 1478 (Aug. 1982), aff'd, 770 

F.2d 168 (6th Cir. 1985). Therefore, the main issues in this case involve whether Harrison 

engaged in protected activities, and whether a nexus exists between his protected activities and 

the termination of his employment. 

 As discussed supra, to obtain a temporary reinstatement a miner must raise a nonfrivolous claim that he engaged in protected activity with a connection, or nexus, to an adverse 

employment action. 

 Under the Act, protected activity includes filing or making a complaint of an alleged 

danger, or safety or health violation, instituting any proceeding under the Act, testifying in any 

such proceeding, or exercising any statutory right afforded by the Act. See 30 U.S.C. § 815(c)(1); 

See also Sec=y of Labor on behalf of Pasula v. Consolidation Coal Co., 2 FMSHRC 2786 (Oct. 

1980), rev=d on other grounds sub nom. Consolidation Coal Co. v. Marshall, 663 F.2d 1211 

(3rd Cir. 1981). According to the legislative history: 

The Committee intends that the scope of the protected activities be broadly 

interpreted by the Secretary, and intends it to include not only the filing of 

complaints seeking inspection... or the participation in mine inspections... but 

also the refusal to work in conditions which are believed to be unsafe or 

unhealthful and the refusal to comply with orders which are violative of the Act or 

any standard promulgated thereunder, or the participation by a miner or his 

representative in any administrative and judicial proceeding under the Act. 

(S. Rep. No. 181, 95th Cong., 1st Sess. 35-36 (1977), reprinted in Senate Subcommittee on 

Labor, Committee on Human Resources, 95th Cong. 2nd Sess., Legislative History of the 

Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (1978). Further, “the listing of protected rights 

contained in section [105(c)(1)] is intended to be illustrative and not exclusive.” Id. 

 In the instant case, the Secretary argues that Harrison engaged in at least three types of 

protected activities: filing a 105(c) complaint in 2008, testifying at FMSHRC proceedings on 

behalf of MSHA in 2006 and 2009, and making safety complaints concerning the bonus plan in 

2015. With respect to protected activity, the Respondent argued that Harrison’s writing “Kiss My 

Ass Bob” on the bonus check was not protected and provided legitimate cause for his 

termination. 

 Harrison’s 2008 filing of a 105(c) complaint, as well as his participation at FMSHRC 

proceedings in 2006 and 2009, are clearly protected activities. Indeed, these activities are 

specifically enumerated in the Act as protected activities. See 30 U.S.C. § 815(c)(1). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1506
 Safety complaints made by Harrison concerning the company’s bonus plan also 

constitute protected activity. Harrison made clear in his testimony that his objections to the 

bonus plan were based on the safety implications of the program. Tr. 26-29, 46-48. Prior to the 

implementation of the plan, Harrison spoke with various company bosses about his safety 

concerns with the plan. Tr. 67. Harrison testified that he voted against the bonus plan because he 

feared that it would diminish safety at the mine. Tr. 24-25. Then, right before the checks were 

issued, Harrison had conversations with the portal superintendent, John Larry, and the portal 

safety director, Wayne Conway, explaining his safety concerns with Respondent’s bonus plan. 

Tr. 48. 

 When the checks were issued in spite of Harrison’s and other miners’ serious safety 

concerns, Harrison protested by way of the only means available to him. The miners were told 

that if they wanted to opt out of the bonus program, they were to write “void” on the check and 

return it to the company. Tr. 24-26, 30-31. This was precisely what Harrison did. Tr. 24. 

Harrison’s further written statement, “Kiss My Ass Bob,” does not transform Harrison’s 

protected activity in voicing a safety concern into unprotected activity because of the use of a 

swear word. Indeed, his statement on the check appears to emphasize his frustration with the 

bonus program that was implemented despite the fact that the union voted against the plan. 

 It should first be noted that though Harrison did not explicitly reference his safety 

objections to the bonus plan on the check, his previously voiced safety concerns would have 

made the reasons for his actions immediately apparent to Respondent. Harrison’s writing and 

return of the check was part of an ongoing conversation about the safety implications of the 

bonus program. Indeed, to paraphrase Harrison’s supervisors, why else would anyone turn down 

free money? The answer, as Harrison made clear, is that the money was not in fact free. The 

bonus program was production-based, and Harrison felt that the program was “basically putting 

our safety for sale.” Tr. 46. 

 Though Harrison’s writing “Void Void Kiss My Ass Bob” may not have been the most 

articulate means of making a safety complaint, the use of a swear word does not change the 

nature of Harrison’s action. The Commission has repeatedly held that the use of profanity does 

not remove protected activity from coverage under the Mine Act. See Sec’y obo Bernardyn v. 

Reading Anthracite Co., 23 FMSHRC 924 (Sept. 19, 2001); Amos Hicks v. Cobra Mining, Inc., 

Jerry K. Lester, and Carter Messer, 13 FMSHRC 523 (Apr. 1, 1991); Sec’y obo Cooley v. 

Ottawa Silica Co., 6 FMSHRC 516 (Mar. 30, 1984). One must consider the context in which the 

comment was made—this is a mine, not a nursery—and whether the company strictly enforced a 

policy prohibiting profanity. In this record, there is scant evidence of a policy, as only an out of 

context sentence fragment entitled “Conduct Rule No. 4” quoted in the termination letter (RX-3) 

and an arbitrator’s decision (GX-3), has been introduced into evidence. On cross examination, 

although the Respondent’s attorney asked Harrison about Stolzenfels writing “Eat Shit, Bob” on 

his check and his subsequent termination, Harrison knew little about the details of Stolzenfels’s 

situation. Tr. 68-69, 104. 

 The Commission is not alone in concluding that the use of profanity does not make an act 

per se unprotected. The National Labor Relations Board, which Commission decisions often 

37 FMSHRC Page 1507
look to for guidance in discrimination cases,10 has similarly held that one must consider the 

context, and balance the employee’s rights against the employer’s need to maintain order. For 

example, in Plaza Auto Center, Inc. and Nick Aguirre, the Board stated: 

The Atlantic Steel balancing test presupposes that “not every impropriety committed 

during [otherwise protected] activity places the employee beyond the protective shield of 

the [A]ct.” NLRB v. Thor Power Tool Co., 351 F.2d 584, 587 (7th Cir. 1965). This is so 

because “[t]he protections [that] Section 7 affords would be meaningless were [the 

Board] not to take into account the realities of industrial life and the fact that disputes 

over wages, hours, and working conditions are among the disputes most likely to 

engender ill feelings and strong responses” (Consumers Power Co., 282 NLRB 130, 132 

(1986)), and that the language of the workplace “‘is not the language of ‘polite society’. 

'D'' Stanford Hotel, 344 NLRB 558, 564 (2005) (citation omitted). Thus, the employee's 

right to engage in concerted activity permits “some leeway for impulsive behavior.” 

NLRB v. Thor Power Tool Co., 351 F.2d at 587. Still, the right to engage in concerted 

activity is not absolute and must be balanced against the employer's need to maintain 

order and respect in its establishment. See Thor Power Tool Co., 148 NLRB 1379, 1389 

(1964), enfd. 351 F.2d 584, 587; Caterpillar, Inc. 322 NLRB 674, 677 (1996). 

360 NLRB No. 117 at 10 (May 28, 2014). This reasoning applies as strongly to the instant case, 

where one must take into consideration the realities of the mine and the fact that disputes about 

health and safety are “likely to engender ill feelings and strong responses.” 

 Furthermore, the Respondent’s argument must fail if it is found that Harrison was 

provoked into writing a profanity on the check. The Commission has held “that an employer 

cannot provoke an employee into an indiscretion and then rely on that indiscretion as grounds for 

discipline.” Sec’y obo Bernardyn v. Reading Anthracite Co., 22 FMSHRC 298, 305-306 (Mar. 

16, 2000). Whether an employee’s behavior was excusable is a fact intensive inquiry that must 

look at the particular facts and circumstances of the case. Id. at 306. Based on the record in the 

instant case, it is not clear whether Harrison was indeed provoked. The union was given the 

option to vote on the bonus plan, and Harrison and a majority of members voted against the plan. 

Harrison testified that when he found the bonus check, he felt that the company was ignoring the 

union members’ safety concerns and unilaterally proceeding with an unauthorized bonus plan. 

Tr. 28-29. It was only at that point that Harrison wrote “VOID VOID KISS MY ASS BOB” on 

the check and returned it to the Respondent. 

 Based on the evidence in the record, I find non-frivolous Harrison’s claim that he 

engaged in protected activity when he wrote “Void Void Kiss My Ass Bob” on the bonus check 

and returned it as a protest against a program he believed would serve as a safety hazard. 

 10 See eg, Sec’y obo Bernardyn v. Reading Anthracite Co., 22 FMSHRC 298 (Mar. 16, 

2000). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1508
Nexus between the protected activity and the alleged discrimination 

Having concluded that Harrison engaged in protected activities and suffered an adverse 

employment action, the examination now turns to whether that activity has a connection, or 

nexus, to the subsequent adverse action, namely the March 14, 2015 termination. The 

Commission recognizes that direct proof of discriminatory intent is often not available and that 

the nexus between protected activity and the alleged discrimination must often be drawn by 

inference from circumstantial evidence rather than from direct evidence. Phelps Dodge Corp., 3 

FMSHRC at 2510. The Commission has identified several circumstantial indicia of 

discriminatory intent, including: (1) hostility or animus toward the protected activity; (2) 

knowledge of the protected activity; (3) coincidence in time between the protected activity and 

the adverse action; and (4) disparate treatment of the complainant. See, e.g., CAM Mining, LLC,

31 FMSHRC at 1089; see also, Phelps Dodge Corp., 3 FMSHRC at 2510. 

Knowledge of the protected activity 

According to the Commission, “the Secretary need not prove that the operator has 

knowledge of the complainant’s activity in a temporary reinstatement proceeding, only that there 

is a non-frivolous issue as to knowledge.” CAM Mining, LLC, 31 FMSHRC at 1090 citing

Chicopee Coal Co., 21 FMSHRC at 719. In fact, evidence is sufficient to support a finding of 

knowledge if an operator erroneously suspects a miner made safety complaints, even if no 

complaint was made. See Moses v. Whitley, 4 FMSHRC at 1478. 

In the instant matter there is sufficient evidence of knowledge of the various protected 

activities to meet the evidentiary threshold. With regard to the 105(c) complaint filed in 2008, 

Pam Layton, the Human Resource representative, filled out the grievance settlement that 

required the employer to remove the slip from Harrison’s file. Tr. 45; GX-2. Layton continued to 

work in human resources at the mine and had a role in Harrison’s ultimate termination. Tr. 45-

46. Layton’s participation in the 2008 complaint and ultimate settlement, combined with her 

participation in the 2015 termination is sufficient to show that the company had knowledge of 

Harrison’s 2008 complaint when he was terminated. 

The company similarly had knowledge of Harrison’s 2006 and 2009 participation in 

FMSHRC proceedings on behalf of MSHA. In addition to the fact that the company would have 

known about Harrison’s testimony when he testified, after Murray Energy purchased the mine 

Bob Murray told the miners that he had reviewed past violations and court proceedings, and 

knew who served as a witness. Tr. 22-23. This statement by Murray is evidence that the 

Respondent had knowledge of Harrison’s protected activity of participating in a FMSHRC 

hearing. 

Lastly, the Respondent had knowledge of Harrison’s protected activity of making safety 

complaints concerning the bonus program implemented in February 2015. Harrison engaged in 

various conversations with mine management over his safety concerns about the program. Tr. 

46-48. Based on Respondent’s cross-examination of Harrison, it appeared that the Respondent 

was arguing that there was no way for it to conclude from the words on the check that Harrison 

was making a safety complaint. Tr. 67. However, based on the totality of the circumstances, 

37 FMSHRC Page 1509
including previous conversations with mine management, it is clear that the Secretary has met its 

burden in showing that Respondent should have known that Harrison’s writing and returning the 

check was in reference to his safety concerns. 

Coincidence in time between the protected activity and the adverse action 

The Commission has accepted substantial gaps between the last protected activity and the 

adverse employment action. See e.g. CAM Mining, LLC, 31 FMSHRC at 1090 (three weeks) and 

Sec=y of Labor on behalf of Hyles v. All American Asphalt, 21 FMSHRC 34 (Jan. 1999) (a 16-

month gap existed between the miners= contact with MSHA and the operator=s failure to recall 

miners from a lay-off; however, only one month separated MSHA=s issuance of a penalty 

resulting from the miners= notification of a violation and that recall failure). The Commission 

has stated “We ‘appl[y] no hard and fast criteria in determining coincidence in time between 

protected activity and subsequent adverse action when assessing an illegal motive. Surrounding 

factors and circumstances may influence the effect to be given to such coincidence in time.’” All 

American Asphalt, 21 FMSHRC 34 at 47 (quoting Hicks v. Cobra Mining, Inc., 13 FMSHRC 

523, 531 (Apr. 1991). 

In the instant matter, two of the protected activities—the 2008 discrimination complaint 

and the 2006 and 2009 participation in FMSHRC proceedings—occurred several years before 

Harrison’s termination. If these acts alone served as the basis of Harrison’s instant discrimination 

complaint, then the Secretary would have had a harder time showing that a coincidence in time 

existed.11 However, the third protected activity, which concerned Harrison’s complaints about 

the bonus plan and which culminated in the return of his bonus check, occurred less than five 

weeks from Harrison’s termination, with Harrison returning the check on February 7 and being 

suspended with intent to discharge on March 13. Tr. 23-24, 33-39. As a result, I find that the 

time span between the protected activities and the adverse action is sufficient to establish a 

nexus. 

Hostility or animus towards the protected activity 

The Commission has held, “[h]ostility towards protected activity--sometimes referred to 

as ‘animus'--is another circumstantial factor pointing to discriminatory motivation. The more 

such animus is specifically directed towards the alleged discriminatee's protected activity, the 

more probative weight it carries.” Secretary of Labor on behalf of Chacon v. Phelps Dodge 

Corporation, 3 FMSHRC 2508, 2511 (Nov. 1981) (citations omitted). 

In the instant case, there are a host of actions that could constitute animus towards 

Harrison’s protected activities. First, Bob Murray’s speech to miners, where he stated that he has 

reviewed past violations and litigation and knew who served as witnesses and how much it cost 

the company represented animus towards Harrison’s testifying on behalf of MSHA. Tr. 22-23. 

 11 This is not to say that a six or seven year span from the protected activity to the adverse 

employment action is per se too long. The Secretary would simply have to make a strong 

showing that a strong nexus existed using the other factors in the Commission’s test. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1510
Second, the Respondent’s introduction at the arbitration hearing of the 2008 safety slip as 

evidence of past impropriety also represented animus towards Harrison’s 2008 Section 105(c) 

discrimination complaint. Tr. 42. According to the terms of the settlement between the company 

and Harrison, the company was required to remove this slip from the Harrison’s file. Tr. 42; GX2. The act of not removing the slip, the ongoing act of retaining the slip, and the act of using the 

slip at arbitration to show past misconduct, all represent animus toward Harrison’s protected 

activity. 

Third, the response by John Larry and Wayne Conaway to Harrison’s safety concerns 

over the bonus program, that he should “take the money and run,” showed that they were not 

taking his safety concerns seriously. Tr. 46-48. Their glib response represented hostility to 

Harrison’s protected activity of bringing a serious safety concern to management attention. 

Lastly, the suspension with intent to discharge as a response to Harrison’s protected 

activity of writing on the check and returning it, illustrated animus towards the act. Though the 

Respondent appeared to offer shifting reasons for the termination, suggesting at times that it was 

due to Harrison’s lying about the check or his posting a photo of the check on Facebook, the 

returned check with the markings was the only matter mentioned in meetings with mine 

management and in the termination letter. Tr. 40-41; RX-3. Having found these repeated 

instances of animus towards Harrison’s protected activities, I find sufficient animus to meet the 

evidentiary bar at issue here. 

Disparate Treatment 

“Typical forms of disparate treatment are encountered where employees guilty of the 

same, or more serious, offenses than the alleged discriminatee escape the disciplinary fate which 

befalls the latter.” Secretary of Labor on behalf of Chacon v. Phelps Dodge Corp., 3 FMSHRC 

2508, 2512 (Nov. 1981). The Commission has previously held that evidence of disparate 

treatment is not necessary to prove a prima facie claim of discrimination when the other indicia 

of discriminatory intent are present. Id. at 2510-2513. 

In the instant matter, the record is sparse with regards to disparate treatment. There is 

some evidence that another miner, Jesse Stolzenfels, wrote “Eat Shit, Bob” on his returned check 

and was subsequently fired. Tr. 68-69, 104. However, there was no evidence presented as to 

whether his use of profanity on the check and his termination were connected. 

In the Cooley case cited above, as well as other Commission precedent regarding 

swearing, the Commission laid out a several factor test to determine whether a terminated 

complainant was disparately treated for using offensive language. This test looks at “whether the 

operator had prior difficulties with the complainant's profanity, whether the operator had a policy 

prohibiting swearing, and how the operator treated other miners who had cursed.” Sec'y obo 

Bernardyn v. Reading Anthracite 23 FMSHRC 924, 929-30 (Sept. 2001) (citing Cooley v. 

Ottawa Silica, 6 FMSHRC at 521, and Hicks v. Cobra Mining, 13 FMSHRC 532-33.) As 

discussed supra, there is little in the record about a company policy regarding swearing, nothing 

about prior issues with Harrison swearing, and little about how the operator treated other miners 

37 FMSHRC Page 1511
who used profanity. Without this additional evidence, it is impossible to conclude that Harrison 

was or was not disparately treated. 

Conclusion 

In concluding that Harrison’s complaint herein was not frivolously brought, I find that 

there is reason to believe that Harrison engaged in a variety of protected activity, including his 

2008 discrimination complaint, his 2006 and 2009 participation in FMSHRC proceedings, and 

his 2015 complaints about the bonus plan. I further conclude that the Secretary has met its 

burden in showing that there was a nexus between Harrison’s protected activities and his March 

2015 termination. 

ORDER 

 For the reasons set forth above, it is ORDERED that Complainant Richard B. Harrison 

be immediately reinstated by Respondent and/or its successors to his former position, or the 

equivalent, at the same rate of pay, hours worked, and with all other benefits he was receiving at 

the time of his discharge, effective the date of this decision. 

 The court retains jurisdiction over this temporary reinstatement proceeding. 29 C.F.R. § 

2700.45(e)(4). The Secretary shall complete the investigation of the underlying discrimination 

complaint as soon as possible. Immediately upon completion of the investigation, the Secretary 

shall notify counsel for Respondent and this court, in writing, whether a violation of Section 

105(c) of the Mine Act has occurred. Id. 

 /s/ Janet G. Harner 

Janet G. Harner 

 Administrative Law Judge 

37 FMSHRC Page 1512
Distribution (Via E-mail and First Class Mail): 

Jordana L. Greenwald, Esq., Office of the Solicitor, U. S. Department of Labor, The Curtis 

Center, Suite 630 East, 170 South Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA 19106-3306 

greenwald,jordana@dol.gov

Philip K. Kontul, Esq., & Michael D. Glass, Esq., Ogletree, Deakins, Smoak, Nash & Stewart, 

P.C. One PPG Place, Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 

philip.kontul@ogletreedeakins.com & michael.glass@ogletreedeakins.com

Joe Reynolds, International Field Representative, UMWA District 31, 310 Gaston Avenue, 

Fairmont, WV 26554 

jreynolds@umwa.org

Richard B. Harrison, #4 Care Street, Worthington, WV 26591 

37 FMSHRC Page 1513
FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES 

1331 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W., SUITE 520N 

WASHINGTON, DC 20004-1710 

TELEPHONE: 202-434-9958 / FAX: 202-434-9949 

July 7, 2015 

 

DECISION AND ORDER

Appearances: James M. Peck, Conference and Litigation Representative, U.S. 

Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Duluth, 

MN, for Petitioner; 

 Peter DeBruyne, Esq., Law Offices of Peter DeBruyne, Rockford, IL, for 

Respondent. 

Before: Judge L. Zane Gill 

This proceeding under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, 30 U.S.C. § 801 

et seq. (1994) (“Mine Act” or “Act”), involves eight section 104(a) citations, 30 U.S.C. § 814(a), 

issued by the Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) to 

Northern Illinois Service Company (“NISC” or “Respondent”) at its Portable Mines # 1 and 2. 

The parties presented testimony on December 3 and 4, 2013, in Rockford, Illinois. 

In the final pre-hearing report, the Secretary informed the court that Citation Nos. 

8661786 and 8669849, originally at issue in the case, had been vacated. The Secretary’s 

discretion to vacate a citation or order is not subject to review. RBK Constr. Inc., 15 FMSHRC 

2099 (Oct. 1993). Therefore, the penalties proposed for Citation Nos. 8661786 and 8669849 are 

moot. 

For Citation No. 8661787: 

 NISC violated § 56.11027 of the Mine Act. 

 NISC was moderately negligent. 

SECRETARY OF LABOR 

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

 ADMINISTRATION (MSHA), 

 Petitioner, 

 v. 

NORTHERN ILLINOIS SERVICE 

COMPANY, 

 Respondent. 

 CIVIL PENALTY PROCEEDINGS 

Docket No. LAKE 2012-0871-M 

A.C. No. 11-03104-297716 

Docket No. LAKE 2013-0173-M 

A.C. No. 11-03104-306429 

Mine: Portable # 2 

Docket No. LAKE 2012-0746-M 

A.C. No. 11-02963-291992 

Mine: Portable # 1 

37 FMSHRC Page 1514
 The injury was reasonably likely to result in lost workdays or restricted duty. 

 The citation was properly designated as significant and substantial. 

 I assess a penalty in the amount of $112.00. 

For Citation No. 8661788: 

 NISC violated § 56.4501 of the Mine Act. 

 NISC was moderately negligent. 

 The injury was unlikely to result in lost workdays or restricted duty. 

 I assess a penalty in the amount of $112.00. 

For Citation No. 8661789: 

 NISC violated § 56.14207 of the Mine Act. 

 NISC was highly negligent. 

 The injury was unlikely to result in lost workdays or restricted duty. 

 I assess a penalty in the amount of $100.00. 

For Citation No. 8661790: 

 NISC violated § 56.12028 of the Mine Act. 

 NISC was moderately negligent. 

 The injury was unlikely to result in lost workdays or restricted duty. 

 I assess a penalty in the amount of $112.00. 

For Citation No. 8669850: 

 NISC violated § 56.4501 of the Mine Act. 

 NISC was highly negligent. 

 The injury was unlikely to result in lost workdays or restricted duty. 

 I assess a penalty in the amount of $100.00. 

For Citation No. 8669851: 

 NISC violated § 56.4501 of the Mine Act. 

 NISC was highly negligent. 

 The injury was unlikely to result in lost workdays or restricted duty. 

 I assess a penalty in the amount of $100.00. 

For Citation No. 8669852: 

 NISC violated § 56.4501 of the Mine Act. 

 NISC was highly negligent. 

 The injury was unlikely to result in lost workdays or restricted duty. 

 I assess a penalty in the amount of $100.00. 

For Citation No. 8669853: 

 NISC did not violate § 56.14100(b) of the Mine Act. 

 The citation is vacated.

37 FMSHRC Page 1515
Stipulations

Parties agreed to the following stipulations: 

1. NISC is engaged in mining operations in the United States, and its mining operations 

affect interstate commerce. NISC is the operator of the mines Portable Mine #1 and 

Portable #2; MSHA I.D. Nos. 11-02963 and 11-03104. 

2. NISC is an “operator” as defined in Section 802(d) of the Federal Mine Safety and 

Health Act of 1977, as amended (Mine Act), 30 U.S.C. 802(d). 

3. NISC is subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, 

30 U.S.C. § 801 et. seq. 

4. The Administrative Law Judge has jurisdiction in this matter. 

5. The subject citations were properly served by a duly authorized representative of the 

Secretary upon an agent of NISC on the dates and places stated therein, and may 

admitted into evidence for the purpose of establishing their issuance. 

6. The exhibits to be offered by NISC and the Secretary are stipulated to be authentic 

but no stipulation is made as to their relevance or the truth of the matters asserted 

therein. 

7. The assessed penalties, if affirmed, will not impair NISC’s ability to remain in 

business. 

8. MSHA Inspector Robert D. Stalder was acting in his official capacity and as 

authorized representative of the Secretary of Labor when aforesaid citations were 

issued. 

Joint Prehearing Report at 2-3, MSHA v. Northern Illinois Service Company, (No. LAKE 11-

03104-297716) 

Basic Legal Principles 

Significant and Substantial 

 The Secretary designated one of the citations as significant and substantial (“S&S”). An 

S&S designation is applied to violations which are hazardous to health. Federal Mine Safety and 

Health Act of 1977, 30 U.S.C. § 814(d) (1994). S&S determinations are made based on the 

specific facts of the case. See Cumberland Coal Res., LP, 33 FMSHRC 2357, 2369 (Oct. 2011) 

(citing Rushton Mining Co, 11 FMSHRC 1432, 1436 (Aug. 1989)). To establish a citation as 

S&S, the Secretary must prove: 

(1) the underlying violation of a mandatory safety standard; (2) a 

discrete safety hazard—that is, a measure of danger to safety—

37 FMSHRC Page 1516
contributed to by the violation; (3) a reasonable likelihood that the 

hazard contributed to will result in an injury; and (4) a reasonable 

likelihood that the injury in question will be of a reasonably 

serious nature. 

Mathies Coal Co., 6 FMSHRC 1, 3-4 (Jan. 1984). 

 The Commission has provided guidance for applying the Mathies test. In reference to the 

“hazard” in the second element, an S&S violation must contribute to a specific danger. Id. This 

requirement prohibits S&S citations for non-dangerous infractions. U.S. Steel Mining Co, Inc., 6 

FMSHRC 1834, 1836, (Aug. 1984) (citing National Gypsum Co., 3 FMSHRC 822, 827 (Apr. 

1981)). However, a hazard unlikely to reach fruition can still be S&S. Musser Eng’g, Inc., and 

PBS Coals, Inc., 32 FMSHRC 1257, 1280 (Oct. 2010). Hazards are assessed according to mine 

conditions at time of citation, and as they would have progressed during normal operations. U.S. 

Steel Mining Co., Inc., 7 FMSHRC 1125, 1130 (Aug. 1985). Non-violation conditions at the 

mine are irrelevant in terms of S&S. MSHA v. FMSHRC, 111 F.3d 913, 917 (D.C. Cir. 1997). 

 The third Mathies element examines if the hazard is “reasonably likely to result in 

injury.” Peabody Midwest Min., LLC v. FMSHRC, 762 F.3d 611, 616, (7th Cir. 2014). The 

hazard, rather than the specific violation, is the measure of S&S. Musser, 32 FMSHRC at 1281. 

If the hazard is unlikely to result in injury, then the violation is not S&S. See Texasgulf Inc., 10 

FMSHRC 498, 503 (Apr. 1988). It may be appropriate to predict how the danger would impact a 

disaster situation, for instance if the hazard is related to emergency equipment. Cumberland Coal 

Res., LP, 33 FMSHRC 2357, 2366 (Oct. 2011) (citing Florence Mining Co., 11 FMSHRC 747, 

756 (May 1989)). 

 The fourth element focuses on the likely gravity of an accident. See Elk Run Coal Co, 

Inc., 27 FMSHRC 899, 907 (Dec. 2005) (citation omitted). Numerous types of injuries, including 

“muscle strains, sprained ligaments, and fractured bones” meet the reasonably serious 

requirement. S&S Dredging Co., 35 FMSHRC 1979, 1982 (July 2013) (citations omitted). It is 

not required that a similar type of accident have actually happened. See Elk Run Coal Co., 27 

FMSHRC at 906. The Secretary must prove all the S&S elements by the preponderance of the 

evidence. Keystone Coal Mining Corp., 17 FMSHRC 1819, 1838 (Nov. 1995) (citing Garden 

Creek Pocahontas Co., 11 FMSHRC 2148, 2152 (Nov. 1989)). 

Negligence 

 The Mine Act is a strict liability statute, so negligence plays no role in citation issuance. 

30 U.S.C. § 814(a). Inspectors must issue citations, regardless of operator negligence, whenever 

a mandatory safety standard is violated. Musser Eng’g, Inc., and PBS Coals, Inc., 32 FMSHRC 

1257, 1272 (Oct. 2010) (citing Spartan Mining Co., 30 FMSHRC 699, 706 (Aug. 2008)). But 

negligence does factor into the assessment of civil penalties. Asarco, Inc., 8 FMSHRC 1632, 

1636 (Nov. 1986), aff'd, 868 F.2d 1195 (10th Cir. 1989). 

 Negligence is “conduct, either by commission or omission, which falls below a standard 

of care established under the Mine Act to protect miners against the risks of harm.” 30 C.F.R. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1517
§ 100.3(d). Mine operators are “required to be on the alert for conditions and practices in the 

mine that affect the safety or health of miners and to take steps necessary to correct or prevent 

hazardous conditions or practices.” Id. No negligence exists when “[t]he operator exercised 

diligence and could not have known of the violative condition or practice.” Id. Low negligence 

means “[t]he operator knew or should have known of the violative condition or practice, but 

there are considerable mitigating circumstances.” Id. The moderate negligence categorization is 

appropriate if operators “knew or should have known of the violative condition or practice, but 

there are mitigating circumstances.” Id. High negligence indicates “[t]he operator knew or should 

have known of the violative condition or practice, and there are no mitigating circumstances.” Id.

Lastly, reckless disregard requires that “[t]he operator displayed conduct which exhibits the 

absence of the slightest degree of care.” Id. 

Factors used to determine negligence include the “foreseeability of the miner's conduct, 

the risks involved, and the operator's supervising, training, and disciplining of its employees to 

prevent violations of the standard in issue.” A. H. Smith Stone Co., 5 FMSHRC 13, 15 (Jan. 

1983) (citations omitted). In addition, mitigating circumstances such as “actions taken by the 

operator to prevent or correct hazardous conditions or practices” are also weighed. 30 C.F.R. 

§ 100.3(d). 

Mitigation is something the operator does affirmatively, with knowledge of the potential 

hazard being mitigated, that tends to reduce the likelihood of an injury to a miner. This includes 

actions taken by the operator to prevent or correct hazardous conditions. 

Gravity

 FMSHRC is obligated to consider “the gravity of the violation” in assessing civil 

penalties. 30 U.S.C. § 820(i). This is usually “viewed in terms of the seriousness of the 

violation.” Consolidation Coal Co., 18 FMSHRC 1541, 1549 (Sept. 1996) (citing Sellersburg 

Stone Co., 5 FMSHRC 287, 294-95 (Mar. 1983), aff'd, 736 F.2d 1147 (7th Cir. 1984); and 

Youghiogheny & Ohio Coal Co., 9 FMSHRC 673, 681 (Apr. 1987). The Commission specified 

the standard is the seriousness of “the effect of the hazard if it occurs.” Id. at 1550 (citing 

Quinland Coals, Inc., 9 FMSHRC 1614, 1622 n.11 (Sept. 1987)). Important factors include the 

importance of the violated standard, and case specific circumstances like mine operator defiance. 

See Harlan Cumberland Coal Co., 12 FMSHRC 134, 140-1 (Jan. 1990)(ALJ Fauver). All 

considerations are encompassed within the overriding goal of encouraging compliance with the 

Mine Act and protecting Miners. Id. The gravity analysis focuses on factors such as the 

likelihood of an injury, the severity of an injury, and the number of miners potentially injured. 

The likelihood of injury is calculated assuming continuation of normal mining operations 

without the violation’s abatement. U.S. Steel Mining Co., 7 FMSHRC at 1130. 

Penalty

 Commission judges have authority to set civil penalties, so long as they remain within the 

boundaries of their statutory obligations and advance the Mine Act’s deterrent goals. Cantera 

Greene, 22 FMSHRC 616, 620 (May 2000) (citations omitted). The Commission is not bound by 

the Secretary’s penalty proposal, all determinations on a de novo basis. Sellersburg Stone Co., 

37 FMSHRC Page 1518
736 F.2d 1147, 1151 (7th Cir. 1984). Judges are obligated to provide an explanation if the 

assigned penalty differs substantially from the Secretary’s proposal. Sellersburg Stone Co., 5 

FMSHRC 287, 293 (Mar. 1983). 

The Mine Act sets out six criteria for judges to weigh in civil penalty assessment: (1) the 

operator’s history of previous violations; (2) the appropriateness of such penalty to the size of the 

business of the operator charged; (3) whether the operator was negligent; (4) the effect on the 

operator's ability to continue in business; (5) the gravity of the violation; and (6) the 

demonstrated good faith in abatement of the violative condition. 30 U.S.C. § 820(i). The 

Secretary uses the same criteria in proposing penalties, which is embodied in MSHA’s penalty 

point scoring system. Sellersburg, 736 F.2d at 1151. All six criterions must be address in a 

judge’s decision. Sellersburg, 5 FMSHRC at 293. 

While judges must consider all of the statutory criteria, there is no requirement that each 

criterion receive equal weight. Thunder Basin Coal Co., 19 FMSHRC 1495, 1503 (Sept. 1997) 

(citations omitted). Judges are free to give greater importance to considerations of the operator’s 

negligence and the violation’s gravity. Lopke Quarries, Inc., 23 FMSHRC 705, 713 (July 2001). 

Furthermore, it is “appropriate for a judge to raise a penalty “significantly” based on his findings 

of extreme gravity and unwarrantable failure.” Musser Eng’g, Inc., and PBS Coals, Inc., 32 

FMSHRC 1257, 1289 (Oct. 2010) (citing Spartan Mining Co. Inc., 30 FMSHRC 699, 725 (Aug. 

2008)). 

Judges must weigh the record, make findings, and explain the reasoning behind the final 

penalty order. Hubb Corp., 22 FMSHRC 606, 612 (May, 2000) (citing Mid-Continent Res., 

Inc., 16 FMSHRC 1218, 1222 (June 1994)). This serves the duel purposes of giving notice and 

explanation to the mining community while creating a record for further review by the 

Commission. Id. Lastly, as the Commission held in in Sellersburg Stone Co.: 

[I]t behooves the Commission and its judges to provide a sufficient 

explanation of the bases underlying the penalties assessed by the 

Commission. If a sufficient explanation for the divergence is not 

provided, the credibility of the administrative scheme providing for 

the increase or lowering of penalties after contest may be 

jeopardized by an appearance of arbitrariness. 

5 FMSHRC at 293. 

Citation No. 8661787 

On April 25, 2012, at 11:30 a.m., MSHA Inspector Robert D. Stalder1

 (“Stalder” or 

“Inspector Stalder”) issued Citation No. 8661787 to NISC’s Mine #1, alleging a violation of 30 

1

 Inspector Stalder’s mining career began in 1981, working in an underground coal mine 

in Colorado. (Tr. 11:14-7) From 1994 through 2006, Stalder was employed as a safety director 

and safety supervisor at a number of private mining companies including, U.S. Silica and Vulcan 

Materials. (Tr. 11:18-12:2) In 2006 he joined MSHA, where he works as a safety inspector. Id. 

(continued...) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1519
C.F.R. § 56.11027, pursuant to Section 104(a) of the Mine Act. The regulation requires that 

“[s]caffolds and working platforms shall be of substantial construction and provided with 

handrails and maintained in good condition.” 30 C.F.R. § 56.11027. Section 56.11027 is a 

mandatory safety standard. The citation alleges: 

An opening of 24 inches exists on the deck of the Secondary 

Crusher deck where the ladder access is. There are no chains to 

cover the opening when miners must be on the crushers deck. This 

exposes miners to a potential fall of 78 inches to the ground. 

Should a miner fall it could result in fractures and sprains leading 

to lost work days. Miners are on this deck to start and stop the 

engine that runs the crusher and when making adjustments and 

repairs on the crusher. The opening is on the side in direct line 

where work is done. Other raised decks on site have chains that act 

as rail for when miners are required to work on the deck. There 

was no indication that chains had ever been on these rails. 

Ex. S-1-A. 

The Secretary’s Interpretation of Section 56.11027 is Entitled to Deference

Respondent argued Section 56.11027 does not mandate handrails across work platform 

entrances. (Tr. 54:22–55:1) This view is based on the regulation not explicitly requiring 

handrails to “completely enclose a working platform.” Id. Inspector Stalder countered that totally 

surrounding the work platform’s perimeter is necessary to fulfill Section 56.11027 purpose in 

mitigating falling hazards. (Tr. 55:4-6) 

The Commission has found that when interpreting the Secretary’s Regulations: 

Where the language of a regulatory provision is clear, the terms of 

that provision must be enforced as they are written unless the 

regulator clearly intended the words to have a different meaning or 

unless a meaning would lead to absurd results. See Dyer v. United 

States, 832 F.2d 1062, 1066 (9th Cir. 1987); Utah Power & Light 

Co., 11 FMSHRC 1926, 1930 (Oct. 1989). If, however, a standard 

is ambiguous, courts have deferred to the Secretary’s reasonable 

interpretation of the regulation. See Energy West Mining Co. v. 

FMSHRC, 40 F.3d 457, 463 (D.C. Cir. 1990); accord Sec’y of 

Labor v. Western Fuels-Utah, Inc., 900 F.2d 318, 321 (D.C. Cir. 

1990) (“agency’s interpretation of its own regulation is of 

‘controlling weight unless it is plainly erroneous or inconsistent 

with the regulation.”’) (quoting Bowles v. Seminole Rock & Sand 

1

 (...continued) 

Stalder is a member of the National Mine Rescue Group and has served on the coal mine 

examiner boards in both Colorado and Wyoming. (Tr. 13:21-4; Tr. 14:12-6) At the time of 

hearing, Stalder had worked at MSHA for seven years. (Tr. 11:12) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1520
Co., 325 U.S. 410, 414 (1945)). The Secretary’s interpretation of 

her regulations is reasonable where it is “logically consistent with 

the language of the regulation[s] and ... serves a permissible 

regulatory function.” General Elec. Co. v. EPA, 53 F.3d 1324, 

1327 (D.C. Cir. 1995) (citations omitted). 

Lodestar Energy, Inc., 24 FMSHRC 689, 692 (July 2002); Consolidation Coal Co., 18 FMSHRC 

1541, 1545 (Sept. 1996). “It is only when the plain meaning is doubtful or ambiguous that the 

issue of deference to the Secretary’s interpretation arises.” Pfizer Inc. v. Heckler, 735 F.2d 1502, 

1509 (D.C. Cir. 1984); Bluestone Coal Corp., 19 FMSHRC 1025, 1028 (June 1997). 

Furthermore, “the statutory provision underlying the regulation, as well as any related statements 

accompanying the regulation’s publication in the Federal Register, may illuminate the 

regulation’s meaning.” Lehigh Southwest Cement, 2011 WL 7463296, at *5 (Dec. 2011)(ALJ 

Paez) (quoting Lodestar Energy, 24 FMSHRC at 693). Additionally, “[i]n the absence of a 

statutory or regulatory definition of a term, or a technical usage, we look to the ordinary meaning 

of the terms used in a regulation.” Bluestone Coal Corp., 19 FMSHRC at 1029; Peabody Coal 

Co., 18 FMSHRC 686, 690 (May 1996). 

The Supreme Court established that when interpretation of regulatory language is 

challenged, the Secretary’s interpretation of her own regulation is “controlling unless plainly 

erroneous or inconsistent with the regulation.” See Auer v. Robbins, 519 U.S. 452, 461 (1997). 

However, “Auer deference is warranted only when the language of the regulation is ambiguous.” 

Christensen v. Harris Cnty., 529 U.S. 576, 588, (2000). Courts determine the plainness or 

ambiguity of a regulation by referring to “the language itself, the specific context in which that 

language is used, and the broader context as a whole.” Robinson v. Shell Oil Co., 519 U.S. 337, 

341 (1997). 

 I find the Secretary’s reading of Section 56.11027 that the entire work platform should be 

surrounded by hand rails, is the regulation’s plain meaning. (Tr. 55:2-6) Nothing in Section 

56.11027 indicates an exemption for work platforms entrances from the railing requirement. 

Even if it were possible to claim some ambiguity remains in the statute, I find the deference 

accorded to reasonable interpretations by the Secretary outweighs the Respondent’s argument 

that only some of the work platform should be covered. 

There is No Conflict Between Regulations 

 Respondent also argued placing chains across the platform entrance violated 30 C.F.R. § 

56.4530. (Resp. Br. at 11) This regulation requires that “[b]uildings or structures in which 

persons work shall have a sufficient number of exits to permit prompt escape in case of fire.” 30 

C.F.R. § 56.4530. Respondent claims the act of unclipping the chains could so hinder escaping 

miners that it violates the prompt escape requirement. (Resp. Br. at 11; Tr. 57:5-11) This 

argument was culminated with a hypothetical emergency, in which a burning or scalded miner 

was trapped on the crusher deck, “pawing helplessly at the chained exit.” (Resp. Reply Br. at 2) 

This scenario is difficult to credit, since in normal circumstances unclipping the chains only 

37 FMSHRC Page 1521
takes 10 seconds. (Tr. 213:1-3) In his testimony, Brian Russell2

 (“Russell”) compared the chain’s 

attachment to a dog leash clip. (Tr. 212:16-22) I conclude an exit with a ten-second delay still 

permits prompt escape. Given the mechanism’s simplicity, and the speed with which it can be 

opened in normal circumstances, I find no conflict with Section 56.4530. 

 Even if I found a conflict between the two standards, the appropriate forum in which to 

make a diminution in safety claim is an MSHA modification proceeding. Clinchfield Coal Co., 

11 FMSHRC 2120, 2130 (Nov. 1989). If the proposed modification is granted, this is grounds 

for not issuing a civil penalty for the citation. Sewell Coal Co., 5 FMSHRC 2026, 2029 (Dec. 

1983). However, if these steps are not taken, then safety diminution claims are not a defense in 

enforcement proceedings. Clinchfield, 11 FMSHRC at 2130. I find no indication in the record 

that NISC petitioned for a modification from MSHA. 

The Violation3

The citation alleges reasonably likely injury that could be reasonably expected to result in 

lost workdays or restricted duty, the violation was significant and substantial, one person could 

be affected, and the operator’s negligence was moderate. (Ex. S-1-A) The number of persons 

likely to be affected by an accident was not contested. 

 Inspector Stalder was conducting an E01 inspection at Mine #1. (Tr. 17:8-9; Tr. 18:5-7) 

The plant was not in operation at time of inspection, but customer trucks were being loaded on 

site. (Tr. 18:15-19) The secondary crusher platform was identified as a work platform because it 

is used to adjust crusher plate tension, maintain the engine, and grease the shaft and rotor 

bearings (Tr. 21:6-14; Tr. 207:2-4) Russell testified the platform is also used to start/stop the 

engine, and adjust the bolts on the crusher’s impactor. (Tr. 197:5-21) Based on this testimony, I 

find the secondary crusher’s deck is a work platform. Stalder issued Citation No. 8661787 as a 

violation of 30 C.F.R. § 56.11027, based on a 24 inch opening in the platform’s railing at the 

entrance. (Ex. S-1-A; Ex. S-2-A) A fall from the platform would be approximately 6.5 feet. Id. 

 This citation is placed in context by two relevant cases regarding Section 56.11027, both 

of which found the absence of railing around the whole work platform to be a violation. First, in 

 2

 Brian Russell is quarry superintendent at NISC, and at time of litigation had worked 

there for ten years. (Tr. 189:1-5) 

3 The findings of fact here and below are based on the record as a whole and my careful 

observation of the witnesses during their testimony. In resolving any conflicts in the testimony, I 

have taken into account the interests of the witnesses, or lack thereof, and consistencies, or 

inconsistencies in each witness’s testimony and between the testimonies of other witnesses. In 

evaluating the testimony of each witness, I have also taken into account his or her demeanor. 

Any perceived failure to provide detail about any witness’s testimony is not a failure on my part 

to consider it. The fact that some evidence is not discussed does not mean it was not considered. 

See Craig v. Apfel, 212 F.3d 433, 436 (8th Cir. 2000) (administrative law judge is not required to 

discuss all evidence and failure to cite specific evidence does not mean it was not considered). I 

have also fully considered the contents of the official file, including the pre- and post-hearing 

submissions of the parties, and the exhibits admitted into evidence.

37 FMSHRC Page 1522
Granite Rock Co., failure to cover an eighteen inch gap over the platform entrance violated 

Section 56.11027. 32 FMSHRC 1792, 1794 (Nov. 2010)(ALJ Weisberger). Second, in Palmer 

Coking Coal Co. the violation was held not to be S&S because only a small percentage of the 

deck’s perimeter remained open. 26 FMSHRC 504, 508 (June 2004)(ALJ Barbour). The MSHA 

inspector’s S&S designation was wrong because the odds of injury were too remote to be 

considered “reasonably likely.” Id. However, the omission was still viewed as serious. Id. 

 The record is clear that no railing covered the secondary crusher entrance. Therefore, the 

work platform was not provided with sufficient handrails around the whole perimeter to prevent 

falls. I find there was a violation of Section 56.11027. 

Negligence 

 Inspector Stalder cited negligence as moderate because other onsite work platforms had 

chains across the entrances, indicating the operator knew about the requirement. (Tr. 26:13-21) 

Stalder noted two mitigating circumstances in favor of NISC. First, the manufacturer built the 

crusher without railing across the entrance. Id. This defense, which was also mentioned in regard 

to the other citations, is irrelevant because the manufacturer’s omission does not excuse the 

mining company from maintaining its equipment according to MSHA regulations. Second, 

previous inspectors omitted to cite the violation, lowering operator culpability. (Tr. 27:7-9; Tr. 

202:6-9) 

Moderate negligence means the operator “knew or should have known of the violative 

condition or practice, but there are mitigating circumstances.” 30 C.F.R. § 100.3(d). I find NISC 

should have known handrails must encompass work platforms, and thereby understood the 

secondary crusher’s violative condition. However, because there is a mitigating circumstance, 

the violation was correctly cited as moderately negligence. 

Gravity 

The gravity analysis focuses on factors such as the likelihood of an injury, its severity, 

and the number of miners potentially injured. Inspector Stalder testified the probable injuries of a 

miner who fell through the gap could be reasonably expected to result in lost work days or 

restricted duty. (Tr. 24:18-24) Specifically, a 6.5 foot fall is likely to result in sprained, twisted, 

or fractured limbs. Id. However, falls from lesser heights are sometimes fatal. Id. Based on past 

experience, and the large number of falling incidents reported to MSHA, Stalder considered this 

type of serious accident to be reasonably likely. (Tr. 61:19-22) The citation alleges only one 

person would be affected, which is reasonable given NISC’s small size. (Ex. S-1-A) I find an 

injury was reasonably likely and would be serious in nature, possibly resulting in lost work days 

or restricted duty. 

Significant and Substantial 

 There was a mandatory safety standard violation. (Ex. S-1-A) This violation contributed 

to the discrete safety hazard of falling through the secondary crusher’s entrance. (Tr. 20:16-20) It 

is reasonably likely a fall would result in an injury of a reasonably serious nature. (Tr. 24:18-24) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1523
The remaining factor in an S&S designation, the third Mathies element, is whether there is a 

reasonable likelihood that the hazard contributed to will result in an injury. 

Inspector Stalder testified an injury was reasonably likely because the opening was near 

the work area. (Tr. 21:17-23) Stalder had seen similar railing openings cause accidents. (Tr. 

22:8-11) Lastly, variograms studied by Stalder indicated a work platform fall was likely. (Tr. 

25:23–26:4) Russell testified the work platform was only used once in the previous year for 

crusher adjustment. (Tr. 198:23–199:2) But the platform is used in a variety of other tasks, 

including crusher plate tension adjustment, repairs, shaft and rotor bearing greasing, impacter 

bolt adjustment, and to start/stop the engine. (Tr. 21:11-14; Tr. 207:2-4; Tr. 197:5-21) 

Respondent also argued the entrance gap was relatively small in proportion to the platform’s 

overall perimeter, two feet out of fifty feet. (Resp. Reply Br. at 2; Tr. 196:5-10) Lastly, Russell 

testified miner positioning while working on the platform would cause a slip to throw them into 

the railing. (Tr. 201:4-6) 

Respondent cited ALJ Barbour’s reasoning in Palmer Coking Coal Co., to argue injury 

was not reasonably likely to result from the hazard. 26 FMSHRC 504, 508 (June 2004) (See also

Resp. Reply Br. at 2). In this case, an even a smaller percentage of the perimeter was unguarded 

than in the Palmer work platform. Id. However, as detailed above, the platform is used in a 

number of routine tasks. At a minimum, the platform is used twice daily to turn the engine on 

and off. (Tr. 197:5-8) I find the platform’s frequent usage during crusher operations creates a 

reasonable likelihood that the falling hazard would result in an injury. Furthermore, an MSHA 

“inspector’s judgment is an important element in an S&S determination.” Harlan Cumberland 

Coal Co., 20 FMSHRC 1275, 1278-9 (Dec. 1998) (citations omitted). I credit Inspector Stalder’s 

judgment that the violation was reasonably likely to result in injury. Since all the Mathies

elements are proven, I find the violation is S&S. 

Penalty 

 The Secretary assessed the penalty for Citation No. 8661787 at $112.00. NISC is a small 

operator, owning and leasing five quarries in 2012. (Tr. 268:12-15) According to Stipulation No. 

8, the respondent’s business would not be significantly affected if the full penalty is imposed. 

The operator was moderately negligent and the violation is S&S. NISC did not promptly correct 

the violation, causing Order No. 8661798 to be issued twenty-one days after the mandated 

termination date. (Tr. 35:20–36:7; Ex. S-3-A) The reason NISC offered for this failure was that 

the pit had not been in use, and the operator’s intent to install entrance chains before using the 

crusher. (Tr. 45:1-3) Russell did not recall whether he informed his employer of the violation’s 

required completion date. (Tr. 215:4-9) Given the compliance delay, NISC did not engage in 

good faith abatement. I agree with the Secretary’s calculus and assess a penalty of $112.00. 

Citation No. 8661788 

On April 25, 2012 at 11:40 a.m., Inspector Stalder issued Citation No. 8661788 alleging a 

violation of 30 C.F.R. § 56.4501 pursuant to Section 104(a) of the Mine Act. The regulation 

requires that “[f]uel lines shall be equipped with valves capable of stopping the flow of fuel at 

the source and shall be located and maintained to minimize fire hazards. This standard does not 

37 FMSHRC Page 1524
apply to fuel lines on self-propelled equipment.” 30 C.F.R. § 56.4501. Section 56.4501 is a 

mandatory safety standard. The citation alleges: 

The secondary crusher did not have a fuel shutoff valve between 

the tank and the engine. Should a leak in the lines occur it could 

result in a fire exposing miners to burn and smoke inhalation type 

injuries. Since the tank is under the engine, fuel would go to the 

ground away from ignition sources. The crusher has been on site 

for a long time and the operator was unaware there was no fuel 

shut off. 

Ex. S-5-A. 

Section 56.4501 Applies to Fuel Tank Hoses 

 Respondent argued 30 C.F.R. § 56.4501 only applies to very large fuel lines, such as gas 

pipelines. (Tr. 91:18–92:3) The claim is that the regulation targets major fuel lines because leaks 

from them are more dangerous than spills from relatively small fuel tanks. (Tr. 90:19–91:6) 

Respondent’s interpretation contradicts the text of the regulation, which includes no exception 

for smaller fuel lines. 30 C.F.R. § 56.4501. Not applying Section 56.4501 to engine tank fuel 

lines would undermine the Mine Act’s goal of improving miner safety. Furthermore, this court 

has previously applied Section 56.4501 to engine tank fuel lines. See Nelson Quarries, Inc., 30 

FMSHRC 254, 278 (Apr. 2008)(ALJ Manning); Nelson Quarries, Inc., 30 FMSHRC 443, 451 

(May 2008)(ALJ Manning). For these reasons, I find Section 56.4501 was correctly cited. 

The Violation 

 The citation alleges unlikely injury that could reasonably be expected to result in lost 

work days or restricted duty, one person could be affected, and the operator’s negligence was 

moderate. (Ex. S-5-A) It is uncontested that no fuel valve was installed on the secondary crusher 

at time of inspection. Neither party contests that the secondary crusher is not self-propelled 

mobile equipment. (Tr. 70:1-6) This classification is accurate because the crusher can only be 

moved if attached to another vehicle, such as a tractor. Id. 

 During Stalder’s inspection of the secondary crusher, he observed the fuel hoses 

connecting the two tanks to the engine were not equipped with shutoff valves. (Tr. 65:10-15; S6-C) Each fuel tank holds approximately 100 gallons. (Tr. 221:17-19) Stalder wrote a citation for 

violation of 30 C.F.R. § 56.4501, which is a fire prevention regulation. (Tr. 65:21-23) In the 

event of a fuel hose leak, the shutoff valve can prevent additional fuel from escaping by keeping 

it in the tank. (Tr. 66:22–67:4) The hazard Stalder envisioned was that in the absence of a shutoff 

valve, fuel would continue to leak and form a highly flammable pool under the crusher. (Tr. 

68:24–69:3) Spilled fuel can be ignited in numerous ways, including engine heat, maintenance 

activities such as welding, and sparks from electric cables. (Tr. 72:24–73:10) However, leaked 

fuel would tend to flow away from ignition sources. (Ex. S-5-A) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1525
 The absence of fuel shutoff valves on the engine hoses is uncontested in the record. I find 

there was a violation of Section 56.4501. 

 

Safety Diminution Argument is Not a Valid Defense 

 Respondent argued against a violation of 30 C.F.R. § 56.4501, claiming the regulation 

diminishes miner safety by increasing the probability of leak formation. (Tr. 224:9–225:2; Resp. 

Br. at 17) The argument is that installing a fuel shutoff valve doubles the number of places where 

leaks are likely to develop. Id. Secondly, Respondent interpreted Section 56.4501 as a fire 

fighting, rather than fire prevention, regulation. (Tr. 84:6-9; Tr. 65:21-23) Stalder agreed 

attempting to fight a fire by shutting off the fuel valve would be unwise. (Tr. 89:17-21) 

Respondent views the shutoff valve as imperiling miners by encouraging them to enter “into a 

danger zone.” (Resp. Br. at 17) This is not a valid defense in this civil penalty proceeding. 

 As outlined by the Commission in Sewell Coal Co., “where adherence to a standard 

would reduce miner safety -- logic dictates and Congress provided the modification procedures.” 

5 FMSHRC 2026, 2028 (Dec. 1983). MSHA, rather than the Commission, is the body 

responsible for these modification procedures. Id. The determination whether the mandatory 

standard would be counterproductive is solely made by MSHA. Id. at 2029 (citing Penn Allegh 

Coal Co. Inc., 3 FMSHRC 1392, 1398 (June 1981)). Mine operators should exhaust the 

mechanisms provided by MSHA in seeking modification of a citation they believe is harmful. Id. 

at 2030. Only after the Secretary recognizes the claim and grants a modification, is safety 

diminution a valid defense in FMSHRC enforcement proceedings. Clinchfield Coal Co., 11 

FMSHRC 2120, 2130 (Nov. 1989). 

 I find no evidence that NISC attempted to secure a modification from the Secretary based 

on the concern that implementing Section 56.4501 diminished miner safety. This argument is not 

relevant to this proceeding. 

Negligence 

 Inspector Stalder cited NISC’s failure to equip the fuel hoses with shutoff valves as 

moderately negligent. (Ex. S-5-A) Other fuel lines onsite were outfitted with shutoff valves, 

indicating NISC understood the requirement. (Tr. 68:16-21) There was no history of previous 

injuries or citations related to missing fuel valves. (Tr. 218:11-18) Stalder viewed the 

Respondent’s unawareness of the shutoff valve’s absence as mitigating. (Tr. 68:16-21) I 

disagree, because a company’s ignorance of its own equipment is not an excuse. Stalder argued 

penalizing operators for high negligence is unjust when numerous MSHA inspections 

overlooked a violation, failing to bring it to the operator’s attention. (Tr. 164:13–165:23) Russell 

testified, in regard to this citation and the all others, about his evaluation that the equipment was 

reasonably safe without meeting the mandatory safety requirements. (Tr. 218:5-10) However, 

this belief has no effect in mitigating NISC’s negligence. 

 I find NISC was moderately negligent. The company “knew or should have known of the 

violative condition or practice, but there are mitigating circumstances.” 30 C.F.R. § 100.3(d). 

NISC should have known about Section 56.4501 because mine operators are held to a “high 

37 FMSHRC Page 1526
standard of care,” and they ought to maintain their equipment according to MSHA regulations. 

30 C.F.R. § 100.3(d). But the failure of previous inspectors to cite the infraction is somewhat 

mitigating. I uphold moderate negligence designation. 

Gravity

 Inspector Stalder cited the possibility for injury as unlikely. (Ex. S-5-A) First, it was 

improbable that maintenance activities would start a fire in the event of a leak. (Tr. 89:8-16) 

While there are potential ignition sources near the crusher, such as welders and cutting torches, 

NISC has never had a fuel leak. (Tr. 226:12-14; Tr. 228:10-20) Furthermore, miners do not 

smoke onsite, making dropped cigarettes a remote possibility. (Tr. 251:17-18) Second, any 

spilled fuel would flow away from potential ignition sources and thereby diminish the fire 

hazard. (Ex. S-5-A) Third, Respondent believes significant fuel leaks would be spotted, also 

supporting the estimate that the chance for injury was unlikely. (Tr. 221:20-23) I find the risk of 

injury was unlikely. 

However, if a fire occurred it could result in serious injury causing lost days or restricted 

duty. Stalder considered smoke inhalation and burns the most likely injuries of an accidental fire. 

(Tr. 68:7-9) Given the operation’s small size, it is reasonable to estimate only one person would 

be affected. (Tr. 68:10-13) I find an injury from a fuel leak fire is serious in nature and could 

result in lost work days or restricted duty. 

Penalty 

The Secretary assessed the penalty for Citation No. 8661788 at $112.00. NISC is a small 

operator, owning and leasing five quarries in 2012. (Tr. 268:12-14) According to Stipulation No. 

8, the respondent’s business would not be significantly affected if the full penalty is imposed. 

The operator was moderately negligent and the violation, while potentially serious, was unlikely 

to cause injury. The operator did not comply with the order to install shutoff valves by May 9, 

2012, causing Order No. 8661799 to be issued on May 16, 2012. (Tr. 73:18-22; Ex. S-7-A) The 

respondent’s defense was that the quarry had not been used, and NISC would install the fuel 

valves before resuming work. (Tr. 74:13-17) The delay in compliance shows NISC did not 

engage in good faith abatement. I assess a penalty of $112.00. 

Citation No. 8661789 

On April 25, 2012, at 2:35 p.m., Inspector Stalder issued Citation No. 8661789 alleging a 

violation of 30 C.F.R. § 56.14207 pursuant to Section 104(a) of the Mine Act. The regulation 

requires that “[m]obile equipment shall not be left unattended unless the controls are placed in 

the park position and the parking brake, if provided, is set.” 30 C.F.R. § 56.14207. Section 

56.14207 is a mandatory safety standard. The citation alleges: 

The Dodge Ram Pickup truck (License Plate 4584 HS exp. 06-12) 

was left unattended without the parking brake set. This exposes 

miners to hazard of being struck by this pickup should another 

piece of equipment hit the vehicle and cause it to move. This area 

37 FMSHRC Page 1527
has very little mobile equipment movement and little foot traffic. 

The truck was in the park position. The pickup had been parked for 

a long time and management was unaware the brake was not set. 

Ex. S-9-A. 

The Violation 

 The citation alleges unlikely injury that could reasonably be expected to result in lost 

work days or restricted duty, one person could be affected, and the operator’s negligence was 

moderate. Id. 

 Inspector Stalder noticed the parking brake on the Dodge Ram pickup truck was not set. 

(Tr. 99:23–100:5; Ex. S-10-A) Failure to set the parking brake on unattended vehicles, in 

addition to breaking Section 56.14207, is a violation of the “Rules to Live By.” (Tr. 100:10-17) 

MSHA considers these rules to be especially important, and accordingly has increased efforts to 

educate miners about them. Id. The truck was situated in the mine’s shop, on level ground, with 

gears set in the park position. (Tr. 101:3-8) Its battery cables were also disconnected. (Tr. 109:4-

5) The truck was placed off to the side of the shop, and away from the areas trafficked by other 

vehicles stored there. (Tr. 234:10-16) The shop’s dimensions are approximately 60 feet by 80 

feet, and no other vehicles were in the building at time of inspection. (Tr. 110:4-17) Stalder 

considered the truck unattended because no miners were in the shop. (Tr. 102:12-15) 

 It is disputed whether the truck was tagged out of service during the inspection on April 

25, 2012. The truck was tagged out by the following morning on April 26, 2012, when the 

documentary picture was taken, but there is no indication on the tag itself as to when it was 

placed. (Tr. 235:21-24; Ex. S-10-D) Russell testified the truck was first tagged out in 2010. (Tr. 

230:15-17) The truck was later used in 2011, but due to battery problems was again 

decommissioned. (Tr. 230:18–231:3) Furthermore, Russell claimed to have disconnected the 

battery and chocked the wheels. (Tr. 231:16-18) However, Russell could not positively state in 

cross examination whether the tag was affixed during Stalder’s inspection. (Tr. 235:16-20) In 

contrast, Inspector Stalder was certain the vehicle was not tagged out when the citation was 

issued on April 25, 2012. (Tr. 102:23–103: 8) Based on Inspector Stalder’s confident testimony, 

and Russell’s admitted uncertainty, I find the vehicle was not tagged out of service at the time of 

the inspection. 

I find the Dodge Ram pickup truck’s brakes were not set at time of citation, and that 

NISC violated 30 C.F.R. § 56.14207. 

Negligence 

 Inspector Stalder cited NISC for moderate negligence. (Ex. S-9-A) Both miners and 

management understood the parking brake requirement from company training. (Tr. 101:23-

102:11) It is possible management was unaware of the truck’s violative condition, but this would 

not mitigate NISC’s negligence. Id. Both Russell and Stalder agree the parking brake should 

have been set, even if the truck was tagged out of service. (Tr. 109:15-21; Tr. 237:14-20) Some 

37 FMSHRC Page 1528
steps were taken to immobilize the truck, like unplugging the battery and choking the wheels. 

(Tr. 231:4-8; Tr. 232:9-17) Respondent argued these measures were the functional equivalent of 

setting the parking brake. (Resp. Reply Br. at 4) However, Russell admitted some uncertainty on 

whether the wheels were choked at time of inspection. (Tr. 236:16-18) I find the wheels were 

choked since no contrary evidence was presented. 

 I find NISC was highly negligent. The “operator knew or should have known of the 

violative condition or practice, and there are no mitigating circumstances.” 30 C.F.R. § 100.3(d). 

NISC understood the parking brake should be set, but neglected to do so it in this instance. (Tr. 

101:23–102:11) While some appropriate steps were taken to decommission the truck, no 

mitigating factors have been presented. 

Gravity

 It is undisputed an accident involving the pickup truck could cause serious injuries, 

resulting in lost work days or restricted duty. (Ex. S-9-A) However, accidents caused by failures 

to set brakes are sometimes fatal. (Tr. 100:10-17) Only one miner was estimated to be affected in 

an accident, which is reasonable given the operation’s small size. Id. Inspector Stalder rated the 

chance for injury as unlikely. Id. This is because for the truck could only move if hit into motion 

by another object. (Tr. 112:15-17) Other vehicles could be safely moved within the shop. (Tr. 

112:5-8) Russell argued the truck’s placement made it very difficult to hit with the loading 

vehicles also stored in the area. (Tr. 234:2-9) Furthermore, the wheels were choked, decreasing 

the truck’s likely movement. (Tr. 231:4-8) I find than an injury was unlikely because the truck 

was placed off to the side, its wheels were choked, and the shop could be navigated safely. 

However, an injury involving the truck would be serious in nature and could result in lost work 

days or restricted duty. 

Penalty

 The Secretary assessed the penalty for Citation No. 8661789 at $100.00, deducting 

$12.00 for good faith abatement. NISC is a small operator, owning and leasing five quarries in 

2012. (Tr. 268:12-14) According to Stipulation No. 8, the respondent’s business would not be 

significantly affected if the full penalty is imposed. The operator was highly negligent and the 

violation, while potentially serious, was unlikely to cause injury. Despite finding NISC’s 

negligence to be higher than assessed by the Secretary, a larger penalty is unwarranted because 

overall this is a minor violation. The operator demonstrated good faith abatement, terminating 

the violation by 7:30 am the following morning. (Tr. 105:15-20) I assess a penalty of $100.00. 

Citation No. 8661790 

 On May 2, 2012, at 8:00 a.m., Inspector Stalder issued Citation No. 8661790 alleging a 

violation of 30 C.F.R. § 56.12028 pursuant to Section 104(a) of the Mine Act. The regulation 

requires that “[c]ontinuity and resistance of grounding systems shall be tested immediately after 

installation, repair, and modification; and annually thereafter. A record of the resistance 

measured during the most recent tests shall be made available on a request by the Secretary or 

37 FMSHRC Page 1529
his duly authorized representative.” 30 C.F.R. § 56.12028. Section 56.12028 is a mandatory 

safety standard. The citation alleges: 

The operator did not do a continuity and resistance test on the 

ground rod next to the transformer and electrical control panel for 

the sump pump. The grounding rod attached conductor and all 

controls appeared in good condition. Failure to ensure proper 

grounding puts miners at risk of electrical related injuries. This rod 

has never been tested and the operator was unaware of the 

requirement to test it or the hazards related to it. 

Ex. S-11-A 

The Violation 

 The citation alleges unlikely injury that could reasonably be expected to result in lost 

workdays or restricted duty, one person could be affected, and the operator’s negligence was 

low. Id. Inspector Stalder discovered this violation while reviewing NISC’s test records. (Tr. 

113:19–114:1) Respondent failed to conduct a continuity and resistance test on the cited 

grounding rod. Id. The test’s purpose is to check whether the grounding rod functions, and if 

miners are at risk of electrocution. (Tr. 118:7-17) One of the quarry’s sump pump control panels 

was attached to the grounding rod. (Tr. 120:1-6; Ex. S-12-A) The electricity running through the 

equipment was 110 volts, equivalent to standard household voltage. (Tr. 131:3-8) 

 I find no dispute in the record over NISC’s failure to perform a continuity and resistance 

test on the grounding rod. As such, I find NISC violated 30 C.F.R. § 56.12028. 

Negligence 

 Inspector Stalder cited operator negligence as low, because previous inspections did not 

identify the violation. (Tr. 118:23–119:4) Stalder argued it can be unjust to penalize operators for 

high negligence when numerous MSHA inspections overlook a violation and fail to bring it to 

the operator’s attention. (Tr. 164:13–165:23) NISC appeared to be unaware of the testing 

requirement, despite being legally obligated to inform itself of MSHA regulations. (Tr. 119:3-11) 

However, a prior testing omission citation from Blacks quarry went to trial in 2011. (Tr. 239:7-

20) This citation was very similar to the current violation, because it also dealt with a sump 

pump’s grounding system. Id. 

 Aside from NISC’s duty to inform itself of mandatory testing requirements, the prior 

citation provided notice and outweighs any omissions by prior MSHA inspections. High 

negligence means NISC “knew or should have known of the violative condition or practice, and 

there are no mitigating circumstances.” 30 C.F.R. § 100.3(d). The primary excuse offered by the 

company is that the testing requirement was forgotten, which is not a mitigating circumstance. 

Furthermore, the prior citation gave NISC notice about Section 56.12028. Based on the above, I 

find NISC was highly negligent. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1530
Gravity

 The violation’s gravity is evaluated in light of the possibility that an untested grounding 

rod could be ineffective and expose miners to electrocution. (Tr. 117:2-12) Inspector Stalder, 

based on his holistic analysis of the electrical system, evaluated the potential injuries as lost work 

days or restricted duty. Id. However, the system contains sufficient voltage to cause a fatality. Id. 

The number of miners estimated to be affected by an accident was one, which is reasonable 

given the few miners employed by NISC. (Tr. 118:18-22) The injury probability was cited as 

unlikely, since there was a fair possibility that the grounding rod was safe. (Ex. S-11-A) Indeed, 

later testing confirmed the grounding rod worked effectively. (Tr. 123:21-24) I find that while an 

injury was unlikely, it would be serious in nature and could result in lost work days or restricted 

duty. 

Penalty

 The Secretary assessed the penalty for Citation No. 8661790 at $112.00. NISC is a small 

operator, owning and leasing five quarries in 2012. (Tr. 268:12-14) According to Stipulation No. 

8, the respondent’s business would not be significantly affected if the full penalty is imposed. 

The operator was highly negligent, but the violation, while potentially serious, was unlikely to 

cause injury. Despite finding NISC’s negligence to be higher than cited by the Secretary, a larger 

penalty is unwarranted because overall this is a minor violation. The operator did not comply 

with the order to perform the continuity and resistance test by May 16, 2012 causing Order No. 

8669850 to be issued on May 17, 2012. (Tr. 73:18-22) Inspector Stalder recorded the test results 

several weeks later on June 11, 2012. (Tr. 74:13-17) The compliance delay shows NISC did not 

engage in good faith abatement. I assess a penalty of $112.00. 

Citation No. 8669850 

 On July 11, 2012, at 8:10 a.m., Inspector Stalder issued Citation No. 8669850 to Northern 

Illinois Service Company’s Mine #2 alleging a violation of 30 C.F.R. § 56.4501 pursuant to 

Section 104(a) of the Mine Act. The regulation requires that “[f]uel lines shall be equipped with 

valves capable of stopping the flow of fuel at the source and shall be located and maintained to 

minimize fire hazards. This standard does not apply to fuel lines on self-propelled equipment.” 

30 C.F.R. § 56.4501. Section 56.4501 is a mandatory safety standard. The citation alleges: 

There was no fuel shut off on the connecting hose between 2 fuel 

tanks located on the Inertia Crusher. This exposes miners to the 

hazards of a fire should a leak or break in the line develop. Miners 

fighting fires are exposed to burn and smoke inhalation type 

injuries. Miners are in loaders and are usually not near the crusher. 

A leak in the fuel line would likely flow onto the ground away 

from an ignition source. A similar citation was written previously 

to the operator at another mine site on the same type of equipment. 

Ex. S-22-A 

37 FMSHRC Page 1531
The Violation 

The citation alleges unlikely injury that could reasonably be expected to result in lost 

workdays or restricted duty, one person could be affected, and the operator’s negligence was 

high. Id. 

 Inspector Stalder discovered that the hose connecting two fuel tanks on the inertia crusher 

lacked a shutoff valve. (Tr. 134:21–135:2) The hose was positioned beneath both tanks, 

approximately 7.5 feet from the ground. (Ex. S-23-B; Ex. S-23-C; Tr. 241:19-21) If a leak 

developed, there was no way to prevent the fuel from both tanks from spilling onto the ground. 

Id. The machine is very similar to the inertia impactor crusher in Citation No. 8661788, which 

was issued on April 25, 2012. (Tr. 137:16-24) However, the fuel tanks’ setup was different. (Tr. 

138:1-4) Stalder estimated the tanks held about 200 gallons of fuel. (Tr. 138:5-8) The crusher is 

non-mobile equipment because it can only be moved by attachment to another piece of 

machinery. (Tr. 138:14-19) 

 In cross examination, Stalder admitted a person shorter than 5 feet and 11 inches, might 

not be able to reach the fuel valve. (Tr. 141:14-21) Respondent suggested a ladder would be 

needed to turn the valve off. (Tr. 142:2-12) Lastly, Respondent argued turning the valve would 

be unsafe, since it would necessitate removing at least one point of contact from the ladder. (Tr. 

242:18–243:5) Stalder added in recross that at least one of the shutoff valves could be reached 

from the crusher’s work platform. (Tr. 151:15-19) As noted above, a diminution in safety 

defense is only valid after the Secretary recognizes the claim and grants a modification. 

Clinchfield Coal Co., 11 FMSHRC 2120, 2130 (Nov. 1989). 

 Respondent reiterated the argument that fuel shutoff valves increase the likelihood for 

leak formation. (Tr. 147:11–148:11) Furthermore, Respondent again argued in case of a fire, it 

would be unsafe to turn off the valve. (Tr. 150:8-14) As detailed above, these arguments are 

inappropriate and unwarranted here. Both parties referred to the potential ignition sources 

discussed in Citation No. 8661788 as well. 

 Based on the undisputed evidence that no fuel shutoff valve was installed on the hose 

connecting the crusher’s fuel tanks, I find NISC violated Section 56.4501. 

Negligence 

 Inspector Stalder cited NISC for high negligence, because the company was given notice 

through Citation No. 8661788 on April 25, 2012. (Ex. S-22-A; Tr. 135:18–136:8) NISC had over 

two months to install fuel valves before Citation No. 8669850’s issuance on July 11, 2012. Both 

citations deal with fuel shutoff valves on inertia crushers, and the engine configurations were 

only slightly different. (Tr. 137:16-138:4) Respondent argued valve installation was unnecessary, 

since the crusher had not been operated since the initial April 25, 2012 citation. (Resp. Br. at 24-

25) This is not a mitigating circumstance since MSHA inspections only occur several times per 

year. It would undermine the Mine Act’s deterrent capability if operators could escape liability 

by claiming equipment was unused without taking any further steps to address the violation. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1532
 I find NISC was highly negligent. High negligence means “[t]he operator knew or should 

have known of the violative condition or practice, and there are no mitigating circumstances.” 30 

C.F.R. § 100.3(d). The prior citation, No. 8661788, placed NISC on notice, and there are no 

mitigating circumstances. 

Gravity 

 Stalder cited the probable injuries from a fuel leak fire as lost work days or restricted 

duty. (Tr. 135:7-13) The expected injury types include burns and smoke inhalation. Id. The 

injury risk would be especially severe if a miner chose to fight the fire. (Tr. 150:11-19) But, it is 

unlikely more than one miner would be injured. (Tr. 135:14-17) Respondent argued the accident 

probability was low because a large fuel leak would be easily visible. (Tr. 144:4-6) However, 

factors ranging from weather conditions to miner alertness might cause a spill to be undetected. 

(Tr. 145:12–146:1) Stalder evaluated the injury probability as unlikely, identical to the risk 

analysis in Citation No. 8661788. (Ex. S-22-A; Tr. 135:3-13) In the event of a leak, fuel would 

tend to flow away from potential ignition sources. Id. I find while an injury was unlikely, it 

would be serious in nature and could result in lost work days or restricted duty. 

Penalty 

 The Secretary assessed the penalty for Citation No. 8669850 at $100.00, deducting 

$12.00 for good faith abatement. NISC is a small operator, owning and leasing five quarries in 

2012. (Tr. 268:12-14) According to Stipulation No. 8, the respondent’s business would not be 

significantly affected if the full penalty is imposed. The operator was highly negligent, and in the 

unlikely event of an accident, it could lead to serious injury. NISC abated the violation in good 

faith. I assess a penalty of $100.00. 

Citation No. 8669851 

On July 11, 2012, at 8:55 a.m., Inspector Stalder issued Citation No. 8669851 alleging a 

violation of 30 C.F.R. § 56.4501 pursuant to Section 104(a) of the Mine Act. The regulation 

requires that “[f]uel lines shall be equipped with valves capable of stopping the flow of fuel at 

the source and shall be located and maintained to minimize fire hazards. This standard does not 

apply to fuel lines on self-propelled equipment.” 30 C.F.R. § 56.4501. Section 56.4501 is a 

mandatory safety standard. The citation alleges: 

There was no fuel shut off on the Secondary Crusher. This exposes 

miners to the hazards of a fire should a leak or break in the line 

develop. Miners fighting fires are exposed to burn and smoke 

inhalation type injuries. Miners are in loaders and are usually not 

near the crusher. A leak in the fuel line would likely flow onto the 

ground away from an ignition source. The operator was unaware 

this equipment did not have a fuel shut off on it. 

Ex. S-24-A 

37 FMSHRC Page 1533
The Violation 

The citation alleges unlikely injury that could reasonably be expected to result in lost 

workdays or restricted duty, one person could be affected, and the operator’s negligence was 

moderate. Id. 

 While inspecting a secondary crusher, Stalder noted fuel shutoff valves were not installed 

onto the hoses. (Tr. 153:15-20) These hoses, respectively a feed hose and return line, were 

attached to the tank’s roof. Id. A greater chance for leakage existed because the hoses had 

deteriorated due to weathering. (Tr. 157:2-10; Ex. S-25-B) However, the area shown in the 

exhibit would spill little fuel if a leak developed. (Tr. 160:2-7) The secondary crusher is not a 

separate piece of mobile equipment. (Tr. 155:10-16) The fuel tank had capacity for a couple 

hundred gallons. (Tr. 160:8-13) Both parties referred back to the ignition sources discussed in 

Citation No. 8661788, and their comparative potentialities for starting a fire. 

 Respondent reiterates the arguments about fuel shutoff valve safety and effectiveness 

made in Citation No. 8661788. (Resp. Br. at 27) As I found above, these arguments are 

inappropriate here. 

 There is no dispute that a fuel shutoff valves were not installed onto the hoses. I find 

NISC violated 30 C.F.R. § 56.4501. 

Negligence 

 Inspector Stalder cited NISC’s negligence as moderate. (Ex. S-24-A) Stalder argued the 

negligence in this citation should be distinguished from that in No. 8669850. First, the hose 

configuration was different from those on the previously cited secondary crusher. (Tr. 154:18–

155:1) Specifically, the fuel hose was attached to the roof of a single fuel tank. Id. Second, 

Stalder felt NISC did not have fair warning because previous MSHA inspections did not cite this 

particular machine. Id. However, this consideration would make high negligence inapplicable to 

most citations, since they often have not been previously cited. 

 I find NISC was highly negligent. High negligence means “[t]he operator knew or should 

have known of the violative condition or practice, and there are no mitigating circumstances.” 30 

C.F.R. § 100.3(d). The prior citation, No. 8661788, placed NISC on notice that shutoff valves 

needed to installed on all fuel lines. The difference in fuel line configuration is comparatively 

minor and is not a mitigating circumstance. 

Gravity 

The gravity assessment made is identical to that in Citation No. 8669850. (Tr. 154:13-15) 

Probable injuries were burns or smoke inhalation, and could reasonably be expected to result in 

lost work days or restricted duty. (Tr. 135:7-13) It is unlikely more than one miner would be 

injured in a fire. (Tr. 135:14-17) Friction from the conveyer belt rollers beneath the crusher 

increased the ignition chances, but they remained unlikely overall. (Tr. 161:16-19; Ex. S-24-A) 

Respondent supported this evaluation by testifying the hoses had never leaked. (Tr. 246:1-5) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1534
Furthermore, no fuel would be siphoned from the hose if it broke above the bottom of the tank. 

(Tr. 245:20-23) I find an injury from a fuel leak fire was unlikely, but would be serious in nature 

and could result in lost work days or restricted duty. 

Penalty 

 The Secretary assessed the penalty for Citation No. 8669851 at $100.00, deducting 

$12.00 for good faith abatement. NISC is a small operator, owning and leasing five quarries in 

2012. (Tr. 268:12-14) According to Stipulation No. 8, the respondent’s business would not be 

significantly affected if the full penalty is imposed. The operator was highly negligent but the 

violation, while potentially resulting in serious injury, was unlikely to materialize. The operator 

abated the violation in good faith. I assess a penalty of $100.00. 

Citation No. 8669852

On July 11, 2012, at 10:05 a.m., Inspector Stalder issued Citation No. 8669852 alleging a 

violation of 30 C.F.R. § 56.4501 pursuant to Section 104(a) of the Mine Act. The regulation 

requires that “[f]uel lines shall be equipped with valves capable of stopping the flow of fuel at 

the source and shall be located and maintained to minimize fire hazards. This standard does not 

apply to fuel lines on self-propelled equipment.” 30 C.F.R. § 56.4501. Section 56.4501 is a 

mandatory safety standard. The citation alleges:

There was no fuel shut off on the Main GenSet. This exposes 

miners to the hazards of a fire should a leak or break in the line 

develop. Miners fighting fires are exposed to burn and smoke 

inhalation type injuries. Miners are in loaders and are usually not 

near the GenSet. A leak in the fuel line would likely flow onto the 

ground away from an ignition source. The operator believed that 

since both lines went in the top of the fuel tank a shut off was not 

required and this condition has existed for a long time and had not 

been seen as a hazard or a violation. 

Ex. S-26-A 

The Violation 

The citation alleges unlikely injury that could reasonably be expected to result in lost 

workdays or restricted duty, one person could be affected, and the operator’s negligence was 

low. Id. 

 Stalder issued this citation while inspecting the GenSet’s C-container, which is a metal 

enclosure similar to a semi-truck trailer. (Tr. 167:14-20; Tr. 174:21-22) Within the trailer, there 

was a fuel tank for the generator’s diesel engine. (Tr. 163:4-9; Ex. S-27-A) No shutoff valve was 

installed on the hose connecting the tank and engine. Id. The fuel tank holds between 300-500 

gallons and was placed adjacent to the double doors, near the back of the container. (Tr. 164:7-9; 

Tr. 247:20–248:1) The trailer’s floor is composed of metal and wood with numerous, intentional, 

small holes. (Tr. 176:6-14) An electric control box lay on the C-container’s floor. (Tr. 168:8-11) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1535
Approximately a dozen other electrical boxes were also stored there. (Tr. 252:18-20) The setup is 

not a piece of self-propelled mobile equipment. (Tr. 168:19–169:2) 

Respondent reiterates the arguments about fuel shutoff valve safety and effectiveness in 

Citation No. 8661788. (Resp. Br. at 28) As I found above, these arguments are inappropriate 

here. 

 There is no dispute in the record that the fuel line from the tank to the generator lacked a 

shutoff valve. I find NISC violated 30 C.F.R. § 56.4501. 

Negligence 

 Inspector Stalder cited NISC’s negligence as low. (Ex. S-26-A) Stalder justified this 

designation by arguing the number of years in which MSHA inspectors overlooked the infraction 

mitigated NISC’s culpability. (Tr. 163:24–164:4) However, Stalder may have given a lower 

negligence rating simply because of fatigue. (Tr. 165:12-23) Stalder distinguished the negligence 

in this citation from the crusher violations, because the GenSet was in place longer and uncited 

for a greater time period. (Tr. 166:16–167:1) 

 I find NISC was highly negligent. This means “[t]he operator knew or should have 

known of the violative condition or practice, and there are no mitigating circumstances.” 30 

C.F.R. § 100.3(d). NISC should have known about the violation, because Citation No. 8661788 

gave the company notice and Section 56.4501 applies to fuel lines generally. NISC had sufficient 

time to install fuel valves on their equipment after the initial April 25, 2012 citation for this type 

of violation. 

Gravity 

 Inspector Stalder’s gravity assessment is identical to Citation No. 8669850. (Tr. 163:12-

20) The probable injuries were burns or smoke inhalation, and found reasonably likely to result 

in lost work days or restricted duty. (Tr. 135:7-13) It is unlikely more than one miner would be 

injured in a fire. (Tr. 135:14-17) Arc flashes from the electric boxes and switches throughout the 

C-container are additional potential fire starters. (Tr. 252:18–253:4) The close proximity to the 

engine is another potential ignition source. (Tr. 167:21–168:4) But overall, the odds of an 

accident remain unlikely. (Ex. S-26-A) Stalder admitted a leak would probably be observable 

because of the holes in the C-container’s floor. (Tr. 176:11-14) Respondent believes a fire would 

be trapped within in the C-container’s confines, lowering potential for injury. (Res. Br. at 27-28) 

I find that injury from a fuel leak fire was unlikely, but serious in nature and could result in lost 

work days or restricted duty. 

Penalty 

 The Secretary assessed the penalty for Citation No. 8669852 at $100.00, deducting 

$12.00 for good faith abatement. NISC is a small operator, owning and leasing five quarries in 

2012. (Tr. 268:12-14) According to Stipulation No. 8, the respondent’s business would not be 

significantly affected if the full penalty is imposed. The operator was highly negligent but an 

37 FMSHRC Page 1536
accident, while capable of leading to serious injury, was unlikely to occur. Despite finding 

NISC’s negligence was higher than cited by the Secretary, a larger penalty is unwarranted 

because overall this is a minor violation. The operator abated the violation in good faith. I assess 

a penalty of $100.00. 

Citation No. 8669853

On July 11, 2012, at 2:57 p.m., Inspector Stalder issued Citation No. 8669853 alleging a 

violation of 30 C.F.R. § 56.14100(b) pursuant to Section 104(a) of the Mine Act. The regulation 

requires that “[d]efects on any equipment, machinery, and tools that affect safety shall be 

corrected in a timely manner to prevent the creation of a hazard to persons.” 30 C.F.R. § 

56.14100(b). Section 56.14100(b) is a mandatory safety standard. The citation alleges:

The brake lights on the Cat 980 Front End Loader failed to 

function when tested. Should another piece of equipment fail to see 

the loader is stopping and collide with it miners could receive 

jarring type of injuries. This equipment is only operated in daylight 

hours making an accident unlikely. The operator stated the brake 

lights were working when the pre-operational examination was 

conducted. 

Ex. S-29-A 

The Violation 

The citation alleges unlikely injury that could reasonably be expected to result in lost 

workdays or restricted duty, one person could be affected, and the operator’s negligence was 

low. Id. 

 While examining the Cat 980 front-end loader, Inspector Stalder noticed the brake lights 

were nonfunctional. (Tr. 178:16-19) Stalder could not estimate how long the brake lights had 

been broken. (Tr. 180:20–181:4) A fuse short out might have simultaneously rendered both 

lights inoperable. Id. But in Stalder’s experience, both lights not working usually indicates the 

operator permitted both bulbs to go out over time and failed to replace them. (Tr. 187:15-23) At 

time of inspection, the CAT 980 was in operation and other vehicles were being driven in the 

area. (Tr. 181:5-10) Nothing on the Cat 980 pre-operational exam form suggests the brake light 

problem existed before Stalder’s inspection. (Tr. 184:17-20) 

 Respondent challenges the citation, claiming to be in compliance by having corrected the 

defect in a “timely manner.” 30 C.F.R. § 56.14100(b). Russell testified NISC conducts daily preoperational checks. (Tr. 255:12-18) The pre-operational exam records were dated, initialed, and 

kept in the scale house. (Tr. 255:23–256:14) However, Russell did not witness the exam on the 

day of inspection. (Tr. 258:22–259:2) Russell was unsure how the brake lights were checked, but 

could think of several ways in which one person might perform the test. (Tr. 258:10-13) Stalder 

agreed the malfunction would have been corrected in a timely manner if it was only discovered 

during his inspection, and was speedily corrected thereafter. (Tr. 185:7–186:7) Lastly, Stalder 

37 FMSHRC Page 1537
did not challenge NISC’s claim the brake lights worked during the pre-operational exam 

conducted that day before his inspection. (Tr. 186:8-11) 

 Whether a defect is repaired in a timely manner depends on “when the defect occurred 

and when the operator knew or should have known of its existence.” Lopke Quarries, Inc., 23 

FMSHRC 705, 715 (July 2001). The Commission held that the Secretary failed to prove a 

violation of the timely manner requirement, because there was “no evidence in the record 

indicating when the device became defective.” Id. The preponderance of the evidence standard 

requires the fact finder “to believe that the existence of a fact is more probable than its 

nonexistence before [he] may find in favor of the party who has the burden to persuade the 

[judge] of the fact's existence.” Keystone Coal Mining Corp., 17 FMSHRC 1819, 1838 (Nov. 

1995) (citations omitted). The Secretary’s inability to show when defects occurred has prevented 

the court from finding violations of Section 56.14100(b) in several cases. E.g. Barrett Paving 

Materials, Inc., 15 FMSHRC 1999, 2008 (Sept. 1993)(ALJ Weisberger); Good Constr., 22 

FMSHRC 1081, 1088 (Sept. 2000)(ALJ Melick); Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., 36 FMSHRC 

411, 413 (Feb. 2014)(ALJ Rae); N. Aggregate, Inc., 37 FMSHRC 562, 594 (Mar. 2015)(ALJ 

Rae). 

 I find the Secretary did not prove a violation of Section 56.14100(b) by the 

preponderance of the evidence. While the brake lights’ malfunction is undisputed, the Secretary 

offered no evidence showing how long they were broken. As noted by Inspector Stalder, it is 

possible both brake lights were simultaneously rendered inoperable by a fuse short out. (Tr. 

180:22–181:4) The Secretary presented insufficient evidence to prove the brake lights were not 

fixed in a timely manner as required by Section 56.14100(b). Thus, I vacate Citation No. 

8669853. 

WHEREFORE, it is ORDERED that Northern Illinois Service Company pay a penalty 

of $736.00 within thirty (30) days of the filing of this decision. 

It is further ORDERED that Citation No. 8669853 be VACATED.

/s/ L. Zane Gill 

L. Zane Gill 

 Administrative Law Judge 

Distribution: (Certificate Return Receipt) 

James M. Peck, Conference and Litigation Representative, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine 

Safety and Health Administration, 515 West First Street, Suite 333, Duluth, MN 55802-1302 

Peter DeBruyne, Esq., Peter DeBruyne, P.C., 838 North Main Street, Rockford, IL 61103 

37 FMSHRC Page 1538
FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES 

721 19th STREET, SUITE 443 

DENVER, CO 80202-2536 

TELEPHONE: 303-844-5266 / FAX: 303-844-5268 

July 13, 2015 

 

DECISION

Appearances: Emily Hays, United States Department of Labor, Office of the Solicitor, 

Denver, Colorado, for Petitioner; 

 Aaron Dean, Moss & Barnett, Minneapolis, Minnesota, for Respondent. 

Before: Judge Miller 

 This case is before me upon a petition for assessment of a civil penalty under section 

105(d) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, 30 U.S.C. § 815(d). This docket 

involves one 104(d)(1) citation with a total proposed penalty of $2,000.00. The parties presented 

testimony and evidence regarding the single citation at a hearing held in Minneapolis, 

Minnesota. 

I. FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW 

 Wm. D Scepaniak, Inc.’s Plant 2 is a surface sand and gravel operation located in 

Norman County, Minnesota. The parties have stipulated to the jurisdiction of MHSA and the 

Commission. Sec’y Prehearing Report 2; Respondent Prehearing Report 3. 

 Citation No. 8847805 was issued by Inspector Wilbert Wayne Koskiniemi on August 12, 

2014 pursuant to section 104(d)(1) of the Act for an alleged violation of 30 C.F.R. § 56.9301. 

The citation alleges that two dump trucks were backing up to the edge of an overburden dump 

without berms, bumper blocks or other safety devices in place to stop the trucks from going over 

the edge and down the twenty foot drop to the pit below. Koskiniemi determined that the 

condition was reasonably likely to result in a fatal injury, affected one miner, was S&S, and was 

the result of the operator’s high negligence and unwarrantable failure to comply with the 

mandatory standard. The Secretary has proposed a civil penalty in the amount of $2,000.00 for 

the alleged violation. 

SECRETARY OF LABOR 

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

 ADMINISTRATION, (MSHA), 

 Petitioner, 

 v. 

WM D. SCEPANIAK, INC., 

 Respondent. 

 CIVIL PENALTY PROCEEDING 

Docket No. LAKE 2015-138 

A.C. No. 21-02760-364875 

Mine: Plant 2 

37 FMSHRC Page 1539
For the reasons that follow, I affirm the citation, find that the violation was S&S, and find 

that the violation was a result of the operator’s high negligence and unwarrantable failure to 

comply with the mandatory standard. 

 The Violation 

On August 12, 2014 MSHA Inspector Wayne Koskiniemi was driving near Respondent’s 

Plant 2 on his way to inspect another operation. While on the road near the plant, Koskiniemi 

observed two caterpillar dump trucks backing up in an area of loose, unconsolidated overburden 

material. The trucks were backing to the edge of an overburden dump and then dumping their 

loads down a twenty foot bank to the area below. There were no berms, bumpers or other safety 

devices in the area which would have prevented overtravel. Koskiniemi stopped his car, took a 

photo of one of the trucks dumping over the edge, Sec’y Ex. 6, Photo 1, and turned around to 

travel to Respondent’s mine. 

Wayne Koskiniemi has been a mine inspector for three years, and routinely inspects sixty 

sand and gravel operations each year. Prior to being trained as a mine inspector he worked in the 

mining industry and owned and operated an excavating company. He also worked as a police 

officer for 22 years, retired as a police chief, and spent time as a marshal. 

When Koskiniemi entered the mine he observed two large haul trucks traveling from the 

load site in the work area to the overburden dump site, and dumping dirt and material while 

driving on the loose overburden material. He testified that he saw two trucks repeatedly back up 

to the edge of a twenty foot high bank, with no berm, bumper or other guard in place to prevent 

overtravel, and dump their load over the edge. Koskiniemi located a foreman, Eric Luethmers, 

waiting nearby in the cab of a front end loader. The inspector approached Luethmers and advised 

him that the trucks must stop dumping immediately and that an imminent danger order was being 

issued. Luethmers indicated that he had radio contact with the drivers and instructed them to stop 

dumping. At that point, one of the trucks pulled over to the edge and began dumping from the 

side of the truck. The truck, as observed by Koskiniemi, is pictured in Sec’y Ex. 6, Photo 3. In 

Koskiniemi’s view, dumping from the side was even more dangerous than from the back since 

the side of the truck was raised shifting the weight in that direction, over the embankment. The 

dump truck was in the loose overburden material, directly next to the edge of the dumping area. 

Luethmers told the inspector that he was the on-site supervisor and he had instructed the drivers 

to dump as they were doing. Luethmers explained that the dozer, which usually moved the 

overburden from the dump location to the edge and over, also normally created a berm to prevent 

the trucks from backing too close to the edge. On the day of the inspection the dozer was down 

for repairs, and had been down since the previous week. Luethmers explained to the inspector 

that it was too difficult to move the dirt with the front end loader and, instead, he was watching 

the drivers and calling them by radio if he observed them drive too close to the edge or saw that 

they were sinking into the soft ground. 

After speaking with Luethmers and one of the angry mine owners by telephone, 

Koskiniemi spoke to each of the dump truck drivers. Both of the drivers had less than one year 

mining experience, and their experience was not as truck drivers, but primarily as welders in the 

shop. Each driver had been task trained to drive a dump truck about one week prior to this 

37 FMSHRC Page 1540
incident, and their experience was limited to driving on the pit floor, not dumping in overburden 

above a twenty foot bank. The drivers indicated to Koskiniemi that, as they backed up, they 

were looking into the sun and often had to put their head out the window of the cab to see. At 

hearing both drivers testified on behalf of the mine operator and offered a bit more, but slightly 

different version of facts. At hearing, each driver stated that they were instructed to back up to 

within 7-8 feet of the dump, and not go right up to the edge. They said they were told to drive as 

close to the edge as they felt comfortable and that Luethmers would call on the radio if he saw 

them drive too close to the edge or start to sink in the soft material. The overburden pile on 

which they were driving was not compacted so the trucks often got stuck in deep ruts that were 

one to two feet deep, causing the drivers to have to move forward in an attempt to maneuver the 

trucks out of the ruts in order to get closer to the edge to dump. 

The drivers believed the wheels of each truck stayed eight feet from the edge, but agreed 

that the bed of the truck may have been closer to the edge when dumping the material. They both 

indicated there was a “slight” berm where they were dumping the overburden each time. 

However, because they were told to stay out of the ruts, they dumped at different locations along 

the edge with each pass. Both drivers had been working at this task from the beginning of the 

shift, and each had completed approximately ten dumps prior to the arrival of the inspector. 

Based upon his conversation with Luethmers, the inspector believed the mine had been dumping 

material in a similar manner on previous days, but the two drivers confirmed that this was their 

first day dumping overburden, and the first working day that the dozer was not on site to push 

the overburden. While Luethmers told the inspector that he was using the front end loader to 

level out the driving area and clean up the ruts, he did not suggest that he was using it to create 

berms or push the overburden over the edge. Rather, he told the inspector that it was difficult to 

push the material with the front end loader. 

Koskiniemi explained that the trucks traveling near the edge as he observed, were certain 

to go over, slip or slide in the loose material, or overturn. In either instance, the driver would be 

killed. Based on his observations, Koskiniemi issued Citation No. 8847805 for a violation of 

section 56.9301 which requires that berms, bumper blocks, safety hooks or other impeding 

devices be provided at dumping locations where there is a hazard of overtravel. 30 C.F.R. § 

56.9301. An imminent danger order was issued at the same time, but the operator did not contest 

that order. 

The Secretary argues that, based upon the inspector’s observations, and as demonstrated 

in the photographs, the violation was obvious. There is no question that berms or bumpers were 

not present and that a truck could easily overtravel, or even slide in the loose material as it got 

close to the edge. The Secretary argues that the mine was going to continue operating the trucks 

in this manner and that it was highly likely that a truck would overtravel or overturn while 

backing over the loose material to get close to the edge to dump. The operator argues that there 

was no violation because there was no hazard of overtravel and, therefore, there was no need for 

a berm or bumper block to prevent the trucks from backing over the edge as they dumped. 

Further, the front end loader, and not the trucks, was moving dirt to the edge and, as result, there 

was no possibility of overtravel. The mine also argues that the dumps made by each truck 

sometimes created a “berm,” that the trucks were not as close to the edge as the inspector 

37 FMSHRC Page 1541
suggested and that sinking into the loose dirt created a kind of rut, or bumper, that would protect 

the trucks from backing up too close to the edge. 

I find that a violation of the standard occurred. While the mine argues that there were 

some berms present, I credit the inspector’s testimony that there were no berms or spoil piles that 

were high enough to be considered berms. Further, there were no bumper blocks, hooks or other 

devices in the area to prevent overtravel. I find no argument made by the operator to be 

persuasive. Moreover, I find the inspector to be credible, and his photographs clearly show the 

dump trucks dangerously close to the edge. I find that there is a clear danger of overtravel and 

that berms at the correct height, or other devices to prevent overtravel, were required in this area. 

I find that there were no such protections in place. I do not accept the mine’s argument that the 

trucks sinking into the soil up to a depth of two feet created a block or bumper to prevent 

overtravel. That argument by the mine owner is clearly contrary to the testimony of the dump 

truck drivers who agreed that they tried to maneuver the trucks out of the deep ruts in order to 

back up closer to the edge to dump. In addition, I reject the mine’s argument that the 

photographs show that tracked equipment, not trucks, were close to the edge of the dump. The 

photo referred to shows only one portion of the dump area, and, even if the tracks nearest the 

edge were made by a tracked piece of equipment there were tire tracks immediately next to those 

and dangerously close to the edge of the bank. Given the photos and the inspector’s 

observations, I find that the trucks were close to the edge, that there was a very real hazard of 

overtravel, and no berms, bumper blocks, safety hooks or other impeding devices were present. 

Therefore, I affirm the violation. 

S&S and Gravity 

 Scepaniak argues that there is no evidence that there was a hazard of overtravel or of the 

truck overturning while dumping and, consequently, there is no evidence that the violation was 

S&S. The Secretary argues that, because the large dump trucks were traveling in unconsolidated 

material, and backing very close to the edge to dump their loads, without any means to prevent 

overtravel, they were very likely to back over the edge, and any fall off of the twenty foot high 

ledge in a large dump truck would have resulted in injury or death to the driver. I agree that it is 

likely that, if the trucks continued to operate as observed by the inspector, one would back over 

the edge, resulting in death or serious injury to the miner. Accordingly, I find that the violation is 

significant and substantial. 

 A “significant and substantial” violation is described in section 104(d)(1) of the Mine 

Act as a violation “of such nature as could significantly and substantially contribute to the cause 

and effect of a coal or other mine safety or health hazard.” 30 U.S.C. § 814(d)(l). A violation is 

properly designated significant and substantial “if based upon the particular facts surrounding 

that violation, there exists a reasonable likelihood that the hazard contributed to will result in an 

injury or illness of a reasonably serious nature.” Cement Division, National Gypsum Co., 3 

FMSHRC 822, 825 (Apr. 1981). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1542
In Mathies Coal Co., 6 FMSHRC 1, 3-4 (Jan. 1984), the Commission explained its 

interpretation of the term “significant and substantial” to be: 

In order to establish that a violation of a mandatory safety standard 

is significant and substantial under National Gypsum, the Secretary 

of Labor must prove: (1) the underlying violation of a mandatory 

safety standard; (2) a discrete safety hazard--that is, a measure of 

danger to safety--contributed to by the violation; (3) a reasonable 

likelihood that the hazard contributed to will result in an injury; 

and (4) a reasonable likelihood that the injury in question will be of 

a reasonably serious nature. 

The difficulty with finding a violation S&S normally comes with the third element of the 

Mathies formula, in which the Secretary must establish that there is a reasonable likelihood that 

the hazard will result in an injury. The Commission has explained that the third element of the 

formula “requires that the Secretary establish a reasonable likelihood that the hazard contributed 

to will result in an event in which there is an injury.” U.S. Steel Mining Co., Inc., 6 FMSHRC 

1834, 1836 (Aug. 1984). The Commission discussed the third element of the Mathies test in 

Musser Engineering, Inc. and PBS Coals, Inc., 32 FMSHRC 1257 (Oct. 2010) (affirming an 

S&S violation for using an inaccurate mine map). The Commission clarified that the “Secretary 

need not prove a reasonable likelihood that the violation itself will cause injury” but that the 

hazard created would cause an injury. Id. at 1280-81. The Commission reaffirmed its position in 

Cumberland River Coal, 33 FMSHRC 2357, 2365 (Oct. 2011) where it “emphasized the wellestablished precedent that ‘the absence of an injury-producing event when a cited practice has 

occurred does not preclude a determination of S&S.’” (citing Elk Run Coal Co., 27 FMSHRC 

899, 906 (Dec. 2005); and Blue Bayou Sand & Gravel, Inc., 18 FMSHRC 853, 857 (June 1996)). 

The overwhelming weight of the evidence shows that an accident was highly likely to 

occur. Koskiniemi testified that the trucks backing up in the loose soil, to within feet of the edge, 

would at any time travel over the edge. There was no berm or other safety device in place to 

prevent overtravel, and, if a truck went over the edge, it would result in a serious accident. 

Koskiniemi testified that the drivers were both new to driving a large dump truck. They had been 

task trained to do the job on the level floor of the pit just the week prior, and this was the first 

instance they worked at this task of dumping atop the spoil pile. The drivers had difficulty using 

their mirrors, were looking out the side windows of the truck, and were looking into the sun. I 

find that drivers in these circumstances could easily misjudge the distance, or come close enough 

to be caught in the loose soil and slide or fall over the edge. As the truck dumped, the weight of 

the load shifted toward the edge of the pile. The two drivers were told to drive about 7-8 feet to 

the edge, or to a distance that was comfortable. It is clear from the photos taken by the inspector 

that the wheels were dangerously close to the edge and, when the bed of the truck was raised to 

dump, the bed was right at the edge. The inspector observed one truck dumping to the back and 

then another, dumping its load to the side directly at the edge. He also observed tire tracks near 

the edge of the dump site. There were no berms in place to keep the trucks from backing too far, 

or from going over the edge as they dumped their loads. The work of dumping had been going 

on since the start of the shift and would have continued had the inspector not observed the 

actions of the mine as he drove by. Under these circumstances, I find it highly likely that one of 

37 FMSHRC Page 1543
the trucks would have overtraveled the area, or would have slid with the loose material at the 

edge as it dumped. The hazard associated with overtravel of the large trucks is falling over the 

edge, landing in some fashion at the bottom, thereby causing serious injury or death to the driver. 

 The Commission has recognized the serious nature of trucks backing to the edge without 

berms to prevent overtravel. In Buffalo Crushed Stone, Inc., 16 FMSHRC 2043 (Oct. 1994), the 

Commission, in overturning a judge’s finding that a violation was non-S&S, found that the lack 

of adequate berms near the edge of a stockpile, combined with the shift in weight that trucks 

experience as they dump their loads at the edge of a stockpile, made it reasonably likely that an 

injury producing event would occur. While in Buffalo Crushed Stone berms of inadequate height 

were present, here, there were no berms in place. 

Koskiniemi testified that he is aware of at least two similar situations where a truck 

backed to the edge and went over the side, killing the driver. One incident occurred shortly after 

the citation was issued. In that incident, the truck driver, who had more than ten years of 

experience, was killed when he backed a haul truck to the edge of the overburden dump site and 

started to raise the truck’s bed. The bank failed and the truck overturned and fell thirty feet 

below. Sec’y Ex. 8. A similar accident occurred several years before the citation at issue when a 

driver backed his truck to the edge of a stockpile to dump, went over the crest, and fell 30 feet 

below, killing the driver. Sec’y Ex. 10. 

 Respondent did not contest the imminent danger order that was issued alongside this 

citation. While the Commission has explained that the failure to contest an imminent danger 

order does not, by itself, establish the validity or S&S designation of a related citation, see e.g., 

Wyoming Fuel Co., 16 FMSHRC 1618, 1625-26 (Aug. 1994), it has held that what constitutes an 

imminent danger involves an element of impending danger that does not necessarily need to exist 

to sustain an S&S designation for a violation, Eastern Associated Coal Corp., 13 FMSHRC 178 

(Feb. 1991), and that the conditions necessary to establish a S&S finding are “very distinct from, 

and far less dangerous than, those” which are necessary to find an imminent danger. 

Consolidation Coal Co., 35 FMSHRC 2326, 2340 (Aug. 2013). Accordingly, here, while the 

mine’s acceptance of the imminent danger order does not establish the S&S nature of the 

citation, it does carry some weight with regard to the mine’s acknowledgement regarding the 

seriousness of the cited condition. 

 I have found that a violation of a mandatory standard occurred and that the violation 

would result in a dump truck traveling over the edge of a twenty foot drop. The inspector 

explained that a large dump truck dropping to the bottom would be violent and would 

undoubtedly result in death to the driver. Therefore, I find that the violation was significant and 

substantial. 

Unwarrantable Failure and Negligence 

Koskiniemi observed the trucks from the road, and immediately saw that they were 

backing up dangerously close to the edge of the dump site. The trucks were driving on loose, 

unconsolidated material. He learned that the mine management, who had purportedly tasked 

trained the two drivers just days before, was aware of the way the dumping was progressing. The 

37 FMSHRC Page 1544
inspector spoke with the immediate supervisor, who was in a front end loader watching the 

trucks dump. The supervisor told the inspector that he had instructed the trucks how and where 

to dump. The drivers had been instructed to back the trucks to the edge of the dump to unload 

and, therefore, the inspector believed this conduct to be aggravated. There were no berms, 

bumpers, or other measures in place to prevent the trucks from overtraveling the area and falling 

into the water below. Based on his observations and the information he learned from the 

supervisor, Koskiniemi designated the citation as high negligence and an unwarrantable failure 

to comply with the mandatory standard. 

The unwarrantable failure terminology is taken from section 104(d) of the Act, 30 U.S.C. 

§ 814(d), and refers to more serious conduct by an operator in connection with a violation. In 

Emery Mining Corp., 9 FMSHRC 1997 (Dec. 1987), the Commission determined that 

unwarrantable failure is aggravated conduct constituting more than ordinary negligence. Id. at 

2001. Unwarrantable failure is characterized by conduct described as “reckless disregard,” 

“intentional misconduct,” “indifference,” or a “serious lack of reasonable care.” Id. at 2003-04; 

Rochester & Pittsburgh Coal Co., 13 FMSHRC 189, 194 (Feb. 1991); see also Buck Creek Coal, 

Inc., 52 F.3d at 136 (approving Commission’s unwarrantable failure test). The Commission has 

explained that whether a citation is an “unwarrantable failure” is a question that should be 

evaluated based on the facts and circumstances in each case, and in light of each of the following 

factors: 1) the length of time that the violation has existed; 2) the extent of the violative 

condition; 3) whether the operator has been placed on notice that greater efforts were necessary 

for compliance; 4) the operator’s efforts in abating the violative condition; 5) whether the 

violation was obvious or posed a high degree of danger; and 6) the operator’s knowledge of the 

existence of the violation. See Consolidation Coal Co., 22 FMSHRC 340 (Mar. 2000); IO Coal 

Co., 31 FMSHRC 1346 (Dec. 2009). All of the relevant facts and circumstances of each case 

must be examined to determine if an actor’s conduct is aggravated, or whether mitigating 

circumstances exist. Consol, 22 FMSHRC at 353. Because supervisors are held to a high 

standard of care, another important factor supporting an unwarrantable failure determination is 

the involvement of a supervisor in the violation. REB Enters., Inc., 20 FMSHRC 203, 225 (Mar. 

1998) (Commissioner Marks, concurring in part and dissenting in part). 

Based on the following analysis of the factors outlined by the Commission, I find the 

violation was a result of the mine’s high negligence and unwarrantable failure to comply with the 

mandatory standard. 

Length of time that the violation has existed. In IO Coal Co., 31 FMSHRC 1346 (Dec. 

2009) the Commission emphasized that the duration of time that the violative condition existed is 

a “necessary element” of the unwarrantable failure analysis. There, the Commission noted that 

the presiding judge had failed to address the duration of the violative condition as a factor in his 

unwarrantable failure analysis. The Commission, in remanding the case, instructed the judge to 

address the duration of the violative roof condition, which was found to have existed for multiple 

shifts and days, and determine if that duration qualified as an aggravating factor. However, the 

Commission explained that the court, in conducting its analysis of the duration factor could be 

affected by the operator’s reasonable “good faith” belief that the violative condition, in that case 

kettle bottoms, did not exist. In Coal River Mining, LLC, 32 FMSHRC 82 (Feb. 2010), the 

Commission further explained that, even where the record of a case does not allow a judge to 

37 FMSHRC Page 1545
make a determinative finding with regard to how long a violative condition existed, the judge 

must analyze the element and “even imperfect evidence of duration in the record should be taken 

into account[.]” While the Commission has found that a duration of a “matter of seconds” may 

weigh against an unwarrantable failure finding, it has also held that even a duration of a few 

minutes may support an unwarrantable failure finding. Compare Dawes Rigging & Crane 

Rental, 36 FMSHRC ___, slip op. 5 (Dec. 10, 2014) (noting that a miner who traveled under a 

suspended boom was only exposed for a “matter of seconds,” which in turn weighed against a 

finding of unwarrantable failure), with Midwest Material Co., 19 FMSHRC 30 (Jan. 1997) 

(Finding that a judge erred in relying upon the brief duration of the violation when vacating the 

unwarrantable failure designation. Noting that the only reason the duration of the violation ended 

was because a crane boom crushed and killed a miner who should not have been working under 

the boom). 

 Here, the inspector initially believed that the violative condition, backing up the dump 

trucks without a berm in place, had been ongoing for several days. However, the testimony 

elicited at hearing demonstrated that the activity had been ongoing for only the day of the 

violation. The dozer, which normally moved the overburden from the dump location to the edge, 

and created the berms, had been down since the previous week. However, the mine was not 

engaged in removing overburden at this pit for several days. Therefore, the condition existed for 

just one day. Nonetheless, each truck driver had made at least ten hauls and dumps prior to the 

inspector’s arrival. Given that each dump created a hazard, the length of time is significant. 

Additionally, the dumping procedure would have continued for the remainder of the day had the 

inspector not arrived. Given the circumstances here, I find that the amount of time the condition 

existed is significant and a relevant factor to the unwarrantable determination. 

Extent of the violative condition. In IO Coal Co., 31 FMSHRC 1346 (Dec. 2009), the 

Commission explained that the “extent of the violative condition is an important element in the 

unwarrantable failure analysis.” The Commission has explained that the purpose of this element 

is to “account for the magnitude or scope of the violation[,]” and the judge may analyze it by 

looking at, among other things, the “extent of the affected area as it existed at the time the 

citation was issued[,]” the number of persons affected, and the time and resources required to 

correct the condition. Dawes Rigging & Crane Rental, 36 FMSHRC ___ , slip op. 5 (Dec. 10, 

2014) (citing E. Associated Coal Corp., 32 FMSHRC 1189, 1195 (Oct. 2010) and Watkins 

Eng'rs & Constructors, 24 FMSHRC 669, 681 (July 2002)); Consolidation Coal Co., 35 

FMSHRC 2326, 2331 (Aug. 2013). 

I find that this violation was extensive. Even though only two miners were involved, they 

constituted two-thirds of the workers in the area. The other worker, who was watching and 

directing the activity, was a supervisor. The entire overburden area, which is shown in the 

photographs, was involved, and the edge the drivers were exposed to was some distance in 

length. The drivers explained that they dumped the length of the overburden bank in an effort to 

avoid the ruts made by previous dumps, therefore using the entire area while engaging in the 

activity. The dumping was not isolated to one area but engaged the entire overburden area and 

the twenty foot drop below. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1546
Whether the operator has been placed on notice that greater efforts were necessary 

for compliance. The Commission has explained that repeated similar violations, even if those 

prior violations were not a result of an unwarrantable failure, and past discussions with MSHA 

about a problem at the mine may serve to put an operator on notice that increased efforts to 

comply are necessary. IO Coal Co., 31 FMSHRC 1346, 1353-1354 (Dec. 2009). Prior violations 

need to have involved precisely the same activity, cited standard, or area of the mine. Id.; Black 

Beauty Coal Co. v. FMSHRC, 703 F.3d 553, 561 (D.C. Cir. 2012); Consolidation Coal Co., 35 

FMSHRC 2326, 2344 (Aug. 2013). A court may consider an operator’s argument that it had a 

reasonable good faith belief that the cited condition was not violative and weigh that against this 

this and other factors in the unwarrantable failure analysis. IO Coal Co., 31 FMSHRC 1346, 

1353-1354 (Dec. 2009); Sierra Rock Products, 37 FMSHRC ___ (Jan. 13, 2015). 

 The Secretary did not present any evidence as to this element, except the violation history 

for the past 15 months, which shows no violation of this standard. Therefore, for purposes of this 

unwarrantable analysis, I do not find any repeated similar violations. 

Operator’s efforts in abating the violative condition. In evaluating the operator’s 

efforts in abating the violative condition the judge should examine those abatement efforts made 

prior to the issuance of the citation or order. Consolidation Coal Co., 35 FMSHRC 2326, 2342 

(Aug. 2013) (citing IO Coal Co., 31 FMSHRC 1346, 1356 (Dec. 2009) and Warwick Mining Co.

18 FMSHRC 1568, 1574 (Sept. 1996)). In Consolidation the Commission, in affirming the 

unwarrantable failure designation, noted the judge’s finding that management did not make 

efforts to remedy the type of condition cited despite being aware of a similar condition having 

been previously brought to their attention through the issuance of a citation.

 Here, there was no evidence that the mine operator made any effort to abate the violation. 

Instead, the mine operator encouraged and directed the violation. One of the owners of the 

company indicated that he had assisted in task training the drivers a few days prior to the 

incident, but there is nothing to indicate that he gave them adequate information about safe 

driving. In fact, the owner made excuses and attempted to argue that sinking into the ground, 

causing ruts, prevented the trucks from backing too far and, therefore, there was no violation. Of 

the three employees working in the overburden area on the day of the inspection, one was a 

supervisor who was directing the workforce and had directed the truck drivers to back up as 

close to the edge as they could, within 7-8 feet and then dump. No efforts were made to keep the 

trucks back from the edge or to provide a berm to prevent overtravel. I find that the mine made 

no effort to abate the condition. 

Whether the violation posed a high degree of danger. The Commission has found the 

high degree of danger posed by a violation to be an aggravating factor in support of an 

unwarrantable failure finding. IO Coal Co., 31 FMSHRC 1346, 1355-1356 (Dec. 2009). The 

Commission has acknowledged that, conceivably, the degree of danger could be “so severe that, 

by itself, it warrants a finding of unwarrantable failure.” Manalapan Mining Co., 35 FMSHRC 

289, 294 (Feb. 2013). When a mine operator ignores a chronic problem, the degree of danger 

and likelihood of something going wrong increases. Consolidation Coal Co., 35 FMSHRC 2326, 

2343 (Aug. 2013). In IO Coal the Commission, in remanding the case to the judge, noted that, 

while the judge had made findings about the dangerousness of the condition in his analysis of 

37 FMSHRC Page 1547
whether a S&S violation existed, he failed to incorporate those findings into his unwarrantable 

failure analysis. 31 FMSHRC 1346, 1355-1356 (Dec. 2009). 

In Virginia Slate Co., 24 FMSHRC 507 (June 2002) the Commission remanded a judge’s 

finding that a violation of section 56.9301 was not unwarrantable and instructed him to consider 

all of the aggravating factors, including the degree of danger posed by the violations, the 

operator’s knowledge of the violations, and any abatement efforts. There, a mine operator was 

found to have violated the standard when it failed to provide berms, bumper-blocks, safety 

hooks, or another device for the front-end loader that loaded the hopper of the crusher. The 

Commission, in remanding the unwarrantable failure issue to the judge, noted that the judge 

needed to consider whether the violation posed a high degree of danger, especially given the 

court’s finding that there was a danger of the load overturning due the lack of berms. 

 In this case, the high degree of danger is one of the most significant factors in the finding 

of unwarrantable failure. The mine had two drivers who normally worked in the shop and had 

been task trained to drive the trucks at the bottom of the pit. These two miners, one of whom had 

worked at the mine only a few weeks, were instructed to haul overburden and back up as close to 

the edge as they felt comfortable to dump the overburden near the twenty foot drop. The new 

miners had little to no experience, and were looking behind them into the sun. The material the 

miners were driving on had just been dumped and consisted of loose unconsolidated material that 

would allow them to sink, and could easily shift and move down the hill. There were no berms in 

place, and driving near the edge could have easily resulted in a slide of material, which would 

have caused the truck to overturn. Moreover, the risk of one, or both, of the trucks traveling over 

the edge was an ever-present serious danger. The violation clearly posed a high degree of danger. 

Whether the violation was obvious. The obviousness of the violative condition is an 

important factor in the unwarrantable failure analysis. IO Coal Co., 31 FMSHRC 1346, 1356 

(Dec. 2009). Moreover, where an operator’s conduct causes a violative condition to not be 

obvious, the operator cannot assert that the lack of obviousness is a mitigating factor in the 

unwarrantable failure analysis. Consolidation Coal Co., 35 FMSHRC 2326, 2343 (Aug. 2013) 

(citing Eastern Assoc. Coal Corp., 32 FMSHRC 1189, 1200-01 (Oct. 2010)) (upholding judge’s 

unwarrantable failure finding where the operator deliberately ignored air velocity requirements 

in the mine’s ventilation plan). 

 Along with the extreme danger of the dumping activity, the obviousness of the violation 

is a major factor in the unwarrantable finding in this instance. The inspector was not on the mine 

property and, rather, was driving along the road just outside the mine when he saw the violation 

and the imminent danger it posed. The violation was obvious from the road, and should have 

been obvious to anyone at the mine site. When the inspector entered the mine property, he could 

see the further extent of the violation, the two trucks being loaded with overburden, driving in 

the area of unconsolidated material, with the obvious lack of berms or any other device to stop 

overtravel. In addition, the supervisor told the inspector that he had been watching the operation 

and would call the trucks on the radio if they got too close to the edge or if he thought they were 

sinking into the loose ground. A trained supervisor, or any person familiar with mining activities, 

should immediately recognize the hazard cited by the inspector. The violation was not remote or 

hidden, but was obvious to any person who observed the activity, even from afar. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1548
Operator’s knowledge of the existence of the violation. In IO Coal the Commission 

reiterated the well settled law that, in addition to actual knowledge, an operator’s knowledge of 

the existence of a violation may be established where the operator “reasonably should have 

known of the violative condition.” IO Coal Co., 31 FMSHRC 1346, 1356-1357 (Dec. 2009). The 

Secretary may establish that an operator “reasonably should have known of the violative 

condition” by showing that the “operator’s knowledge of the specifics of its operations should 

have led it to conclude that violation charged would eventually occur[.]” Eastern Assoc. Coal 

Corp., 32 FMSHRC 1189, 1200-01 (Oct. 2010) (citing Emery Mining Corp., 9 FMSHRC 1997, 

2002-04 (Dec. 1987) and Coal River Mining, LLC, 32 FMSHRC 82, 92 (Feb. 2010). 

 Inspector Koskiniemi testified that when he traveled to the location where the dumping 

was being done, he contacted a miner sitting in a front end loader who was observing the 

operation. The miner, Luethmers, told the inspector that he was the supervisor of the job. Later, 

the owner of the mine confirmed that Luethmers was in charge of the two truck drivers who were 

dumping into the overburden. Given that Luethmers was a part of management, he knew that the 

drivers were backing up to the edge of the overburden pile, and he was the one directing them to 

do so, I find that management had actual knowledge of the existence of the violation. This factor 

weighs heavily in the determination that the violation is unwarrantable. 

 Based on these facts and this analysis of those facts, I find that Respondent clearly 

demonstrated high negligence and that the violation was a result of its unwarrantable failure to 

comply with the mandatory standard. I find these factors to demonstrate aggravated conduct and 

therefore, the penalty is adjusted below to reflect the conduct and the imminent danger the 

conduct created. 

II. PENALTY 

The principles governing the authority of Commission administrative law judges to 

assess civil penalties de novo for violations of the Mine Act are well established. Section 110(i) 

of the Mine act delegates to the Commission and its judges “authority to assess all civil penalties 

provided in [the] Act.” 30 U.S.C. § 820(i). The Act delegates the duty of proposing penalties to 

the Secretary. 30 U.S.C. §§ 815(a), 820(a). Thus when an operator notifies the Secretary that it 

intends to challenge a penalty, the Secretary petitions the Commission to assess the penalty. 29 

C.F.R. § 2700.28. The Act requires, that “in assessing civil monetary penalties, the Commission 

[ALJ] shall consider “six statutory penalty criteria which include the history of violations, the 

size of the operator, the negligence, gravity, the ability to continue in business and good faith 

abatement. 30 U.S.C. § 820(i). In keeping with this statutory requirement, the Commission has 

held that “findings of fact on the statutory penalty criteria must be made” by its judges. 

Sellersburg Stone Co., 5 FMSHRC 287, 292 (Mar. 1983), aff'd, 736 F.2d 114 7 (7th Cir. 1984). 

Once findings on the statutory criteria have been made, a judge’s penalty assessment for a 

particular violation is an exercise of discretion, which is “bounded by proper consideration of the 

statutory criteria and the deterrent purpose[ s] . . . [of] the Act. Id. at 294; Cantera Green, 22 

FMSHRC 616, 620 (May 2000). 

The history of assessed violations was admitted into evidence and shows a reasonable 

history for this mine. The mine is a fairly small, seasonal operator. The parties have stipulated 

37 FMSHRC Page 1549
that the penalties as proposed will not affect the mine’s ability to continue in business, and that 

Respondent demonstrated good faith in abating the citation. The gravity of the violation is 

greater than the Secretary originally assessed. The two drivers, who had spent one day being 

trained in a level area, were put in a position where they could easily have been killed. The 

operator did not dispute that their actions constituted an imminent danger. The negligence and 

unwarrantable failure finding are discussed above. Since the violation is very serious, a higher 

penalty is in order, and, considering the size of the operator, I find that a penalty of $2,500.00 is 

appropriate. 

III. ORDER 

Based on the criteria in section 110(i) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C.§ 820(i), I assess a 

penalty of $2,500.00 for Citation No. 8847805. The Respondent is hereby ORDERED to pay the 

Secretary of Labor the sum of $2,500.00 within 30 days of the date of this decision. 

/s/ Margaret A. Miller 

Margaret A. Miller 

Administrative Law Judge 

Distribution: 

Emily Hays, U.S. Department of Labor, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer 

Boulevard, Suite 216, Denver, CO 80204 

Aaron Dean, Moss & Barnett, 150 South 5th Street, Suite 1200, Minneapolis, MN 55402 

37 FMSHRC Page 1550
FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES 

1331 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W., SUITE 520N 

WASHINGTON, DC 20004-1710 

TELEPHONE: 202-434-9958 / FAX: 202-434-9949 

July 13, 2015 

 

DECISION AND ORDER

Appearances: Noah AnStraus, Esq., Office of the Solicitor, U.S. Department of Labor, 

Philadelphia, PA, for Petitioner; 

 Alexander Macia, Esq., Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC, Charleston, 

WV, for Respondent. 

 

Before: Judge L. Zane Gill 

 

This proceeding under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, 30 U.S.C. § 801 

et seq. (1994) (“Mine Act” or “Act”), involves one section 104(d)(1) citation and one 104(d)(1) 

order, 30 U.S.C. § 814(d)(1), issued by the Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health 

Administration (“MSHA”) to Lincoln Leasing Co., Inc. (“Lincoln Leasing” or “Respondent”) at 

the Pocahontas Highwall Mine. The parties presented testimony on May 21 and 22, 2014, in 

South Charleston, West Virginia. 

For the foregoing reasons, I find there was a violation of 77.1605(b) for Citation No. 

8142705, the citation was properly designated as significant and substantial, two persons were 

affected, the operator was highly negligent, and there was an unwarrantable failure. I find there 

was a violation of 77.410(c) for Order No. 8142706, the order was properly designated as 

significant and substantial, one person was affected, the operator was moderately negligent, and 

there was no unwarrantable failure. 

SECRETARY OF LABOR 

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

 ADMINISTRATION (MSHA), 

 Petitioner, 

 v. 

LINCOLN LEASING CO., INC., 

 Respondent. 

 CIVIL PENALTY PROCEEDING 

Docket No. WEVA 2012-1783 

A.C. No. 46-09096-298495 

Mine: Pocahontas Highwall Mines 

37 FMSHRC Page 1551
Stipulations

The joint stipulations were read into the record at the hearing: (Tr.1 at 24:10 – 26:10)1

1. The Respondent is an independent contractor whose headquarters are located in Lincoln 

County, West Virginia. The Respondent provides trucking services for the purpose of 

hauling coal. At the time of the citation and order entered in this case, the Respondent 

was working for Pocahontas Highwall Mines located in Raleigh County, West Virginia. 

2. The Respondent is subject to the Mine Act. 

3. The Respondent has an effect on interstate commerce which is contained in the Mine Act. 

4. The Respondent is subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Mine Safety and Health 

Review Commission and stipulates that the administrative law judge has the authority to 

hear this case and issue a decision. 

5. The citation and order identified in the Petitioner's petition as well as any modifications 

thereto were properly served by a dually authorized representative of the Secretary of 

Labor to MSHA upon an agent of the Respondent on the date and place stated therein. 

6. The MSHA inspector named herein was acting in his official capacity as an authorized 

representative of the Secretary of Labor when he issued the citation that is the subject of 

this hearing. 

7. The Respondent demonstrated good faith in promptly correcting the conditions alleged. 

8. The parties stipulate to the authenticity of the following exhibits that may be used in trial: 

a) Citation Number 8142705 issued on February 13, 2012 

b) The termination of Citation Number 8142705, (Citation Number 8142705-01) issued 

on February 16, 2012; 

c) Order Number 8142706 issued on February 13, 2012; 

d) The termination of Order Number 8142706, (Order Number 8142706-01) issued on 

February 16, 2012; and 

e) The inspection notes of Inspector Vincent Nicolau dated February 13, 2012, and 

February 16, 2012, related to Citation Number 8142705 and Order Number 8142706. 

                                                             1

 Tr.1 refers to the transcript for the first day of the hearing and Tr.2 for the second day. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1552
Preliminary Matter: The Secretary is Entitled to an Adverse Inference Against Respondent 

Based on Spoliation

At the hearing, the Secretary made a motion for an adverse inference based on 

Respondent’s failure to produce pre-operational2 examination records for the two weeks prior to 

the event in question. (Tr.2 at 215:4-7) Rather than decide the issue during the hearing, I directed 

the parties to address it in their post-hearing briefs. (Tr.2 at 215:13-19) 

 “It is well-recognized that if a party has control over a writing or other type of evidence, 

which is relevant to an issue, and fails to produce the evidence, an inference can be drawn that 

the evidence would be adverse to the party.” IO Coal Co., Inc., 31 FMSHRC 1346, 1359, n.11 

(Dec. 2009). Indeed, “[w]hen a party intentionally destroys evidence in its control, a judge has 

discretion to draw an adverse inference that the evidence destroyed would have been unfavorable 

to the destroying party.” Dynamic Energy, Inc., 33 FMSHRC 1998, 2006-07 (Aug. 2001) (ALJ 

Paez) (citing Kronsich v. U.S., 150 F.3d 112, 126 (2d Cir. 1998)). McCormick on Evidence

provides that “[w]hen it would be natural under the circumstances for a party to ... produce 

documents or other objects in his or her possession as evidence and the party fails to do so, 

tradition has allowed the adversary to use this failure as the basis for invoking an adverse 

inference.” 2 McCormick on Evid. § 264 (6th ed. 2006) at 220-21. Additionally, the Commission 

has held that an Administrative Law Judge must address missing preshift examination reports 

because the operator had them within its control and should have anticipated litigation. See IO 

Coal Co., Inc., 31 FMSHRC at 1359, n.11. 

 

Wylie Aaron Stowers , Vice President of Lincoln Leasing, testified that Lincoln Leasing 

does not have a document retention policy. (Tr.2 at 4:23 – 5:3; Tr.2 at 33:4-10; Tr.2 at 25:20-22) 

Stowers also testified that Lincoln Leasing did not decide to contest the citation and order until a 

month or more after their issuance. (Tr.2 at 35:6-19) According to Lincoln Leasing, when it 

came time to produce the pre-operational examination book, it could not find it. (Tr.2 at 34:3-9) 

Initially, it may seem that Lincoln Leasing was justified in not keeping the pre-operational 

reports because the Respondent did not decide to contest the citation and order immediately, thus 

the reports could be destroyed without concern. However, I find this argument unpersuasive.3

 

                                                             2

 The Secretary and the Respondent use the terms preshift exam and pre-operational 

exam interchangeably. 

3

 The findings of fact here and below are based on the record as a whole and my careful 

observation of the witnesses during their testimony. In resolving any conflicts in the testimony, I 

have taken into account the interests of the witnesses, or lack thereof, and consistencies, or 

inconsistencies in each witness’s testimony and between the testimonies of other witnesses. In 

evaluating the testimony of each witness, I have also taken into account his or her demeanor. 

Any perceived failure to provide detail about any witness’s testimony is not a failure on my part 

to consider it. The fact that some evidence is not discussed does not mean that it was not 

considered. See Craig v. Apfel, 212 F.3d 433, 436 (8th Cir. 2000) (administrative law judge is 

not required to discuss all evidence and failure to cite specific evidence does not mean it was not 

considered). I have also fully considered the contents of the official file, including the pre- and 

post-hearing submissions of the parties, and the exhibits admitted into evidence. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1553
Before the citation and order were abated, Michael Smailes4

, the driver of Truck 159, 

testified that there were two bound 30-day pre-operational books in the truck, but after repairs 

were made on the truck on February 13, 2012, both books were missing, and he had to obtain a 

new book. (Tr.1 at 205:8-15) Additionally, although Lincoln Leasing claimed it did not have a 

document retention policy, and it could not produce the bound exam books, it was able to find 

the reports for February 11, 12, and 13, 2012. (Ex. P-5)5 It is troubling and highly suspect that 

Lincoln Leasing was able to produce reports for only three days, yet its pre-operational records 

were kept in a bound 30-day book. Despite this, Lincoln Leasing claims that no other reports 

could be found. Lincoln Leasing’s document retention and production is suspiciously selective, 

especially since it was able to produce the pre-operational reports used to support its argument 

that the brakes were adjusted before the shift began. (See Resp. Br. at 38, 45-6) 

When Lincoln Leasing destroyed or misplaced the pre-operational reports, it had control 

over the reports and knew it had an obligation to preserve them in anticipation of litigation. The 

Secretary is entitled to an adverse inference against Lincoln Leasing. However, in this instance, 

the adverse inference only applies to Citation No. 8142705 for inadequate brakes for the two 

weeks prior to the issuance of the citation and not for Order No. 8142706 for the broken back-up 

alarm. Smailes testified that he marked the problems with the brakes on the pre-operational 

record book for two weeks prior to the issuance of the citation. (Tr.1 at 193:18-21) Additionally, 

on the pre-operational reports produced, the brake issues were noted on all three, but an 

inadequate back-up alarm was not noted on any report. (Ex. P-5) 

Basic Legal Principals 

Significant and Substantial 

The citation and order in dispute and discussed below have been designated by the 

Secretary as significant and substantial (“S&S”). A violation is properly designated S&S “if, 

based upon the particular facts surrounding that violation, there exists a reasonable likelihood 

that the hazard contributed to will result in an injury or illness of a reasonably serious nature.” 

Cement Div., Nat’l Gypsum Co., 3 FMSHRC 822, 825 (Apr. 1981). The question of whether a 

particular violation is S&S must be based on the particular facts surrounding the violation. 

Texasgulf, Inc., 10 FMSHRC 498 (Apr. 1988); Youghiogheny & Ohio Coal Co., 9 FMSHRC 

2007 (Dec. 1987). S&S enhanced enforcement is applicable only to violations of mandatory 

health and safety standards. Cyprus Emerald Res. Corp. v. FMSHRC, 195 F.3d 42, 45 (D.C. Cir. 

1999). The Secretary bears the burden of proving all elements of a citation by a preponderance of 

the evidence. In re: Contests of Respirable Dust Sample Alteration Citations: Keystone Mining 

                                                             4

 At the time of the hearing, Smailes had worked for Lincoln Leasing on-and-off from 

2008 to 2014 as a coal truck driver, a mechanic, and an equipment operator. (Tr.1 at 184:17-23) 

During his employment at the Kingston mine, he drove a truck and ran equipment, and at the 

Rocksprings mine he drove a truck. (Tr.1 at 185:22-24) While Smailes does not have formal 

mechanic training, he has been working on trucks his whole life. (Tr.1 at 187:5-9) 

5

 The Secretary’s exhibits are referred to as “P” and the Respondent’s exhibits are 

referred to as “D.” 

37 FMSHRC Page 1554
Corp., 17 FMSHRC 1819, 1838 (Nov. 1995), aff’d 151 F.3d 1096 (D.C. Cir. 1998); Jim Walter 

Resources, Inc., 30 FMSHRC 872, 878 (Aug. 2008) (ALJ Zielinski) (“The Secretary’s burden is 

to prove the violations and related allegations, e.g., gravity and negligence, by a preponderance 

of the evidence.”) 

In Mathies Coal Co., the Commission established the standard for determining whether a 

violation was S&S: 

In order to establish that a violation of a mandatory safety standard 

is significant and substantial under National Gypsum, the Secretary 

of Labor must prove: (1) the underlying violation of a mandatory 

safety standard; (2) a discrete safety hazard – that is, a measure of 

danger to safety – contributed to by the violation; (3) a reasonable 

likelihood that the hazard contributed to will result in an injury; 

and (4) a reasonable likelihood that the injury in question will be of 

a reasonably serious nature. 

6 FMSHRC 1, 3-4 (Jan. 1984). 

The third element of the Mathies test presents the most difficulty when determining 

whether a violation is S&S. In U.S. Steel Mining Co., Inc., 7 FMSHRC 1125, 1129 (Aug. 1985), 

the Commission provided additional guidance: [T]he third element of the Mathies formula 

“requires that the Secretary establish a reasonable likelihood that the hazard contributed to will 

result in an event in which there is an injury.” (citing U.S. Steel Mining Co., Inc., 6 FMSHRC 

1834, 1836 (Aug. 1984)). The Secretary, however, “need not prove a reasonable likelihood that 

the violation itself will cause injury.” Cumberland Coal Res., 33 FMSHRC 2357, 2365 (Oct. 

2011) (citing Musser Engineering, Inc. and PBS Coals, Inc., 32 FMSHRC 1257, 1281 (Oct. 

2010)). Further, the Commission has found that “the absence of an injury-producing event when 

a cited practice has occurred does not preclude a determination of S&S.” Id. (citing Elk Run Coal 

Co., 27 FMSHRC 899, 906 (Dec. 2005)); and Blue Bayou Sand & Gravel, Inc., 18 FMSHRC 

853, 857 (June 1996)). This evaluation is also made in consideration of the length of time that 

the violative condition existed prior to the citation and the time it would have existed if normal 

mining operations had continued. Elk Run Coal Co., 27 FMSHRC at 905; U.S. Steel Mining Co., 

Inc., 6 FMSHRC 1573, 1574 (July 1984). 

Negligence 

Negligence “is conduct, either by commission or omission, which falls below a standard 

of care established under the Mine Act to protect miners against the risks of harm.” 30 C.F.R. 

§ 100.3(d). “A mine operator is required [...] to take steps necessary to correct or prevent 

hazardous conditions or practices.” Id. “MSHA considers mitigating circumstances which may 

include, but are not limited to, actions taken by the operator to prevent or correct hazardous 

conditions or practices.” Id. Reckless negligence is present when “[t]he operator displayed 

conduct which exhibits the absence of the slightest degree of care.” Id. High negligence is when 

“[t]he operator knew or should have known of the violative condition or practice, and there are 

no mitigating circumstances.” Id. Moderate negligence is when “[t]he operator knew or should 

37 FMSHRC Page 1555
have known of the violative condition or practice, but there are mitigating circumstances.” Id. 

Low negligence is when “[t]he operator knew or should have known of the violative condition or 

practice, but there are considerable mitigating circumstances.” Id. No negligence is when “[t]he 

operator exercised diligence and could not have known of the violative condition or practice.” Id. 

The Commission has provided guidance for making the negligence determination in A. H. 

Smith Stone Co., stating that: 

Each mandatory standard thus carries with it an accompanying 

duty of care to avoid violations of the standard, and an operator’s 

failure to satisfy the appropriate duty can lead to a finding of 

negligence... In this type of case, we look to such considerations as 

the foreseeability of the miner’s conduct, the risks involved, and 

the operator’s supervising, training, and disciplining of its 

employees to prevent violations of the standard in issue. 

5 FMSHRC 13, 15 (Jan. 1983) (citations omitted). 

Mitigation is something the operator does affirmatively, with knowledge of the potential 

hazard being mitigated, that tends to reduce the likelihood of an injury to a miner. This includes 

actions taken by the operator to prevent or correct hazardous conditions. 

Gravity

 The gravity penalty criterion under section 110(i) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. § 820(i), “is 

often viewed in terms of the seriousness of the violation.” Consolidation Coal Co., 18 FMSHRC 

1541, 1549 (Sept. 1996) (citing Sellersburg Stone Co., 5 FMSHRC 287, 294-95 (March 1983), 

aff'd, 736 F.2d 1147 (7th Cir. 1984) and Youghiogheny & Ohio Coal Co., 9 FMSHRC 673, 681 

(Apr. 1987)). The seriousness of a violation can be examined by looking at the importance of the 

standard which was violated and the operator’s conduct with respect to that standard, in the 

context of the Mine Act’s purpose of limiting violations and protecting the safety and health of 

miners. See Harlan Cumberland Coal Co., 12 FMSHRC 134, 140 (Jan. 1990) (ALJ Fauver). The 

gravity analysis focuses on factors such as the likelihood of an injury, the severity of an injury, 

and the number of miners potentially injured. The Commission has recognized that the likelihood 

of injury is to be made assuming continued normal mining operations without abatement of the 

violation. U.S. Steel Mining Co., 7 FMSHRC at 1130. 

Unwarrantable Failure

In Lopke Quarries, Inc., 23 FMSHRC 705, 711 (July 2001), the Commission reiterated 

the law applicable to determining whether a violation is the result of an unwarrantable failure: 

The unwarrantable failure terminology is taken from section 

104(d) of the Act, 30 U.S.C. § 814(d), and refers to more serious 

conduct by an operator in connection with a violation. In Emery 

Mining Corp., 9 FMSHRC 1997 (Dec. 1987), the Commission 

37 FMSHRC Page 1556
determined that unwarrantable failure is aggravated conduct 

constituting more than ordinary negligence. Id. at 2001. 

Unwarrantable failure is characterized by such conduct as 

“reckless disregard,” “intentional misconduct,” “indifference,” or a 

“serious lack of reasonable care.” Id. at 2003-04; Rochester & 

Pittsburgh Coal Co., 13 FMSHRC 189, 194 (Feb. 1991) (“R&P”); 

see also Buck Creek [Coal, Inc. v. FMSHRC, 52 F.3d 133, 136 (7th 

Cir. 1995)] (approving Commission's unwarrantable failure test). 

See Manalapan Mining Co., 35 FMSHRC 289, 293 (Feb. 2013). Whether conduct is 

“aggravated” in the context of an unwarrantable failure analysis is determined by looking at all 

the facts and circumstances of each case to see if any aggravating factors exist. Big Ridge, Inc., 

34 FMSHRC 119, 125 (Jan. 2012) (ALJ Zielinski). These include: 

(1) the extent of the violative condition, (2) the length of time that 

the violative condition existed, (3) whether the violation posed a 

high degree of danger, (4) whether the violation was obvious, (5) 

the operator's knowledge of the existence of the violation, (6) the 

operator's efforts in abating the violative condition, and (7) 

whether the operator had been placed on notice that greater efforts 

were necessary for compliance. See IO Coal Co., 31 FMSHRC 

1346, 1351-57 (Dec. 2009); Cyprus Emerald Res. Corp., 20 

FMSHRC 790, 813 (Aug. 1998), rev'd on other grounds, 195 F.3d 

42 (D.C. Cir. 1999). 

Manalapan Mining Co., 35 FMSHRC at 293; ICG Hazard, LLC, 36 FMSHRC 2635, 2637, 

(Oct. 2014); Sierra Rock Products, INC., 37 FMSHRC 1, 4 (Jan 2015); Consolidation Coal Co., 

22 FMSHRC 340, 353 (Mar. 2000); Cyprus Emerald Res. Corp., 20 at 18, rev'd on other 

grounds, 195 F.3d 42 (D.C. Cir. 1999); Midwest Material Co., 19 FMSHRC 30, 34 (Jan. 1997); 

Mullins & Sons Coal Co., 16 FMSHRC 192, 195 (Feb. 1994); Peabody Coal Co., 14 FMSHRC 

1258, 1261 (Aug. 1992); BethEnergy Mines, Inc., 14 FMSHRC 1232, 1243-44 (Aug. 1992); 

Quinland Coals, Inc., 10 FMSHRC 705, 709 (June 1988) All of the relevant facts and 

circumstances of each case must be examined to determine if an actor's conduct is aggravated, or 

whether mitigating circumstances exist. Consolidated Coal, 22 FMSHRC at 353; IO Coal, 31 

FMSHRC at 1351; Manalapan Mining Co., 35 FMSHRC at 293. “Because supervisors are held 

to a high standard of care, another important factor supporting an unwarrantable failure 

determination is the involvement of a supervisor in the violation.” Big Ridge, Inc., 34 FMSHRC 

at 125; REB Enters., Inc., 20 FMSHRC 203, 225 (Mar. 1998). 

Penalty

 The principles governing the authority of Commission administrative law judges to 

assess civil penalties de novo for violations of the Mine Act are well established. Section 110(i) 

of the Mine Act delegates to the Commission and its judges the “authority to assess all civil 

penalties provided in [the] Act.” 30 U.S.C. § 820(i). The Act delegates the duty of proposing 

penalties to the Secretary. 30 U.S.C. §§ 815(a), 820(a). Thus, when an operator notifies the 

37 FMSHRC Page 1557
Secretary that it intends to challenge a penalty, the Secretary petitions the Commission to assess 

said penalty. 29 C.F.R. § 2700.28. 

Under Section 110(i) of the Mine Act, the Commission is to consider the following when 

assessing a civil penalty: (1) the operator’s history of previous violations; (2) the appropriateness 

of such penalty to the size of the business of the operator charged; (3) whether the operator was 

negligent; (4) the effect on the operator's ability to continue in business; (5) the gravity of the 

violation; and (6) the demonstrated good faith in abatement of the violative condition. 30 U.S.C 

§ 820(i). Thus, the Commission alone is responsible for assessing final penalties. See Sellersburg 

Stone Co. v. FMSHRC, 736 F.2d at 1151-52 (“[N]either the ALJ nor the Commission is bound 

by the Secretary's proposed penalties ... we find no basis upon which to conclude that [MSHA's 

Part 100 penalty regulations] also govern the Commission.”); See American Coal Co., 35 

FMSHRC 1774, 1819 (July 2013)(ALJ Zielinski). 

The Commission has repeatedly held that substantial deviations from the Secretary's 

proposed assessments must be adequately explained using the Section 110(i) criteria. E.g., 

Sellersburg Stone Co., 5 FMSHRC at 293; Hubb Corp., 22 FMSHRC 606, 612 (May 

2000); Cantera Green, 22 FMSHRC 616, 620-21 (May 2000) (citations omitted). A judge need 

not make exhaustive findings but must provide an adequate explanation of how the findings 

contributed to his or her penalty assessments. Cantera Green, 22 FMSHRC at 622. 

Although all of the statutory penalty criteria must be considered, they need not be 

assigned equal weight. Thunder Basin Coal Co., 19 FMSHRC 1495, 1503 (Sept. 1997). 

Generally speaking, the magnitude of the gravity of a violation and the degree of operator 

negligence are important factors, especially for more serious violations for which substantial 

penalties may be imposed. Musser Engineering, 32 FMSHRC at 1289 (judge justified in relying 

on utmost gravity and gross negligence in imposing substantial penalty); Spartan Mining Co., 30 

FMSHRC at 725 (appropriate for judge to raise a penalty significantly based upon findings of 

extreme gravity and unwarrantable failure); Lopke Quarries, Inc., 23 at 713 (judge did not abuse 

discretion by weighing the factors of negligence and gravity more heavily than the other four 

statutory criteria). For example, violations involving “extreme gravity” and/or “gross 

negligence,” or, as stated in the former section of 105(a), “an extraordinarily high degree of 

negligence or gravity, or other unique aggravating circumstances,” may dictate higher penalty 

assessments. See 30 C.F.R. Part 100 Final Rule, 72 Fed. Reg. 13592-01, 13,621. 

 In addition, Commission ALJs are obligated to explain any substantial divergence 

between a penalty imposed and that proposed by the Secretary. As explained in Sellersburg 

Stone Co., 5 FMSHRC at 293: 

When ... it is determined that penalties are appropriate which 

substantially diverge from those originally proposed, it behooves 

that Commission and its judges to provide a sufficient explanation 

of the bases underlying the penalties assessed by the Commission. 

If a sufficient explanation for the divergence is not provided, the 

credibility of the administrative scheme providing for the increase 

37 FMSHRC Page 1558
or lowering of penalties after contest may be jeopardized by an 

appearance of arbitrariness. 

Citation No. 8142705 

On February 13, 2012, at 3:50 p.m., MSHA Inspector Vincent L. Nicolau6 issued Citation 

No. 8142705 to Lincoln Leasing at the Pocahontas Highwall Mine alleging a violation of 30 

C.F.R. § 77.1605(b) pursuant to Section 105(d)(1) of the Mine Act. The regulation states that 

“[m]obile equipment shall be equipped with adequate brakes, and all trucks and front-end loaders 

shall also be equipped with parking brakes. ” 30 C.F.R. § 77.1605(b). Section 77.1605(b) is a 

mandatory safety standard. The citation alleges: 

The Mack coal truck C/N: 159, S/N: 9PAE9651 operated by this 

contractor on this mine property is not currently equipped with 

adequate brakes. When a brake function test was performed, the 

truck readily rolled forward with little hesitation. A visual 

examination of the rear tandem brake components indicated severe 

deterioration of the driver’s side rear axle brake shoe friction. This 

condition has been recorded and reported to the contractor 

supervisor for more than one shift. The pre-shift record for today 

indicated “[n]eed brakes on back” in the comments section. This 

record was signed and acknowledged by the contract supervisor 

who has engaged in aggravated conduct constituting more than 

ordinary negligence. This is an unwarrantable failure to comply 

with a mandatory safety standard. 

Ex. P-2. 

Violation

 The citation alleges that an injury was highly likely, could reasonably be expected to 

result in a fatality, the citation was S&S, a single person was affected, and that the negligence 

level was high. Id. Inspector Nicolau issued the citation because Lincoln Leasing violated 

                                                             6

 Nicolau began working for MSHA in May, 2007. (Tr.1 at 27:5-9) Nicolau has worked 

as a surface coal mine safety and health inspector and as a training instructor, and has received 

journeyman training, conference litigation representation training, mine elevator inspection 

training, fatal accident investigation training, and part 50 report and compliance training. (Tr.1 at 

27:19-23) Additionally, he received training on surface haulage, which covered multi-axle dump 

trucks and articulated trucks their end loader brakes and air brakes. (Tr.1 at 35:20 –36:7) He 

received his AR card in June or July of 2008. (Tr.1 at 27:24 – 28:2) Before working at MSHA, 

Nicolau working for his father's excavation, demolition and construction business on a need 

bases from 1994 to 2007 where he owned, operated, and performed maintenance on several 

pieces of earth-moving equipment, dozers, and cranes. (Tr.1 at 30:9-17) He also attended a brake 

certification class where he received training in brake inspection. (Tr.1 at 28:23 – 29:24) Nicolau 

also has a commercial driver's license. (Tr.1 at 34:23 – 35:2) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1559
Section 77.1605(b), “which requires vehicles to be equipped with adequate brakes.” (Tr.1 at 

57:11-13) He found that on Truck 159: (1) the slack adjusters were moving beyond the readjustment limit; (2) there was severe deterioration of the brake shoe friction; and (3) it failed the 

pull-through brake function test. (Tr.1 at 72:18 – 73:7) 

On February 13, 2012, Nicolau was at the Pocahontas Mine conducting an EO1 

inspection. (Tr.1 at 40:24 – 41:4) During his inspection, Nicolau traveled with Bruce Vance7

(“Vance”), the maintenance foreman at the Pocahontas Highwall Mine. (Tr.1 at 43:22-23) At the 

end of the shift, Nicolau and Vance were heading back to the mine office in Vance’s truck when 

Smailes hailed Vance on the CB radio. (Tr.1 at 44:18-22; Tr. 1 at 98:13-21; Tr.1 at 249:19 – 

250:10) 

Vance stopped his truck to speak to Smailes in person. Smailes informed Vance that the 

rear brakes on his truck, Truck 159, were in need of repair. (Tr.1 at 44:23 – 45:7; Tr.1 at 199:8-

10)8 Smailes explained that the brakes were so bad he did not want to drive downhill. (Tr.1 at 

250: 15-19) Smailes also presented a page from his pre-operational examination checklist noting 

that the truck needed back brakes. (Id.; Tr.1 at 46:15-21; Tr.1 at 207:14-21; Tr.1 at 250: 15-19; 

Ex. P-5)9

 Vance told Smailes that he would contact Ledford Turley, Jr.10 (“Turley”) and make 

sure that his truck got fixed. (Tr.1 at 45:8-10) 

As Vance and Nicolau began diving back to the mine office, Nicolau told Vance that he 

felt it was his duty to inspect all of the trucks on site, to which Vance agreed. (Tr.1 at 45:12-22) 

All of the trucks were waiting in line to be loaded, so Nicolau began his inspection at the 

beginning of the line. (Tr.1 at 45:23 – 46:9) He performed the same inspection and function tests 

with Truck 159 as all the others, including testing the low air alarms, lighting, and braking 

                                                             7

 At the time of the hearing, Vance had been the maintenance superintendent at 

Pocahontas surface mine for five years (Tr.1 at 246:21 – 247:3) He was hired in 2007 as a 

mechanic and within three months he was the maintenance foreman. (Tr1. at 247:7-15) All of his 

experience has been in surface coal mining. (Tr.1 at 248:2-7) 

8

 Smailes did not know there was an inspector in the truck with Vance. (Tr.1 at 198:13-

21; Tr.1 at 250:22 – 251:1) 

9

 Smailes testified that he filled out the pre-operational forms differently than others. A 

checkmark indicated that the item inspected was OK; a circle meant it had been repaired, and an 

x-mark meant it needed to be repaired. (Tr.1 at 209:2-3) If he marked the third column, the 

condition needed to be fixed. (Tr.1 at 235:7-10) 

10 At the time of the hearing, Turley was working as a mechanic for Lincoln Leasing 

repairing coal trucks and heavy equipment. (Tr.2 at 38:16-24) He had been a mechanic since 

1989. (Tr.2 at 39:3-4) Turley first began employment with Lincoln Leasing in 2001 as a 

mechanic and held that position until June of 2011 when he was promoted to truck boss or 

foreman. (Tr.2 41:21 – 42:22) At the time the citation was issued, he was the foreman for 

Lincoln Leasing. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1560
components. (Tr.1 at 53:18 – 54:5) He also performed a visual exam of the braking components 

and looked at the pre-operational checklist. Id. 

Inspector Nicolau found two defects in Truck 159 that involved severe deterioration of 

the braking components. (Tr.1 at 46:24 – 47:12; Tr.1 at 50:1-6) First, Truck 159 failed the pullthrough brake function test.11 (Tr.1 at 55:7-17) Nicolau stood on the fuel tank on the driver-side 

to communicate with Smailes while he performed the pull-through test. The truck rolled through 

the brakes without hesitation, indicating that the brakes were inadequate. (Tr.1 at 55:7-17; Tr.1 at 

251:16-22) Second, when Nicolau visually12 inspected the brakes, he found significant defects.13

(Tr.1 at 54:6-7) The slack adjusters were out of adjustment, and there was severe deterioration of 

the driver’s side rear brake shoe friction pad, including significant wear of the driver’s side rear 

tandem brake lining, the drum, and the bushings which hold the S-cam. (Tr.1 at 56:16 – 57:2; 

Tr.1 at 67:15-23) Additionally, the push rod stroke was more than two inches, which exceeded 

the re-adjustment limit, also decreasing braking effectiveness. (Tr.1 at 69:12-19) The lining on 

the driver’s side rear brake was severely deteriorated and worn down past a quarter of an inch, 

down to the rivets, which exceeded the out-of-service criteria. (Tr.1 at 69:22 – 70:4; Tr.1 at 

71:24 – 72:3; Tr.1 at 74:6-9) A “lip”14 had worn into the inside of the brake drum, also meeting 

the out-of-service criteria for the brakes. (Id.; 71:5-9) It was evident that the deterioration was 

significant enough to cause the truck to roll through the brake function test without hesitation. 

For the above reasons, I find that Lincoln Leasing violated Section 77.1605(b). 

Negligence 

High negligence occurs when “[t]he operator knew or should have known of the violative 

condition or practice, and there are no mitigating circumstances.” Id. Nicolau assessed the 

violation at high negligence because the condition existed for more than one shift, its existence 

was acknowledged by Turley's signature on the pre-operational checklist, and the truck was 

                                                             11 The brake function test is the only way the driver of the truck can test the brakes from 

inside the truck without having to be under the truck looking at the components. (Tr.1 at 54:14-

20) The pull-through test is performed as follows: (1) the driver sets the park/emergency brake 

and then the truck is placed in second gear; (2) the driver lets the clutch out slowly; and (3) either 

the brakes are tight and hold the truck, or the truck rolls forward because the brakes are 

inadequate. (Tr. 1 at 54:21 – 5:6) The pull-through test checks the four rear brakes, the parking 

brake, and the spring brake, but it does not test the front two brakes. (Tr.1 at 166:6-9; Tr.2 

at86:20 – 87:18) 

12 Truck 159 did not have a dust guard covering the wheels, so both Smailes and Nicolau 

could actually see if the shoes were touching the drum. (Tr.1 at 228:17-23) 

13 Nicolau checked four out of the six brakes. He did not check all of them because the 

truck failed the pull through test and found it unnecessary. (Tr.1 at 72:4-16) 

14 A “lip” forms when brake shoe friction has eaten into the drum surface. If the friction 

wear is an eighth of an inch, it is considered out-of-service. (Tr.1 at 70:10 – 71:4) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1561
placed into service despite this. (Tr.1 at 110:12-18; Tr.1 at 114:20 – 115:7; Tr.1 at 116:4-12; Ex. 

P-1) 

Smailes presented the pages from his pre-operational examination checklist to Vance, and 

informed Vance that he told Turley, Vance’s supervisor and Lincoln Leasing’s truck foreman, 

about the brake problem, but nothing had been done about it. (Id.; Tr.1 at 44:23 – 45:7; Tr.1 at 

46:15-21; Tr.1 at 207:14-21; Tr.1 at 250: 15-19; Ex. P-5) In Nicolau’s opinion the deteriorated 

condition of the brakes existed for several shifts if not several weeks. (Tr.1 at 7: 21 – 76:4) The 

condition had been recorded and reported to the supervisor on at least February 11, 12, and 13, 

2012. (Tr.1 at 87:23 - 88:1; Ex. P-5) 

In the notes recorded in Truck 159’s pre-operational examination forms, Smailes 

indicated on February 11, 2012, that the foot brake needed to be repaired and indicated that the 

“truck ... [was] not safe.” On February 12, 2012, he noted that the truck “need[s] brakes on the 

back.” On February 13, 2012, he also noted the truck “need[s] brakes on [the] back.” (Tr.1 at 

85:16 – 86:4; Tr.1 at 210:20 – 211:6; Ex. P-5) It is troubling that foreman Turley signed the preoperational book on all three days, acknowledging the brake problem, but nothing was repaired. 

(Tr.1 at 8:6-14; Tr.1 at 208:2) Smailes also raised the brake issue with Turley approximately six 

times over a two week period immediately prior to the issuance of the citation, to which Turley 

responded that the truck would be fixed, but it never was. (Tr.1 at 82:22 -83:11; Tr.1 at 192:6-9; 

Tr.1 at 235:21 – 236:4; Tr.1 at 201:15 – 202:9) 

Despite Turley’s testimony that Smailes never complained about the brakes on the truck 

in the period leading up to February 13, 2012, on page thirty-four of his deposition testimony, 

Turley admitted that Smailes told him about the brake issue prior to the citation being written. 

(Tr.2 at 108:9-18; Tr.2 at 109:9-11) Additionally, due to the adverse inference against Lincoln 

Leasing, supra, I infer that management knew of the brake problem for two weeks prior to the 

issuance of the citation and still did not remedy the problem. 

Turley testified that when he was confronted by Smailes on the morning of February 13, 

2012, he instructed one of his mechanics to adjust the brakes on the truck. (Tr.2 at 88:22 – 89:2; 

Tr.2 at 154:20- 24) After the work was complete, Turley signed the pre-operational form. (Tr.2 

at 61:20 – 62:2) This testimony was confirmed by Tracy Man15 (“Man”). (Tr. 2 at 143:9- 14) 

However, both Turley’s and Man’s testimony regarding the work performed on the brakes that 

morning is inconsistent with other credible evidence.16 

                                                             15 At the time of the hearing Man worked as a mechanic and equipment operator at 

Lincoln Leasing. (Tr.2 at 130:6-11) At the time of the hearing Man had been working as a 

mechanic for approximately 15 years. (Tr.2 at 131:2-7) In February 2012, Man was the head 

mechanic with Lincoln Leasing. (Tr.2 at 132:12-14) 

16 Both Man and Turley made multiple inconsistent and factually unsupported statements 

that lead me to discredit their testimony, including testimony regarding when repairs were made 

to Truck 159, the fact that Smailes never told Turley there were bad brakes on Truck 159, and 

the fact that there was a dust guard on Truck 159 on February 13, 2012. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1562
Inspector Nicolau and Smailes both testified that on the day of the inspection, no work 

was done on Truck 159’s brakes. (Tr.1 at 89:11-14; Tr.1 at 155:7-9; Tr.1 at 193:5-24; Tr.1 at 

195:3-8; Tr.1 at 235:14-19) Upon visual examination of the brakes there was little or no friction 

material on the left rear shoe. Therefore, there was nothing for Man to adjust to make the brakes 

function. (Tr.1 at 89:3-10; Tr.1 at 155:10-13) Additionally, Smailes testified that he knew no 

mechanic had touched the truck because the slack adjuster froze while he was braking, indicating 

that there was no friction; thus, nothing could be adjusted on the brakes to fix the problem. (Tr.1 

at 193:9-14; Tr.1 at 236:8 – 237:2) Further, Man did not sign or mark the pre-operational 

checklist indicating that repairs were made. (Tr.2 at 143:15-18) Therefore, I find that no work 

was done on Truck 159’s brakes on the morning of February 13, 2012. 

Even if I found Turley’s and Man’s testimony to be credible regarding adjusting the 

brakes the morning of February 13, 2012, their actions to remedy the brake problem would be 

arguably incorrect. (Tr.1 at 80: 13 – 82:8) Automatic slack adjusters, such as those on Truck 159, 

are not supposed to be manually adjusted. (Id.; Tr.2 at 203:7-15) Indeed, following the initial 

installation of automatic slack adjusters, if the automatic slack adjusters fail to automatically 

adjust, they are not functioning properly and must be replaced. (Tr.2 at 203:17 -204:2) 

According to the Bendix automatic slack adjuster manual, manually adjusting the automatic 

slack adjusters could give a driver a false sense of security about the effectiveness of the brakes. 

(Tr.2 at 204:16-23) 

On the day of the inspection, Nicolau met with Turley to discuss mitigating 

circumstances, but Turley admitted that there were none, and that he should have made sure the 

truck was safe. (Tr.1 at 110:19 – 111:18; Tr.1 at 156:8-12) Turley also admitted that he did not 

check to see if the brakes were fixed before signing the pre-shift examination form. (Tr.2 at 

113:1-3) 

It is clear from the record that Lincoln Leasing knew about the problem with Truck 159’s 

brakes for weeks but did nothing to remedy the situation. I find that Lincoln Leasing was highly 

negligent. 

Gravity 

 The gravity analysis focuses on factors such as the likelihood of an injury, the severity of 

an injury, and the number of miners potentially injured. Nicolau indicated that the injury was 

highly likely and could reasonably be expected to result in a fatality. (Tr.1 at 90:3-6; Ex. P-2) 

Nicolau marked this citation as “one person affected” because there was a single driver in the 

truck. (Tr.1 at 96:3-8) However, Nicolau testified that defective brakes could also affect others in 

oncoming traffic. (Tr.1 at 96:11-14) 

Nicolau testified that he had tested hundreds of trucks, and any time a truck rolls without 

hesitation during the pull-through test, there are severe brake issues. (Tr.1 at 90:8-17) Given 

normal mining operations, had he not intervened, the truck would still be used to haul coal and 

could potentially cause serious injury or death. Id. If an out-of-control truck were to strike 

another vehicle or a miner, it could cause a disabling injury or even death. (Tr.1 at 98:15-21) 

Additionally, a driver could lose control of his truck and drive over a drop-off. Therefore, it is 

37 FMSHRC Page 1563
highly likely that inadequate brakes could result in serious injury. I also find that two persons 

could be affected -- the driver and anyone else encountered in traffic. 

Significant and Substantial

There was a violation of a mandatory safety standard. The faulty brakes were safety 

hazard and created a reasonable likelihood of serious injury. On February 13, 2012, if Smailes 

had needed to brake for any reason, he probably would not have been able to stop his truck.17

(Tr.1 at 200:15-20; Tr.1 at 230:3-10) Smailes testified that driving Truck 159 was very 

dangerous, and the only way he would have been able to stop was to drive it into a ditch. (Tr.1 at 

230:3-10; Tr.1 at 200:21-23) The mine road where trucks hauled coal was muddy and rutted and 

had a grade of 4% to 17%. (Tr.1 at 92:6-19) With brakes in the condition described here, it 

would be difficult to stop a truck with an empty weight of approximately 10 -12 tons, and more 

so one weighing 40 tons when loaded, on a relatively flat surface. (Tr.1 at 92:23 – 93:4) Adding 

a grade to the road causes the danger to increase significantly. Furthermore, the road at this mine 

was made of shale, old sandstone, and dirt from the old highwall, which easily became muddy. 

(Tr.1 at 48:12-21) Additionally, while the mine road had two-way traffic, it was only wide 

enough for one truck to pass at a time on approximately 80-85% of the road. Unloaded trucks 

would have to wait on the side until the loaded trucks passed. (Tr.1 at 259:23 – 260:7; Tr.1 at 

94:1-4) The mine road was used by everybody associated with the mine including mechanics, 

fuelers, greasers, highwall personnel, foremen, mine examiners, and supervisors, (Tr.1 at 96:17 – 

97:1) who typically used smaller vehicles like pick-up trucks. (Tr.1 at 97:4-6) 

It is imperative that all pieces of equipment, especially large coal-hauling trucks, have 

adequate brakes. A miner on foot or in a small vehicle could be hurt or killed. The haul truck 

driver might not be able to stop from falling over a drop-off. A loss of vehicle control due to 

inadequate brakes would likely result in a fatality. Therefore, I find that Secretary met his burden 

to prove a reasonable likelihood that the hazard would result in a serious injury. The citation was 

properly designated as S&S. 

Unwarrantable Failure

The Commission has determined that an “unwarrantable failure” is aggravated conduct 

constituting more than ordinary negligence and is determined by looking at all the facts and 

circumstances of each case to see if any of the seven aggravating factors exist. 

The Extent of the Violative Condition

It is clear from the record and the analysis above that the rear brakes on Truck 159 were 

inadequate and needed to be repaired. The slack adjusters moved beyond the re-adjustment limit, 

there was severe deterioration of the brake shoe friction pad, and the truck failed the pull-through 

                                                             17 Smailes testified that he put the truck in low gear to keep it from crashing while he was 

hauling coal. He also testified that he used the engine jake brake, which only slows the truck 

down; it will not stop the truck. (Tr.1 at 199:16-20) Nicolau testified that the likelihood of injury 

was high under those conditions. (Tr.1 at 90:20 – 91:4) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1564
test. On the February 16, 2012, Nicolau came back to the mine property to check if Lincoln 

Leasing abated the citation. (Tr.1 at 76:15-19) He wrote in his notes taken that day that the 

passenger side front tandem canister had a broken spring that was replaced, the brake drum was 

replaced, the back brake shoes were replaced, and all four rear slack adjusters were replaced.18 

(Id.; Tr.1 at 206:1-24; Tr.2 at 76:24 – 77:3; Tr.2 at 81:9-12) These parts were removed from 

Truck 159 at the inspection site on February 13, 2012. It is clear that the brake problem was 

extensive, and that a single violating condition, or any combination of violating conditions, could 

have made the truck’s brakes inadequate and caused the truck to fail the pull through test. 

The Length of Time the Violating Condition Existed 

The evidence indicates that the inadequate brake condition lasted for an extended time. 

The condition had been recorded and reported to the truck foreman, Turley, on February 11, 12, 

and 13, 2012. This alone is evidence of how long the violating condition, which was 

acknowledged by Lincoln Leasing’s foreman, existed. However, as discussed above, due to the 

adverse inference against Lincoln Leasing, I infer that management knew of the brake problem 

for two weeks prior to the issuance of the citation and still did not remedy the problem. Most 

importantly, it would take a long time for the brake linings to wear down to the rivets (Tr.1 at 

4:6-9; Tr.1 ay 75:16-20) and to wear down beneath the v-notch line, as noted at the time the 

citation was written. (Tr.1 at 73:12 – 74:5) 

The High Degree of Danger 

An out-of-control truck could strike another vehicle or a miner, resulting in a fatality. 

Inadequate brakes are dangerous on a straight, paved road. However, the mine road in this 

instance was muddy and rutted, had a steep grade in some places, and was made up of shale, old 

sandstone, and dirt from the old highwall. This exacerbated the danger of the inadequate brakes 

on Truck 159. 

Even more disturbing, Smailes testified that on February 12, 2012, the day before the 

citation was issued, as he was driving up the 40 bank in Truck 159 a fuse shorted out. (Tr.1 at 

195:12-16; Tr.1 at 196:10 – 197:6) When Smailes tried to stop the truck, it wouldn’t stop; it 

rolled backwards down the hill and finally stopped when it rolled into a ditch. (Id.; Tr.1 at 197:8-

14) Smailes testified about how frightening it was having to maneuver the truck backwards and 

downhill when the brakes failed. (Tr.1 at 199:11-15) The Mine Act seeks to protect miners 

against exactly this type of danger. 

                                                             18 Turley testified that he had the mechanic change all four slack adjusters, even though 

he thought they were in compliance, because he wanted the truck to pass the abatement check. 

(Tr.2 at 113:15 – 114:9) This argument is unconvincing. Nicolau inspected the brakes on 

February 13, while they were on the truck, and on February 16, when they were off of the truck 

and concluded that they were inadequate. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1565
The Operator’s Knowledge and the Obviousness of the Violation 

Management knew of the deteriorated condition of the brakes for a long time. (Tr.1 at 

160:2-6) Lincoln Leasing’s truck foreman signed the pre-operational examination book on 

February 11, 12, and 13, showing knowledge of the inadequate brakes. Smailes had informed 

Turley of the brake problem approximately six times over a two week period. Lincoln’s foreman 

knew that the condition existed, he had reason to know the extent of the problem, and he let the 

truck operate in this condition. The condition of the brakes on Truck 159 was obvious, and 

Lincoln Leasing had knowledge of it.19

The Operator’s Efforts to Abate the Violating Condition 

As previously stated, even if Turley’s and Man’s testimony were credible, it would have 

been improper to manually adjust the automatic slack adjuster. I find that Lincoln Leasing did 

nothing to remedy the inadequate brakes until the citation was issued. 

Conclusion 

The unwarrantable failure designation is justified because Lincoln Leasing engaged in 

aggravated and intentional misconduct: (1) there was a failure to comply with a mandatory 

standard; (2) the condition existed for a long time; (3) the condition was obvious; thus, (4) the 

operator knew or should have known that the condition existed. (Tr.1 at 168:1-12) Truck 159 

needed brake work on the back axle for weeks. A supervisor acknowledged the defective brake 

condition. The truck failed the pull-through test. (Tr.2 at 78:8-14) I agree with Nicolau that this 

was aggravated conduct constituting more than ordinary negligence. This was an unwarrantable 

failure to comply with a mandatory safety standard. (Tr.1 at 88:2-6; Tr.1 at 111:19-22) 

Penalty

The Secretary proposed a penalty of $45,708.00 for Citation No. 8142705. Lincoln 

Leasing operates approximately 192,500 hours at the mine, had approximately 30 past violations, 

two persons were affected, the citation was S&S, and the operator was found to be highly 

negligent. Due to the testimony at the hearing and the evidence presented about the 

circumstances leading up to the violation, I find that the operator is not entitled to a 10% 

reduction for good faith. Additionally, I find that Lincoln Leasing engaged in questionable 

                                                             19 Smailes made some very disturbing statements in his testimony. On the morning of 

February 13, 2012, Smailes told Turley that he didn’t want to drive Truck 159 because of the 

inadequate brakes. (Tr.1 at 197:23 – 198:2; Tr.1 at 204:20-22; Tr.1 at 231:8-13) Turley’s 

response was that if he didn’t drive Truck 159, he should go home. (Id.; Tr.1 at 189:13-15; Tr. 1 

at 192:4) Smailes took that to mean that if he did not haul coal he would be fired. (Tr.1 at 204:23 

– 205:2) At the hearing, Lincoln Leasing tried to discredit Smailes’ credibility and denied this 

allegation, but I, along with Vance, (Tr.1 at 249:11-14), have no reason to believe that Smailes 

would lie about the events on and leading up to February 13, 2012. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1566
practices regarding its document retention and production in this case. As such, I assess a penalty 

in the amount of $55,000.00 for Citation No. 8142705. 

Order No. 8142706 

At 4:00 p.m. on February 13, 2012, Inspector Nicolau issued Order No. 8142706 to 

Lincoln Leasing at the Pocahontas Highwall Mine alleging a violation of 30 C.F.R. § 77.410(c) 

pursuant to Section 105(d)(1) of the Mine Act. The regulation states that “[w]arning devices 

shall be maintained in functional condition.” 30 C.F.R. § 77.410(c). Section 77.410(c) is a 

mandatory safety standard. The citation alleges: 

The automatic warning device (intended to give an audible alarm 

when the vehicle is placed in reverse) has not been maintained in 

functional condition on the Mack Coal truck C/N:159, S/N: 

9PAE9651 operating on this mine property. The alarm failed to 

function when tested. This condition was noted and acknowledged 

by the contract supervisor on the pre-shift record dated 2-13-2012. 

Ex. P-3. 

Violation

 The order alleges that an injury was reasonably likely, could reasonably be expected to 

result in lost workdays or restricted duty, the citation was S&S, a single person was affected, and 

that the negligence level was high. (Id.; Tr.1 at 112:14-18) The Secretary attempted to prove that 

the back-up alarm was not operational at the time of the pre-shift examination on February 13, 

2012, and based his negligence, gravity, S&S, and unwarrantable allegations on that premise. 

However, the evidence does not support the conclusion that the back-up alarm was not working 

at the time of the pre-shift examination. It does, however, support the conclusion that the alarm 

was not working at the time of Nicolau’s inspection. (Tr.1 at 174:8-9; Tr.1 at 202:15-23) As a 

result, I find that the inoperative alarm violated 30 C.F.R. § 77.410(c), but I cannot agree with 

the Secretary’s assessment of the negligence and unwarrantable failure elements of the charge. 

Negligence 

High negligence is found when “[t]he operator knew or should have known of the 

violative condition or practice, and there are no mitigating circumstances.” 30 C.F.R. § 100.3(d). 

Moderate negligence is present when “[t]he operator knew or should have known of the violative 

condition or practice, but there are mitigating circumstances.” Id. 

Nicolau alleged high negligence because, according to his notes taken the day of the 

inspection, the pre-operational checklist indicated that the back-up alarm was not functioning, 

and Turley acknowledged the problem by his signature on the form. (Tr.1 at 116:16-19; Tr.1 at 

118:2-7) However, the pre-operational exam exhibit admitted into evidence does not indicate 

that the back-up alarm was in need of repair (Ex. P-5; Tr.1 at 158:15-18), which creates a factual 

discrepancy. Nicolau acknowledged the discrepancy between Exhibit P-5 and what he observed 

37 FMSHRC Page 1567
and wrote about on February 13, 2012. (Tr.1 at 172:20 – 173:10) Smailes’ testimony 

compounded the discrepancy. He testified that he reviewed the pre-operational exam book and 

noted that it showed that the back-up alarm was not working on February 13, 2012. (Tr.1 at 

202:24 – 203:10) It is possible that the pre-operational exam book was tampered with, as both 

Nicolau and Smailes intimated, however I cannot make that finding based on this evidence. In 

the absence of more convincing evidence to the contrary, and based on Exhibit P-5, I find that 

the back-up alarm was in working condition at the time of the pre-shift examination on the 

morning of February 13, 2012. Thus, I am not convinced that Lincoln Leasing knew or should 

have known about the issue with the back-up alarm before the shift began. 

However, the evidence does support an inference that the combination of muddy 

conditions at the mine and the location of the alarm wires affected the back-up alarm. The wires 

on Truck 159 were in a location where they could be easily dislodged, causing the back-up alarm 

to fail. (Tr.1 at 267:5-11) I infer from this that the alarm stopped working after the pre-shift but 

before the inspection, due to the accumulation of mud and the effects of vibration. Additionally, 

based on the testimony of Vance, Man, and Turley, dislodged back-up alarm wires were a 

common occurrence on Lincoln Leasing coal trucks at this site. Therefore, Lincoln Leasing 

should have known that driving Truck 159 over muddy and rutted roads could cause the back-up 

alarm to fail after the pre-shift examination was done. Lincoln Leasing was moderately 

negligent. 

Gravity and Significant and Substantial 

 The gravity analysis focuses on factors such as the likelihood of an injury, the severity of 

an injury, and the number of miners potentially injured. Nicolau testified it was reasonably likely 

that if a person were run over by a coal truck it would result in a fatality. (Tr.1 at 114:14-17) 

However, Nicolau marked the citation as lost work days or restricted duty because the miners at 

this site were on constant high alert that trucks were backing-up and maneuvering all the time. 

(Tr.1 at 114:1-6) Additionally, he marked the citation as affecting one person because he felt if 

there were a back-up alarm failure, the truck driver would probably hit only one person. (Tr.1 at 

120:8-12) If a miner were struck by a coal truck it could result in broken bones and fractures, 

resulting in lost work days or restricted duty. I concur that it was reasonably likely that this 

violation could result in a serious injury to one miner. 

Nicolau alleged that an injury was reasonably likely because the truck must back-up, 

maneuver around, and back up into the small highwall area (40 foot radius) where several miners 

were working on foot. (Tr.1 at 112:21 – 113:21; 262:7-8; 278:6-280:17) 

It is important to have functional back-up alarms on every piece of mobile equipment 

because of the high level of miner activity near the highwall. At this mine, trucks must back up 

to the highwall area to get loaded, making it reasonably likely that an injury would occur. 

Therefore, I find that the Secretary proved by a preponderance of the evidence that an S&S 

designation was warranted here. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1568
Unwarrantable Failure

 Based on the evidence submitted at the hearing, and the argument presented in the 

Secretary’s brief, I find that the Secretary failed to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that 

an unwarrantable failure designation is warranted here. The negligence was moderate, and the 

operator did not know at the beginning of the shift that the back-up alarm was not functioning. 

This evidence does not support a finding of recklessness or indifference that an unwarrantable 

failure designation is intended to protect against. 

Penalty

The proposed penalty for Order No. 8142706 was $7,176.00. Lincoln Leasing operates 

approximately 192,500 hours at the mine, had approximately 30 past violations, one person was 

affected, the order was S&S, and the operator was moderately negligent. I assess a penalty of 

$2,161.00. 

WHEREFORE, it is ORDERED that Lincoln Leasing pay a penalty of $57,161.00 

within thirty (30) days of the filing of this decision. 

It if further ORDERED that Order No. 8142706 be modified from a 104(d)(1) order to a 

104(a) citation. 

/s/ L. Zane Gill 

L. Zane Gill 

 Administrative Law Judge 

Distribution: 

Noah AnStraus, Esq., Office of the Solicitor, U.S. Department of Labor, The Curtis Center, Suite 

630E, 170 S. Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA 19106 

Alexander Macia, Esq., Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC, 300 Kanawha Blvd., Charleston, WV 

25301 

37 FMSHRC Page 1569
FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES 

1331 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W., SUITE 520N 

WASHINGTON, DC 20004-1710 

TELEPHONE: 202-434-9950 / FAX: 202-434-9949 

July 13, 2015 

DECISION AND ORDER ON REMAND

Before: Judge Paez 

 This matter is before me on remand from the Commission. 37 FMSHRC __, slip op. at 1, 

No. VA 2010-458 (May 27, 2015) (citing 35 FMSHRC at 1155). On April 30, 2013, 

Administrative Law Judge George Koutras issued a decision after hearing that involved two 

section 104(a) citations and two section 104(b) withdrawal orders. 35 FMSHRC 1118, 1158 

(Apr. 2013) (ALJ). The Commission’s decision vacated and remanded one aspect of Judge 

Koutras’s decision regarding one of the section 104(a) citations. 37 FMSHRC __, slip op. at 6, 

No. VA 2010-458 (May 27, 2015). Judge Koutras has since retired, so Chief Administrative Law 

Judge Robert J. Lesnick reassigned this matter to me on June 9, 2015. 

The matter on remand involves Citation No. 8166774, which was issued to Paramont 

Coal Company Virginia LLC (“Paramont”) by the Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and 

Health Administration (“MSHA”), for a misaligned conveyor belt at Paramont’s Deep Mine

SECRETARY OF LABOR, 

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

 ADMINISTRATION (MSHA), 

 Petitioner, 

 v. 

PARAMONT COAL COMPANY 

VIRGINIA LLC, 

 Respondent. 

PARAMONT COAL COMPANY 

VIRGINIA LLC, 

 Contestant, 

 v. 

SECRETARY OF LABOR, 

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

 ADMINISTRATION (MSHA), 

 Respondent. 

 CIVIL PENALTY PROCEEDING 

Docket No. VA 2010-458 

A.C. No. 44-07123-223318 

Mine: Deep Mine No. 35 

CONTEST PROCEEDINGS 

Docket No. VA 2010-369-R 

Citation No. 8166777; 04/07/2010 

Docket No. VA 2010-370-R 

Citation No. 8166778; 04/07/2010 

37 FMSHRC Page 1570
No. 35. The citation alleged a significant and substantial (“S&S”)1

 violation of the safety 

standard in 30 C.F.R. § 75.1731(b), which requires conveyor belts to be properly aligned.2

 The 

Commission determined that Judge Koutras erred by failing to consider the frictional contact 

between the wooden baffles and the misaligned No. 3 belt as a factor that could contribute to a 

belt fire. See 37 FMSHRC __, slip op. at 5 (citing 35 FMSHRC at 1155). 

 

I. PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND AND ISSUES ON REMAND 

Judge Koutras’s decision in this matter discussed three citations issued by Inspectors 

Bobby Hall and Lloyd Robinette in connection with their inspection on April 5, 2010, as well as 

two orders issued on April 7, 2010. First, the Secretary alleged in Citation No. 8166773 that 

Paramont violated 30 C.F.R. § 75.400 for allowing coal dust to accumulate along the belt line in 

Deep Mine No. 35. Second, in Citation No. 8166774 the Secretary alleged that the alignment on 

Paramont’s belt conveyor violated 30 C.F.R. § 75.1731(b). The Secretary designated both 

citations as S&S and included both citations in Docket No. VA 2010-458. 

A few hours later, Inspectors Hall and Robinette returned to the same area of the mine 

and issued Citation No. 8166775, charging Paramont with a violation of 30 C.F.R. § 75.1731(c). 

35 FMSHRC at 1127, 1129. Citation No. 8166775 involved wooden boards—which Judge 

Koutras refers to as “wooden baffles”—that had been constructed across the belt conveyor and 

which contributed to a frictional heating hazard. Id. at 1124–25. The body of Citation 

No. 8166775 indicates that the conveyor belt was rubbing against those wooden baffles and the 

atmosphere smelled like smoldering wood. Id. at 1125. Float coal dust and coal fines were also 

present. Id. To abate Citation No. 8166775, Paramont’s foreman “immediately destroyed the 

wooden baffle materials by knocking them out with a sledge hammer.”3 Id. at 1129. Two days 

later, the Secretary issued section 104(b) Order Nos. 8166777 and 8166778 for failing to abate 

the conditions cited in Citation Nos. 8166773 and 8166774.4 See 35 FMSHRC at 1120–21. 

 

 1

 The S&S terminology is taken from section 104(d)(1) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. 

§ 814(d)(1), which distinguishes as more serious any violation that “could significantly and 

substantially contribute to the cause and effect of a . . . mine safety or health hazard.” 

2

 30 C.F.R. § 75.1731(b) states that “[c]onveyor belts must be properly aligned to prevent 

the moving belt from rubbing against the structure or components.” 

3

 Citation No. 8166775 was included in a separate docket, Docket No. VA 2010-408, and 

the parties agreed to settle that civil penalty proceeding. 37 FMSHRC __, slip op. at 2 n.4. Judge 

Koutras issued a Decision Approving Settlement for Docket No. VA 2010-408 in 2010. That 

matter is not before me. 

4

 Paramont contested these section 104(b) orders in Docket Nos. VA 2010-369-R and 

VA 2010-370-R. Judge Koutras affirmed Order No. 8166778 and vacated Order No. 8166777. 

35 FMSHRC at 1166. Although both dockets are before me on remand, the Commission’s 

decision did not disturb Judge Koutras’s decision regarding either order. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1571
Judge Koutras determined that Citation No. 8166774 was not appropriately designated as 

S&S. Id. at 1158. He declined to consider the frictional contact between the smoldering wooden 

baffles identified in Citation No. 8166775 and the belt in question as a possible ignition source 

that should be considered in determining whether a confluence of factors existed that could 

trigger an explosion or ignition. Id. at 1155–58. 

In remanding the matter, the Commission states: “only the Secretary’s petition, seeking 

review of the Judge’s finding that Citation No. 8166774 was not S&S, was granted.” 

37 FMSHRC __, slip op. at 2 n.4. As the Commission stated: 

Citation Nos. 8166774 (at issue here) and 8166775 both involved 

equipment that rubbed against the belt — bottom roller hangers 

and wooden baffles respectively. Citation No. 8166773 involved 

accumulations of float coal dust in the area. The main issue in the 

case is whether the wooden baffles that were the subject of 

Citation No. 8166775 should also have been considered as a 

potential cause of a belt fire when the Judge made his S&S 

determination regarding Citation No. 8166774. 

37 FMSHRC __, slip op. at 2 (footnote omitted). The Commission directs me to “consider 

whether a confluence of factors, including the wooden baffles, could have contributed to a fire. 

. . . [and] also consider the Secretary’s argument that the two hot hangers would eventually heat 

to a sufficient temperature to contribute as an ignition source.” Id. at 5–6. 

Consequently, the sole issues before me on remand are (1) whether the Secretary 

established a confluence of factors which would have resulted in the ignition of a belt fire, thus 

establishing that Citation No. 8166774 was significant and substantial (“S&S”), and (2) the 

appropriate penalty assessment for Citation No. 8166774. 

II. PRINCIPLES OF LAW AND ANALYSIS 

A. Significant and Substantial – Principles of Law

A violation is S&S “if, based on the particular facts surrounding that violation, there 

exists a reasonable likelihood that the hazard contributed to will result in an injury or illness of a 

reasonably serious nature.” Cement Div., Nat’l Gypsum Co., 3 FMSHRC 822, 825 (Apr. 1981). 

To establish an S&S violation, the Secretary must prove: “(1) the underlying violation of a 

mandatory safety standard; (2) a discrete safety hazard—that is, a measure of danger to safety—

contributed to by the violation; (3) a reasonable likelihood that the hazard contributed to will 

result in an injury; and (4) a reasonable likelihood that the injury in question will be of a 

reasonably serious nature.” Mathies Coal Co., 6 FMSHRC 1, 3–4 (Jan. 1984) (footnote omitted);

see also Buck Creek Coal, Inc. v. Fed. Mine Safety & Health Admin., 52 F.3d 133, 135–36 (7th 

Cir. 1995) (affirming ALJ’s application of the Mathies criteria); Austin Power, Inc. v. Sec’y of 

Labor, 861 F.2d 99, 103 (5th Cir. 1988) (approving the Mathies criteria). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1572
The Commission has provided guidance to Administrative Law Judges in applying the 

Mathies test. As to the third Mathies element, the Commission specifically noted on remand: 

[T]he Commission has recognized that ‘“[i]n addressing [whether a hazard 

is reasonably likely to result in an injury] . . . in cases involving violations 

which may contribute to the hazard of . . . explosions or ignitions, the 

likelihood of an injury resulting from the hazard depends on whether a 

‘confluence of factors’ exists that could trigger an explosion or ignition.”’ 

McCoy Elkhorn Coal Corp., 36 FMSHRC 1987, 1992 (Aug. 2014). Such 

factors include any potential ignition sources, the presence of methane, 

float coal dust accumulations, loose coal or other ignitable substance, and 

the types of equipment operating in the area. See Utah Power & Light Co., 

Mining Div., 12 FMSHRC 965, 970-71 (May 1990); Texasgulf, 10 

FMSHRC 498, 501-03 (Apr. 1988). 

37 FMSHRC __, slip op. at 4–5. 

The Commission’s remand decision also noted that “an S&S determination must be made 

at the time the citation is issued ‘without any assumptions as to abatement’ and in the context of 

‘continued normal mining operations.’” 37 FMSHRC __, slip op. at 5 (citing U.S. Steel Mining 

Co., 6 FMSHRC 1573, 1574 (July 1984)). In addition, the Commission previously indicated that 

“an inspector’s judgment is an important element” in an S&S determination. Mathies, 6 

FMSHRC at 5 (citing Nat’l Gypsum, 3 FMSHRC at 825–26); see also Buck Creek Coal, 52 F.3d 

at 135 (stating that ALJ did not abuse discretion in crediting opinion of experienced inspector). 

B. S&S Analysis of Citation No. 8166774 

The first Mathies element is satisfied by Judge Koutras’s determination of a violation, a 

finding which was not appealed. 37 FMSHRC __, slip op. at 4. Regarding the second Mathies

element, the Commission concluded that Judge Koutras correctly determined that the violation 

contributed to the hazard of a belt ignition fire. Id.

Turning to elements three and four of the Mathies test, I note Judge Koutras’s factual 

findings that: (1) no methane was present in this area of the mine; (2) no float coal dust was in 

suspension; (3) no electrical wires were exposed; (4) no float coal dust was turning or backed up 

in any of the belt rollers; (5) Paramont’s belt was fire resistant or retardant; and (6) no rock dust 

or footprints were present on the float coal dust to suggest anyone had been in the area. 

35 FMSHRC at 1157. Because the Commission’s decision did not disturb these findings, they 

remain applicable to my S&S analysis on remand. 

Judge Koutras also found and concluded that “it [was] unlikely and improbable that the 

two belt hangers observed by the inspector, as well as the remaining hangers that evidenced past 

rubbing by the belt[,] were viable heat sources that would contribute to, or result in a belt fire, or 

an injury of reasonably serious nature.” 35 FMSHRC at 1158. Yet, the Commission has 

specifically directed me to evaluate whether the friction between the belt and belt hangers would 

heat to a sufficient temperature in the course of continued mining operations to provide an 

37 FMSHRC Page 1573
ignition source. I note Inspector Hall’s testimony that a temperature in excess of 140 degrees was 

necessary to ignite a belt fire. (Tr. 140:18–141:5.) Likewise, I note Judge Koutras’s finding that 

the misaligned belt had damaged twelve other belt hangers at some point. 35 FMSHRC at 1157. 

In the course of continued normal mining operations, the repeatedly misaligned belt 

would continue to rub the belt hangers. Cf. 37 FMSHRC __, slip op. at 5 n.10 (indicating the 

increase in severity of conditions associated with the wooden baffles over three-and-a-half hours 

“shows the effect of normal mining conditions on the development and worsening of the 

hazard.”) Although the temperature of the belt hangers was presently insufficient to cause a fire, 

the record also demonstrates the belt hangers heated up in response to friction. Indeed, the 

temperature of the two belt hangers in question was already 74 and 75 degrees, respectively, at 

the time of the citation.5

 (Tr. 332:19–334:1.) I therefore find that the frictional contact would 

continue to build heat on the belt hangers and eventually reach a temperature that would provide 

an ignition source for the float coal dust accumulations located just a few feet away. 

 The smoldering wooden baffles constituted another ignition source for the nearby float 

coal dust accumulations. See 35 FMSHRC at 1133, 1157. Additionally, Judge Koutras found that 

no rock dust was present at the time the inspector issued the citation, and he inferred that its 

absence implied that no miners had been present in the area. 35 FMSHRC at 1157. But I 

recognize that the absence of rock dust actually increases the danger that the presence of float 

coal dust raised in this case.6

 According to Paramont’s rock dusting schedule, the area should 

have been rock dusted the previous day. See 35 FMSRHC at 1141–47 (indicating that Paramont 

applied rock dust to the belts once per week and as needed on other days). Paramont’s failure to 

follow its rock dusting schedule suggests to me that in continued mining operations float coal 

dust would have been present without any rock dust. Notwithstanding Judge Koutras’ finding 

that no float coal dust was in suspension at the moment, these untreated float coal accumulations 

would have provided a dangerous fuel source for any suspension or ignition event that occurred. 

 5

 The record in this case does not make clear what the ignition temperature for a belt fire 

would be. On cross-examination, Inspector Hall admitted that it would be higher than 140 

degrees. (Tr. 140:25–141:5.) However, it is unclear how high the ignition temperature would be 

for the fire resistant/retardant belt in question. Given their experience as coal miners and MSHA 

inspectors (Tr. 57:23–58:25, 191:6–193:11), I credit the testimony from Inspectors Robinette and 

Hall that friction between the belt and the belt hangers and the wood baffles in question 

presented an ignition source. (Tr. 87:24–88:4, 89:2–16, 144:14–145:6, 148:5–18, 210:13–22.) 

See also Harlan Cumberland Coal Co., 20 FMSHRC 1275, 1278–79 (Dec. 1998) (relying on the 

opinion of an experienced inspector to conclude that substantial evidence supported an ALJ’s 

S&S determination). 

6

 Rock dust is applied to help reduce the dangers of float coal dust. See, e.g., American 

Geological Institute, Dictionary of Mining, Mineral, and Related Terms 465 (2d ed. 1997) 

(defining rock dust as “[t]he general name for any kind of inert dust used in rendering coal dust 

inert . . . .” and rock dusting as “[t]he dusting of underground areas with powdered limestone to 

dilute the coal dust in the mine atmosphere and on mine surfaces, thereby reducing explosion 

hazards.”). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1574
Methane presented a similar problem. Although Inspector Hall did not detect any 

methane at the time, I recognize that MSHA was required to provide spot inspections of Deep 

Mine #35 every 10 or 15 working days because it liberated approximately 100,000 cubic feet of 

methane every twenty-four hours. (See Tr. 130:19–25, 212:11–13; 30 U.S.C. § 813(i).) In the 

course of continued mining operations, methane could accumulate quickly on the belt line and 

provide fuel for the belt hanger and wooden baffle ignition sources. Cf. Knox Creek Coal Corp., 

36 FMSHRC 1128, 1132 (May 2014) (indicating that the ALJ erred when he took a “‘snapshot’ 

approach” to the S&S analysis), appeal pending, 4th Cir. 14-2313. Given the above evidence of 

record, I determine that a float coal dust or methane ignition was reasonably likely to occur. I 

therefore conclude that a belt ignition hazard was reasonably likely to result in injuries, 

satisfying Mathies’ third element. 

If a belt did catch fire, I have no doubt that burns and smoke inhalation injuries would be 

serious. The Commission has routinely considered smoke inhalation and burns to constitute 

reasonably serious injuries for the purpose of a Mathies analysis. See, e.g., Big Ridge, Inc., 35 

FMSHRC 1525, 1528–29 (June 2013) (affirming ALJ’s S&S determination where smoke 

inhalation and burn injuries were reasonably likely). Here, I credit the testimony of Inspectors 

Hall and Robinette that they would expect smoke inhalation injuries. (Tr. 89:2–10, 96:16–98:2, 

217:5–8.) Thus, I determine that the Secretary has satisfied the fourth element of Mathies. 

In view of the above, the Secretary has met his burden of proof on all four elements of 

Mathies. Accordingly, I conclude that MSHA appropriately designated Citation No. 8166774 as 

S&S. 

III. PENALTY

Although the Secretary proposes penalties, the Commission assesses penalties for 

violations of the Mine Act de novo. Douglas R. Rushford Trucking, 22 FMSHRC 598, 600 (May 

2000). When assessing a civil penalty, section 110(i) of the Mine Act requires that I consider six 

criteria, including: the operator’s history of previous violations, the appropriateness of the 

penalty relative to the size of the operator’s business, the operator’s negligence, the penalty’s 

effect on the operator’s ability to continue business, the gravity of the violation, and the 

demonstrated good faith of the operator in attempting to achieve rapid compliance. 30 U.S.C. 

§ 820(i). The criteria are not required to be given equal weight. Jim Walter Res., Inc., 

36 FMSHRC 1972, 1979 (Aug. 2014). 

 In his decision, Judge Koutras found that Paramont’s history of previous violations was 

“not egregious.” 35 FMSHRC at 1165. He also noted the parties’ stipulation that Paramont was a 

large mine operator and that the proposed penalties would not adversely affect its ability to 

remain in business. Id. Further, he observed that Paramont’s abatement efforts to achieve 

compliance were on-going but not completed at the time the section 104(b) orders were issued 

on April 7, 2010. Id. Judge Koutras also agreed with the Secretary that Paramont acted with a 

moderate level of negligence. Id. Finally, he ordered Paramont to pay a civil penalty of 

$1,400.00 in connection with Citation No. 8166773, affirmed Withdrawal Order No. 8166778, 

and vacated Order No. 8166777. Id. at 1166. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1575
Because the Commission has not disturbed the above determinations, the only factor that 

I must revisit under section 110(i) is the gravity of Citation No. 8166774. Based on the evidence 

before me and in the context of continued mining operations, I have determined that Citation No. 

8166774 was sufficiently dangerous to constitute an S&S violation. I therefore conclude that the 

Secretary’s proposed penalty of $1,569.00 is appropriate for Citation No. 8166774. 

IV. ORDER

In light of the foregoing, it is hereby ORDERED that Citation No. 8166774 be 

AFFIRMED as written. Furthermore, Paramont is ORDERED to PAY a total civil penalty of 

$1,569.00 within forty (40) days of the date of this decision on remand. 

/s/ Alan G. Paez 

Alan G. Paez 

 Administrative Law Judge 

Distribution: 

Cheryl E. Carroll, Esq., U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Solicitor, 201 12th Street South, 

Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22202-5450 

Cameron S. Bell, Esq., Penn, Stuart & Eskridge, P.O. Box 2288, Abingdon, VA 24212-2288 

/pjv 

37 FMSHRC Page 1576
FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES 

7 PARKWAY CENTER, SUITE 290 

875 GREENTREE ROAD 

PITTSBURGH, PA 15220 

TELEPHONE: 412-920-7240 / FAX: 412-928-8689 

July 15, 2015 

 

DECISION AND ORDER 

REINSTATING THOMAS HARPER

Appearances: J. Matthew McCracken, Esq., Office of the Solicitor, U.S. Department of 

Labor, Arlington, VA, Representing the Secretary of Labor 

Arthur M. Wolfson, Esq., Jackson Kelly PLLC, Pittsburgh, PA, 

Representing Respondent 

Before: Judge Lewis 

On June 17, 2015, pursuant to section 105(c)(2) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health 

Act of 1977 (AAct@), 30 U.S.C. '801, et. seq., and 29 C.F.R. '2700.45, the Secretary of Labor 

(ASecretary@) filed an Application for Temporary Reinstatement of miner Thomas Harper 

(“Harper” or “Complainant”) to his former position with Kingston Mining Inc., (AKingston@ or 

ARespondent@) at Kingston No. 2 Mine pending final hearing and disposition of the case. 

That application followed a Discrimination Complaint filed by Harper on May 14, 2015, 

that alleged, in effect, that his termination was motivated by his protected activity. The Secretary 

represents that this Complaint was not frivolously brought and requests an Order directing 

Respondent to reinstate Harper to his former position as a utility/scoop. 

Respondent filed a motion requesting a hearing regarding this application on June 26, 

2015. On July 2, 2015, Respondent submitted a Pre-Hearing Memorandum of Law addressing its 

legal arguments in this matter. A hearing was held in South Charleston, WV on July 7, 2015. The 

Secretary presented the testimony of the complainant. Respondent had the opportunity to crossexamine the Secretary=s witnesses and present testimony and documentary evidence in support 

of its position. 29 C.F.R. '2700.45(d). 

SECRETARY OF LABOR 

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

 ADMINISTRATION (MSHA), 

 on behalf of THOMAS HARPER, 

 Complainant, 

 v. 

KINGSTON MINING INC., 

 Respondent. 

 TEMPORARY REINSTATEMENT 

PROCEEDING 

Docket No. WEVA 2015-816-D 

MSHA Case No.: HOPE-CD-2015-09 

Mine: Kingston No. 2 Mine 

Mine ID: 46-08932 

37 FMSHRC Page 1577
For the reasons set forth below, I grant the application and order the temporary 

reinstatement of Harper. 

Discussion of Relevant Law 

Section 105(c) of the Mine Act prohibits discrimination against miners for exercising any 

protected right under the Mine Act. The purpose of the protection is to encourage miners Ato 

play an active part in the enforcement of the [Mine Act]@ recognizing that, Aif miners are to be 

encouraged to be active in matters of safety and health, they must be protected against any 

possible discrimination which they might suffer as a result of their participation.@ S. Rep. No. 

181, 95th Cong., 1st Sess. 35 (1977), reprinted in Senate Subcommittee on Labor, Committee on 

Human Resources, 95th Cong., 2nd Sess., Legislative History of the Federal Mine Safety and

Health Act of 1977, at 623 (1978). 

Congress created the temporary reinstatement as “an essential protection for complaining 

miners who may not be in the financial position to suffer even a short period of unemployment 

or reduced income pending the resolution of the discrimination complaint.” S. Rep. No. 181, 

95th Cong., 1st Sess. 36-37 (1977), reprinted in Senate Subcommittee on Labor, Committee on 

Human Resources, 95th Cong. 2nd Sess., Legislative History of the Federal Mine Safety and 

Health Act of 1977, at 624-25 (1978).

 Temporary Reinstatement is a preliminary proceeding, and narrow in scope. As such, 

neither the judge nor the Commission is to resolve conflicts in testimony at this stage of the case. 

Sec=y of Labor on behalf of Albu v. Chicopee Coal Co., 21 FMSHRC 717, 719 (July 1999). The 

substantial evidence standard applies.1 Sec=y of Labor on behalf of Peters v. Thunder Basin Coal 

Co., 15 FMSHRC 2425, 2426 (Dec. 1993). A temporary reinstatement hearing is held for the 

purpose of determining Awhether the evidence mustered by the miners to date established that

their complaints are non-frivolous, not whether there is sufficient evidence of discrimination to 

justify permanent reinstatement.@ Jim Walter Resources, 920 F.2d 738, 744 (11th Cir. 1990). 

In adopting section 105(c), Congress indicated that a complaint is not frivolously brought 

if it Aappears to have merit.@ S. Rep. No. 181, 95th Cong., 1st Sess. 36-37 (1977), reprinted in

Senate Subcommittee on Labor, Committee on Human Resources, 95th Cong. 2nd Sess., 

Legislative History of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, at 624-25 (1978). In 

addition to Congress= Aappears to have merit@ standard, the Commission and the courts have 

also equated Anot frivolously brought” to Areasonable cause to believe” and Anot insubstantial.”

Sec'y of Labor on behalf of Price v. Jim Walter Res., Inc., 9 FMSHRC 1305, 1306 (Aug. 1987), 

aff'd, 920 F.2d 738, 747 & n.9 (11th Cir. 1990). “Courts have recognized that establishing 

‘reasonable cause to believe’ that a violation of the statute has occurred is a ‘relatively 

 1 ASubstantial evidence@ means Asuch relevant evidence as a reliable mind might accept 

as adequate to support [the judge=s] conclusion.@ Rochester & Pittsburgh Coal Co., 11 

FMSHRC 2159, 2163 (Nov. 1989) (quoting Consolidated Edison Co. V. NLRB, 305 U.S. 197, 

229 (1938)). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1578
insubstantial’ burden.” Sec’y of Labor on behalf of Ward v. Argus Energy WV, LLC, 2012 WL 

4026641, *3 (Aug. 2012) citing Schaub v. West Michigan Plumbing & Heating, Inc., 250 F.3d 

962, 969 (6th Cir. 2001).

In order to establish a prima facie case of discrimination under section 105(c) of the Act, 

a complaining miner must establish (1) that he engaged in protected activity and (2) that the 

adverse action complained of was motivated in any part by that activity. Sec=y of Labor on 

behalf of Pasula v. Consolidation Coal Co., 2 FMSHRC 2786 (Oct. 1980), rev=d on other 

grounds sub nom. Consolidation Coal Co. v. Marshall, 663 F.2d 1211 (3rd Cir. 1981); Sec=y of 

Labor on behalf of Robinette v. United Castle Coal Co., 3 FMSHRC 803 (April 1981). 

However, in the instant matter, the Secretary and Harper need not prove a prima facie

case of discrimination with all of the elements required at the higher evidentiary standard needed 

for a decision on the merits. Rather, the same analytical framework is followed within the 

“reasonable cause to believe” standard. Thus, there must be “substantial evidence” of both the 

applicant=s protected activity and a nexus between the protected activity and the alleged 

discrimination. To establish the nexus, the Commission has identified these indications of 

discriminatory intent: (1) hostility or animus toward the protected activity; (2) knowledge of the 

protected activity; and (3) coincidence in time between the protected activity and the adverse 

action. Sec=y of Labor on behalf of Lige Williamson v. CAM Mining, LLC, 31 FMSHRC 1085, 

1089 (Oct. 2009). The Commission has acknowledged that it is often difficult to establish a 

Amotivational nexus between protected activity and the adverse action that is the subject of the 

complaint.@ Sec=y of Labor on behalf of Baier v. Durango Gravel, 21 FMSHRC 953, 957 

(Sept.1999). The Commission has further considered the disparate treatment of the miner in 

analyzing the nexus requirement. Secretary of Labor on behalf of Chacon v. Phelps Dodge 

Corp., 3 FMSHRC 2508, 2510 (Nov. 1981), rev=d on other grounds, 709 F.2d 86 (D.C. Cir. 

1983). 

Contentions of the Parties 

 On May 14, 2015, Harper executed a Summary of Discriminatory Action, which was 

filed with his Discrimination Complaint. In this statement he alleged the following: 

I made complaints about the evening shift no cleaning section properly and was 

unjustly laid off 

Application for Temporary Reinstatement at Exhibit B, p. 2. 

The Secretary also submitted the June 11, 2015 Affidavit of James R. Humphrey, a 

Special Investigator employed by the Mine Safety and Health Administration with the 

Application. Humphrey wrote that he investigated Harper’s discrimination claim against 

Respondent. Humphrey laid out his findings of fact based on his investigation. Id. at Exhibit A, 

p. 1-3. He concluded: 

3. There is reasonable cause to believe that the Complainant was discharged 

37 FMSHRC Page 1579
because he engaged in protected activities. Harper engaged in protected 

activity when he expressed concern about unsafe working conditions at the 

Kingston No. 2 Mine. Harper suffered an adverse action when he was 

discharged on April 10, 2015. 

4. Based on my investigation to this date, I have concluded that there is a reasonable 

cause to believe that Harper was discharged because he engaged in protected 

activities by complaining about unsafe practices at the mine and providing running 

right cards to be used in a Commission proceeding. I have concluded that the 

complaint filed by Harper was not frivolous. 

Id. at Exhibit A, p. 3-4. The Secretary cited this declaration as a basis for the formal request for 

temporary reinstatement. Id. at 4. 

In its pre-hearing submission, Respondent argued that Harper did not engage in any 

protected activity. (Respondent’s Memorandum at 10-13). Further, it argued that even if Harper 

engaged in protected activity, there was no nexus between that protected activity and the adverse 

employment action. (Id. at 13-17). 

Summary of Testimony 

Thomas Carl Harper was present at hearing and testified. (Tr. 14). At the time of the 

hearing he was not employed. (Tr. 14). His last position was as a utility scoop operator with 

Respondent. (Tr. 14-15). In that capacity he cleaned and dusted the section to prepare it for the 

next cut. (Tr. 16). He sometimes filled in on the roofbolter and operated a forklift. (Tr. 36-37). 

Harper worked for nine years at the mine as a utility scoop operator, bolter, hauler, buggy/forklift 

operator, and motor runner. (Tr. 15, 28). He had nearly 15 years of mining experience. (Tr. 15, 

40). He was a certified underground miner. (Tr. 28). During his career, Harper was never 

disciplined, told he was not doing a good job, or fired. (Tr. 15-16). 

 At hearing, Harper testified that he engaged in series of protected activities, including 

complaints to management and state officials. (Tr. 29-30, 53). He stated that following those 

protected activities, he was discriminatorily discharged during a layoff at the mine. (Tr. 29). He 

testified his relevant protected activity began in early 2015. (Tr. 17-18, 48-49) 

In 2015, Mine Foreman Danny Helmondollar retired and was replaced by Tim 

Alderman.2

 (Tr. 16). On March 19, after Alderman took over, he told Harper’s direct supervisor, 

Eric Bragg, that he wanted to split the duties of the two scoop operators so that one man would 

clean the section and the other would go outby to rock dust and bring supplies. (Tr. 16-17, 34-36, 

 2

 Timothy Alderman was present at hearing and testified. (Tr. 111). At the time of the 

hearing Alderman was employed at Kingston and had started on March 9, 2015. (Tr. 111-112). 

When he arrived, he was a general mine foreman replacement for Martin. (Tr. 112, 114). Two 

weeks after his arrival Helmondollar retired and Alderman stepped into the position. (Tr. 114-

115). He had prior experience as a superintendent at two other Alpha subsidiaries. (Tr. 115).

37 FMSHRC Page 1580
47, 49-50, 116-117). Before this new policy was in place, both scoop operators performed both 

of those tasks. (Tr. 34-36). Alderman testified that he hoped to equalize the load and hold 

everyone accountable. (Tr. 116). Harper became the inby operator in charge of cleaning. (Tr. 34). 

Harper “didn’t think too much,” of this plan because it left some work undone and it made it 

impossible to clean the whole section. (Tr. 17). While Harper managed to clean the section on 

his shift, the evening shift failed to do so. (Tr. 33-35). However, the problems with cleanliness 

on the section started before Alderman took over. (Tr. 30-31). 

Alderman believed that the crew had done an excellent job keeping the area clean even 

before he changed the duties of the scoop operators. (Tr. 117). Every time he saw the section, 

both before and after the change, it looked good. (Tr. 117-118). He was happy with the results of 

the new plan because he was a stickler on cleanliness. (Tr. 125). In fact, a government roof 

control specialist told Alderman on June 25, 2015, that the section was beautiful. (Tr. 118). 

It was a violation and a hazard to start mining before the section was cleaned and dusted. 

(Tr. 17, 49). Under Section 75.400, the section had to be free of combustible material within 40 

feet of the working face. (Tr. 49). Alderman did not believe a small amount of accumulation was 

a problem, especially given the fact that water and dust were present. (Tr. 127, 129). Alderman 

testified that an accumulation would have to “terrible” or block the section to be a hazard. (Tr. 

127-130). MSHA asked Respondent to produce accumulation citations issued between February 

1 and April 10 at the mine. (Tr. 55-56). Respondent produced two citations (one of which was 

for an accumulation of hydraulic oil) but the investigator, James Humphrey, did not know if 

these were all of their citations. 3 (Tr. 55-57, 59). 

In early January 2015, Harper complained to Bragg about the problems with the new 

policy and coal dust accumulations. (Tr. 17-18, 48-49). Harper told Bragg he needed to ensure 

that the evening shift was doing what they needed to do. (Tr. 18). Harper continued to speak with 

Bragg about this issue daily until the time he was laid off. (Tr. 18, 48-50). His written statement 

also indicated that he had made a complaint to Bragg two weeks before his layoff about the 

failure to clean combustible material as a result of the new clean-up policy. (Tr. 32). 

In another incident that occurred about two weeks before he was laid off, Harper spoke 

with safetyman John Murphy about an issue during a safety meeting. (Tr. 19, 32-33, 48-49). The 

entire section was present for the meeting, but Harper could not recall if members of 

management were present. (Tr. 20). Specifically Harper noted that the evening shift was not 

following the mining procedure. (Tr. 19). He believed it was important to point out that the 

evening shift was not cleaning because that failure was a violation. (Tr. 20). He was not 

complaining about the evening shift doing a poor job but about the violations. (Tr. 20). 

 3

 James R. Humphrey was present at the hearing and testified. (Tr. 46). At the time of the 

hearing, Humphrey was a special investigator with MSHA. (Tr. 46). He had worked for MSHA 

for 15 years, 8 years as special investigator. (Tr. 46). Special investigators conduct 105(c) 

investigations when a miner believes he faces discrimination and 110(c) investigations. (Tr. 47). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1581
Alderman testified he never heard any complaints about the new plan. (Tr. 125-126). 

Alderman never heard from Harper and he never mentioned that he was unhappy with the night 

shift leaving coal accumulations on the section he worked. (Tr. 126). If a miner complained 

about coal accumulations, he would take it seriously and follow up. (Tr. 130). 

A couple of weeks before Harper was laid off, Alderman went to Harper’s section, 

Section No. 2, and discussed a “Running Right” comment card that had been submitted that dealt 

with bolting downwind of the continuous miner more than once during a shift. (Tr. 21, 25, 37-38, 

50-51, 122). Bolting in the return air more than once a shift was not permitted at the mine and 

the card indicated that it was happening. (Tr. 23-24). In fact in early 2015, Harper knew it was 

happening and at one point he spoke with a state inspector about the issue. (Tr. 24, 39, 52). The 

inspector filed a complaint and eventually went to the mine and spoke to the management. (Tr. 

24-25, 39-40). The complaint was anonymous and it was unlawful for the company to try to find 

out the identity of the complainer. (Tr. 39). The state conducted an investigation but Harper did 

not know if citations were issued. (Tr. 39). Four miners and a boss were fired at some point due 

to bolting in the dust. (Tr. 23, 38). However, Harper believed Respondent fired them for doing 

what management had ordered. (Tr. 37). 

The card Alderman had was a safety report filled out by a miner and placed in a box for 

management to read. (Tr. 22, 119). These cards were supposed to allow management to know 

what was going on at the mine and to help correct problems. (Tr. 22, 119). The cards were 

anonymous. (Tr. 22, 119). Alderman reviewed the cards daily. (Tr. 120). The Running Right 

program was a company-wide policy of Respondent’s parent company, Alpha Natural 

Resources. (Tr. 40). It included Employment Involvement Group meetings and Performance 

Group meetings that involved hourly workers in the process. (Tr. 41-42). Alpha also spent a 

large amount of money to create a Running Right Leadership Academy in West Virginia. (Tr. 

42) Harper did not think that the program did much good. (Tr. 25). Men wrote cards and 

expected answers but never heard anything back. (Tr. 26). Harper recalled making comments to 

this effect to John Murphy. (Tr. 26). 

When speaking to the miners on the No. 2 Section, Alderman said the comment card he 

had first addressed No. 3 Section, where the card was written, and that “nobody up there was 

man enough” to tell him who wrote it. (Tr. 21, 37, 51). He asked if anyone on No. 2 Section 

knew who had submitted the card. (Tr. 51). Harper responded that under the training and 

Running Right policies, Alderman was not allowed to ask who wrote the cards or to confront the 

miners. (Tr. 22, 51-52). Harper believed it was wrong and a violation of company policy for 

Alderman to ask about the cards. (Tr. 22-23). Harper never saw the card. (Tr. 37). 

Alderman testified that he spoke with the Miners on the No. 3 Section and asked about 

their concerns. (Tr. 122, 130). He asked the four bolt men if they bolted downwind more than 

once a shift and they denied it. (Tr. 122-123). Alderman testified that he never tried to find out 

who filled out the cards at Kingston or at any other Alpha mine. (Tr. 119-120, 123). He just told 

them that as the new mine manager, if they had any concerns they should come and talk to him. 

(Tr. 123). Alderman then went to the No. 2 Section and did the same thing. (Tr. 124, 131). He 

wanted to hear the concerns of all of the miners on the production shifts and to develop a rapport 

37 FMSHRC Page 1582
with them. (Tr. 131). When he arrived on the section he read the card to the miner and was clear 

that he did not care who made the complaint. (Tr. 131-132). He asked the bolters as a group and 

individually if they bolted downwind more than once a shift and they denied it. (Tr. 124). He did 

not attempt to determine who wrote the card. (Tr. 124). He did not have a confrontation with 

Harper about discussing the card and the only time he met Harper was in the hallway at the 

hearing. (Tr. 124, 126-127, 133). He did not believe Harper or anyone else would find his 

questions intimidating. (Tr. 132-133). 

 Humphrey later interviewed Alderman about this incident. (Tr. 61). Alderman denied that 

he received a Running Right card about the bolter operating in the dust. (Tr. 61-62). However, 

several miners corroborated the story. (Tr. 62, 64). Humphrey did not ask Alderman if he tried to 

find the identity of the person who wrote the card. (Tr. 61-63). He did not believe there was a 

reason to pursue that question. (Tr. 63). He also did not ask about Harper contacting the West 

Virginia official. (Tr. 64). Alderman believed that during his interview Humphrey asked him if 

he allowed miners to bolt downwind, and he said “no, never.” (Tr. 121). He did not believe 

Humphrey asked if he ever received any Running Right cards on that topic. (Tr. 121). If that was 

the intent of the question, Alderman misinterpreted it. (Tr. 121). He received Running Right 

cards about bolting downwind more than once. (Tr. 120-121). 

Respondent had an operational performance group (“OPG”) designed to figure out how 

to run more coal. (Tr. 26-27, 42). The group made recommendations, conducted studies, and 

watched what occurred on the section. (Tr. 42-43). He did not believe the OPG had a safety 

function. (Tr. 27). While at the mine, Harper voiced objections about the OPG to other miners. 

(Tr. 27). He believed that 90% of the workforce did not like OPG and other miners voice 

concerns as well. (Tr. 43-44). He stated in safety meetings and with other miners that the OPG 

did not know what they were doing. (Tr. 27). The OPG would tell Harper to work faster, but he 

did not believe faster was safer. (Tr. 43). He complained to Murphy, Helmondollar, and general 

mine foreman Kenny Martin. (Tr. 28, 49). Helmondollar and Martin agreed with his assessment 

but said they had to go along. (Tr. 27). 

In January 2015, Kingston No. 2 mine began to encounter geological conditions that 

slowed their production. (Tr. 67-68). The sections were producing too much rock and the area 

was not profitable. (Tr. 68). Geological surveys were used to determine what conditions would 

look like further out. (Tr. 69). No. 1 Section was marked for a possible shutdown. (Tr. 68-69). 

On January 22, a meeting was held with Shad West, HR Director Kyle Bane, General 

Manager Robert Gordon, and the mine superintendents for Kingston No. 1 and No. 2 to plan 

accordingly.4

 (Tr. 69, 72). If the coal producing section was shut down, Respondent could not 

afford the employees budgeted for that section. (Tr. 70). Kyle Bane, the HR Director for the 

 4

 Shad Allen West was present at the hearing and testified. (Tr. 66). At the time of the 

hearing he was employed by Maxxim Shared Services, a subsidiary of Alpha with responsibility 

over Kingston Mining and Mammoth Coal Company as a human resources manager. (Tr. 66). In 

that capacity he dealt with staffing, labor relations, and workers’ compensation. (Tr. 66). West 

held that position from January 2011 and had no previous HR experience. (Tr. 67). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1583
region covering Kingston, conducted training on employee evaluation forms with a PowerPoint 

presentation (RX-1). (Tr. 71-72). The training discussed employee evaluations, the evaluation 

forms, and the ways to properly conduct evaluations in the event of a layoff. (Tr. 70). 

The evaluation process contained 15 criteria (RX-1, p. 7) that were graded on a scale of 

1-5, with one being the lowest score and five being the highest.5

 (Tr. 73, 75-76, 94-95). There 

were large categories and then subcategories that included the actual criteria. (Tr. 96). One of the 

criterion was “Running Right” and the goal was to grade people on how well they adhered to 

company policy and maintained high ethical standards when conducting business and interacting 

with others. (Tr. 73-74). Another criterion was Job Efficiency, which dealt with whether the 

miner understood his duties and responsibilities, demonstrated knowledge, the ability to analyze 

details and break problems into smaller components, and to make decisions that drove the 

company’s vision. (Tr. 74). Another criterion was Initiative, which dealt with a miner’s skill and 

inventiveness to tackle complex issues, developing strategies that anticipated and exceeded 

business needs and objectives despite associated risk, and generating new ideas that lead to 

financial gain. (Tr. 74-75). The miners were not represented by a union and seniority did not play 

a role in the layoffs. (Tr. 70-72). Management’s stated goal was use the evaluation process to 

keep the most talented employees. (Tr. 72-73). Miners with the lowest scores would be laid off 

in the event of downsizing. (Tr. 95). 

The Human Resources Department asked two people to evaluate each miners: the mine 

superintendent of each mine and the miner’s department head. (Tr. 76). Each candidate would 

then be evaluated on the 1-5 scale using the criteria from the evaluation form. (Tr. 76-77). At 

hearing, West reviewed the evaluation form (RX-1, p. 4). Every employee working as part of the 

underground mine was evaluated. (Tr. 77-78). The two separate Kingston mines were considered 

together and some miners would be transferred after a lay off. (Tr. 88-89). There were also two 

blank boxes for comments to support the numerical ratings. (Tr. 78, 97). 

Harper was evaluated by Helmondollar and Martin on January 29, 2015 (RX-3). (Tr. 79, 

99). At hearing West reviewed the spreadsheet showing Harper’s subtotal score based on the 15 

criteria (RX-2, p. 45-46, line 246). (Tr. 89). The total, rather than subtotal score, included bonus 

points for certifications like EMT or electrician. (Tr. 78, 90). Miners were to be compared using 

their subtotals and the total was used as a tie breaker. (Tr. 90). Harper was evaluated as a scoop 

operator because that was the task he normally conducted. (Tr. 91, 93). Harper’s position , utility 

operator, was a legacy from a time when the mine was owned by a different company and was 

being phased out through attrition. (Tr. 91-93). Harper was the lowest scoring scoop operator at 

both mines. (Tr. 93). 

The only comments initially included for Harper were that he needed to improve his 

“initiative” and his Running Right engagement. (Tr. 107). Later management determined that 

some miners did not have comments and some of the comments were vague with respect to 

 5

 A score of 1 meant unsatisfactory, 2 meant needs development, 3 meant meets 

expectations, 4 meant exceeding expectations, and 5 meant substantially exceeding expectations. 

(Tr. 75-76). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1584
reasons for a low score. (Tr. 107-108). West testified that Harper’s comments were not robust 

enough and better explanations were needed. (Tr. 108). West followed up with the 

superintendent’s to get additional information on the low ratings. (Tr. 108-109). After receiving 

these additional comments, nothing was changed with respect to Helmondollar’s ranking of 

workers. (Tr. 110). 

After the forms were completed they were given to West on February 3 and 4. (Tr. 80). 

West then placed the values into an Excel spreadsheet (RX-2), completing the task on February 

19. (Tr. 80-81, 98, 107-108). The spreadsheet was forwarded to Bane. (Tr. 81). 

On February 26, there was a PG meeting at the Running Right Leadership Academy and 

West met with Helmondollar, Jiles, the maintenance chiefs from both mines, and the mine 

foremen (including Martin). (Tr. 82). That day they were told the number of miners that would 

remain in the event of a layoff. (Tr. 82-83). No decision had yet been made to go forward with 

the layoff. (Tr. 82). West gave the superintendents staffing charts that were blank except for the 

positions. (Tr. 83). The people responsible for making the evaluations were responsible for 

filling out these charts with the budgeted number of miners. (Tr. 83). Helmondollar returned the 

completed staffing chart for the instant mine to West the next day (RX-4). (Tr. 84-85). On March 

27, West compared the staffing chart to the employee evaluations to ensure that the miners laid 

off were the miners with the lowest scores. (Tr. 85-87, 98). West, Helmondollar, and Gordon 

spoke on the phone about the issue. (Tr. 87). Respondent also conducted additional 

“discrimination testing” at the corporate level to ensure there was no disparate impact. (Tr. 86). 

No changes were made to Halmondollar’s original list. (Tr. 87). 

West believed this process was objective. (Tr. 95). He believed the appropriate ratings 

were ensured because two people were involved in the evaluation process. (Tr. 98-99, 102-103). 

Helmondollar was present for the January 22 training with the PowerPoint presentation, but 

Martin was not. (Tr. 99-100, 103). Helmondollar trained him with copies of the PowerPoint. (Tr. 

99, 103). West testified that objectivity was also protected by including the supporting comments 

and reasons for low ratings. (Tr. 100-101, 106-107). When possible he could also cross reference 

the ratings with documents, like attendance records and disciplinary and corrective actions. (Tr. 

100, 105). The evaluators were told to be objective in every case and West believed they went 

out of their way to do so. (Tr. 104). 

However, West agreed it was ultimately a subjective judgement about each miner. (Tr. 

104-105). It was possible that if an evaluator did not like a miner that he could give the miner a 

lower score on any given category. (Tr. 105). Also, for many categories, like “quick learner” it 

was not possible to cross reference a record. (Tr. 101-102). Respondent relied on evaluators to 

understand the mining process to determine a miner’s ability to learn quickly. (Tr. 101-102). 

Relying on an evaluator’s score meant depending on his objectivity. (Tr. 102). 

The decision to go forward with the layoffs was made between March 30 and April 2. 

(Tr. 86). Alderman testified he had no role in the layoff and did not learn about it until April 9. 

(Tr. 115-116). On April 10, 2015, Harper learned from his son that he had been laid off. (Tr. 28, 

52, 88, 115). A total of 23 miners were laid off. (Tr. 88-89). He believed he was laid off for 

37 FMSHRC Page 1585
speaking his opinions and possibly because of his age and health. (Tr. 29). He often spoke his 

mind about what was not right at the mine including the failure to properly clean the section. (Tr. 

29-30). He also spoke with state regulators and management about safety issues, sometimes in 

front of the crew. (Tr. 53). Humphrey believed that Harper’s claim was not frivolous and that he 

suffered discrimination for his safety complaints. (Tr. 53). Humphrey also believed that Harper 

was inaccurately evaluated for the layoff.6

 (Tr. 53-54). 

Findings and conclusions 

Protected Activity and Adverse Employment Action 

 As discussed supra, to obtain a temporary reinstatement a miner must raise a nonfrivolous claim that he engaged in protected activity with a connection, or nexus, to an adverse 

employment action. The initial issue here is whether Harper engaged in activity that triggered 

those protections. 

 Under the Act, protected activity includes filing or making a complaint of an alleged 

danger, or safety or health violation, instituting any proceeding under the Act, testifying in any 

such proceeding, or exercising any statutory right afforded by the Act. See 30 U.S.C. § 815(c)(1); 

See also Sec=y of Labor on behalf of Pasula v. Consolidation Coal Co., 2 FMSHRC 2786 (Oct. 

1980), rev=d on other grounds sub nom. Consolidation Coal Co. v. Marshall, 663 F.2d 1211 

(3rd Cir. 1981). According to the legislative history: 

The Committee intends that the scope of the protected activities be broadly 

interpreted by the Secretary, and intends it to include not only the filing of 

complaints seeking inspection... or the participation in mine inspections... but 

also the refusal to work in conditions which are believed to be unsafe or 

unhealthful and the refusal to comply with orders which are violative of the Act or 

any standard promulgated thereunder, or the participation by a miner or his 

representative in any administrative and judicial proceeding under the Act. 

(S. Rep. No. 181, 95th Cong., 1st Sess. 35-36 (1977), reprinted in Senate Subcommittee on 

Labor, Committee on Human Resources, 95th Cong. 2nd Sess., Legislative History of the 

Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (1978). Further, “the listing of protected rights 

contained in section [105(c)(1)] is intended to be illustrative and not exclusive.” Id. 

 In this matter, Harper testified that he engaged in a long-term campaign of protected 

activity that began no later than early January 2015. Specifically, he testified that in early 

January 2015, he began to complain to Bragg about the cleanliness of the section. (Tr. 17-18, 48-

49). He continued to raise this issue daily until he was laid off. (Tr. 18, 48-49). He also 

 6

 Humphrey was familiar with the evaluation because this was not the first 105(c) case 

arising from that evaluation. (Tr. 54). Bragg had also been evaluated by Martin and 

Helmondollar and Humphrey also believed he was inaccurately evaluated. (Tr. 54). Humphrey 

did not interview Martin, Helmondollar, or Bragg. (Tr. 54-55).

37 FMSHRC Page 1586
complained about this issue to Murphy at a safety meeting. (Tr. 19, 32-33, 48-49). These 

conditions started before Alderman took over as foreman/superintendent. (Tr. 30-31). 

 Also in early 2015, Harper spoke to state inspectors about miners bolting twice in return 

air. (Tr. 24, 39, 52). This action was a violation of the ventilation plan and constituted a safety 

hazard. Eventually, the state inspector returned to the mine and spoke with management about 

the condition. (Tr. 24-25, 39-40). 

 Harper also testified that while at the mine he voiced concerns about the OPG to other 

miners. (Tr. 27). He also complained to Martin and Helmondollar. (Tr. 28, 49). In particular, he 

was concerned that the OPG was telling miners to work more quickly. (Tr. 43). Harper believed 

that working more quickly would affect safety. (Tr. 43). It is not exactly clear when this activity 

occurred but Harper’s testimony implied his complaints were ongoing and certainly occurred 

before Alderman took over. 

 Finally, just a few weeks before the layoff, Harper testified that he had a confrontation 

with Alderman. Alderman had received a complaint card regarding miners bolting twice in return 

air. (Tr. 21, 25, 37-38, 50-51, 122). According to Harper, Alderman attempted to find out who 

had submitted the card, claiming that others were “not man enough” to tell him. (Tr. 21, 37, 51). 

Harper testified that he confronted Alderman and told him that under company policy he was not 

supposed to attempt to find out the identity of someone making a safety complaint. (Tr. 22, 51-

52). 

 Taken together, Harper’s testimony regarding his actions constitutes a series of ongoing 

safety complaints. Starting at least from January 2015, Harper lodged safety complaints and 

caused the institution of a state safety investigation. Those actions would constitute protected 

activity under the Mine Act. 

 At hearing and in its brief, Respondent argued that Harper’s complaint was not protected 

activity. (Respondent’s Memo at 10-13). Specifically, Respondent argued that Harper’s 

complaint only referenced the fact that the evening shift was not cleaning properly. 

(Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 11). Respondent claimed this was his opinion about the 

performance of another crew rather than a safety complaint. (Id.). Further, Respondent argued 

even if Harper made additional complaints they were specious because the section was clean and 

Respondent had not been cited for it. (Id. at 11-12). Respondent also argued that Harper never 

confronted Alderman regarding the Running Right Program and that even if he did, he was not 

making a safety complaint but instead “questioning Mr. Alderman’s administration of that 

process.” (Id. at 13). Finally, at hearing Respondent’s counsel claimed that all of the protected 

activity alleged by Harper in this case occurred after Harper received his low evaluation for the 

purposes of layoff. (Tr. 139-140). Further, Respondent took great pains at hearing to demonstrate 

that the layoff process was objective and fair. 

 With respect to Respondent’s first argument, regardless of what Harper claimed in his 

initial complaint, testimony at hearing made clear that this was a safety complaint. The 

cleanliness of the section and whether another crew was performing its task bore direct relation 

37 FMSHRC Page 1587
on whether there were accumulations of combustible material on the section. Clearly this would 

be a safety issue and therefore Harper’s complaints were related to a safety concern. 

 With respect to the remaining arguments, the above-cited case law is quite clear that the 

ALJ should not resolve conflicts in testimony at a temporary reinstatement proceeding. Ultimate 

credibility assessments and fully scale discovery enquiries are beyond the statutory scope of 

temporary reinstatement proceedings and are to be reserved for the full on-the-merits section 

105(c) hearing. Further, under Sec’y of Labor on behalf of Ratliff v. Cobra Natural Resources, 

LLC, if the objectivity of the layoff as applied to the miner is called into question in the 

temporary reinstatement phase of the litigation, the ALJ must apply “the not frivolously brought” 

standard contained in section 105(c)(2). 35 FMSHRC 394 (Feb. 2013). 

 Respondent essentially asserts two intertwined arguments to avoid the mandates of 

applicable case law in respect to temporary reinstatement and tolling proceedings. First, 

Respondent advances a variant of the post hoc ergo propter hoc argument7: the miner’s layoff 

took place after the employee evaluation rankings had been concluded; therefore the miner’s 

layoff was solely because of his low ranking. Secondly, since the employee rankings were 

completed before much of the miner’s protected activity, the temporary reinstatement/tolling 

issue can be resolved without need for credibility determinations. 

 Placing aside the problematic logic of Respondent’s assertions, the ALJ notes that 

Respondent’s arguments rest upon factual assumptions that would demand ultimate credibility 

determinations that only could be reached after complete discovery and a full on-the-merits 

hearing. Initially, there is some question as to whether the employee evaluations had in fact been 

completed before any of the miner’s protected activity had taken place. As discussed supra, in 

January 2015 Harper began to complain about the cleanliness of the section, in early 2015 he 

complained to state inspectors about the mining process, and he appeared to make ongoing 

complaints about OPG before Helmondollar and Martin conducted the evaluations in February. 

Furthermore, even if the evaluations had been initially completed before the layoff, there is an 

additional question as to whether there had been any changes in the rankings after the miner had 

expressed his safety complaints. As West testified, additional comments were added to Harper’s 

evaluation much later in the process. (Tr. 107-110). 

 Even without Harper and Humphrey’s testimony that protected activity occurred before 

Respondent’s evaluation commenced, there is a non-frivolous issue regarding the effect Harper’s 

complaints had on his layoff. After spending more than forty years in the law, this court has 

observed countless instances where dates and time periods have been asserted that were later 

found to be inaccurate and/or manipulated. 

 Further, many of the criteria utilized by Respondent in ranking miners (for layoff) struck 

this ALJ as being extremely subjective with associated numerical values that could be easily 

 7

 Latin for “after this, therefore because of this” – a logical fallacy that has been the basis 

for many superstitions and erroneous beliefs. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1588
manipulated to punish an offending miner for protected activity.8

 It is significant that Respondent 

explicitly failed to take into account seniority, one truly objective standard. In fact, West 

conceded at hearing that the rankings criteria were, ultimately, subjective. (Tr. 104-105). 

 

 The ALJ recognizes that Respondent’s layoffs may have been conducted in an objective 

manner, that the Respondent may have reached its ranking of Harper in good faith and that a 

valid affirmative defense may well exist. However, such ultimate credibility and fact 

determinations and legal conclusions are beyond the scope of this proceeding. 

 Therefore, the ALJ finds that Harper’s claim that he engaged in protected activity was not 

frivolously brought. 

 The next issue is whether Harper suffered an adverse action. According to the Act and 

well-settled Commission precedent, suffering a discharge is an adverse employment action. 30 

USC ' 815(c)(1); see also Moses v. Whitley Dev. Corp., 4 FMSHRC 1475, 1478 (Aug. 1982), 

aff'd, 770 F.2d 168 (6th Cir. 1985). It is uncontested that Harper was laid off on April 10, 2015. 

 8

 My esteemed colleague, Judge Andrews, apparently reached the same conclusion in 

assessing such. See Sec’y of Labor on behalf of Brooks v. Kingston Mining, Inc., 2015 WL 

3932760 (Jun. 19, 2015). In that case, Judge Andrews evaluated the same layoff at issue here 

with respect to a different miner. He concluded: 

At hearing Respondent presented extensive evidence showing that it 

created an objective method for determining the layoffs. Specifically, it created an 

evaluation form, reviewed by two or three members of management, to rank 

employees based on objective measures. (Tr. 63-64, 7677, 80-81). Those rankings 

were then used to determine layoffs. (Tr. 73, 125-126). 

Ultimately, I am unconvinced by the evidence showing that the layoffs 

were conducted in an objective manner. Both Bane and West admitted under 

cross examination that values could be subjectively assigned to a miner to ensure 

that he received a low ranking. (Tr. 82, 133). The extent to which Brooks’ scores, 

particularly for “attitude” and “right thing,” were low because of his protected 

activity, rather than work performance, is not clear. Similarly, Respondent’s 

impression that Brooks did not get along with others may have been related to his 

service in a safety capacity and consequently being considered a “snitch” by other 

employees. (Tr. 39). There is reason to believe that that Brooks’ layoff occurred, 

at least in part, because of his safety complaint and his decision to participate in a 

Commission proceeding. Under Commission case law, an ALJ is permitted to 

review an operator’s proffered objective layoff procedure to ensure that it is not a 

rationalization of a discriminatory action. See Sec’y of Labor on behalf of Ratliff 

v. Cobra Natural Resources, LLC, 35 FMSHRC 394 (Feb. 2013). 

Id. at *14. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1589
(Tr. 28, 52, 88, 115). Therefore, Harper’s claim that he suffered an adverse employment action is 

not frivolous. 

 Nexus between the protected activity and the alleged discrimination 

Having concluded that Harper engaged in protected activity and suffered an adverse 

employment action, the examination now turns to whether that activity has a connection, or 

nexus, to the April 10 layoff. The Commission recognizes that direct proof of discriminatory 

intent is often not available and that the nexus between protected activity and the alleged 

discrimination must often be drawn by inference from circumstantial evidence rather than from 

direct evidence. Phelps Dodge Corp., 3 FMSHRC at 2510. The Commission has identified 

several circumstantial indicia of discriminatory intent, including: (1) hostility or animus toward 

the protected activity; (2) knowledge of the protected activity; (3) coincidence in time between 

the protected activity and the adverse action; and (4) disparate treatment of the complainant. See, 

e.g., CAM Mining, LLC, 31 FMSHRC at 1089; see also, Phelps Dodge Corp., 3 FMSHRC at 

2510. 

Knowledge of the protected activity 

According to the Commission, “the Secretary need not prove that the operator has 

knowledge of the complainant’s activity in a temporary reinstatement proceeding, only that there 

is a non-frivolous issue as to knowledge.” CAM Mining, LLC, 31 FMSHRC at 1090 citing

Chicopee Coal Co., 21 FMSHRC at 719. In fact, evidence is sufficient to support a finding of 

knowledge if an operator erroneously suspects a miner made safety complaints, even if no 

complaint was made. See Moses v. Whitley, 4 FMSHRC at 1478. 

Here, many of the Harper’s protected complaints were made directly to members of 

management. Harper complained to Bragg and to Murphy regarding the cleanliness of the 

section. (Tr. 17-19, 32-33, 48-49). He also complained to Helmondollar and Martin about OPG. 

(Tr. 28, 49). Significantly, Helmondollar and Martin were the members of management who 

evaluated Harper for the purposes of his layoff. (Tr. 79, 99). Further, he complained directly to 

Alderman regarding the Running Right program. (Tr. 22, 51-52). Harper also complained to a 

West Virginia state inspector and was aware that the inspector later spoke to management. (Tr. 

24, 39, 52). While the evidence for knowledge here is less straightforward, it is not absurd to 

believe that management would conclude Harper was behind the investigation given his 

penchant for safety complaints. Therefore, I find that Harper has raised a non-frivolous issue as 

to whether Respondent had knowledge of his protected activity. 

 

 In its brief, Respondent argued that all of Harper’s complaints were made to Murphy, 

Bragg, and Alderman and that these three individuals had no role in Harper’s layoff. 

(Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 14). Only Helmondollar and Martin were involved in that 

decision. (Id.) Respondent’s argument fails for two reasons. First, as noted supra, Harper’s 

complaints regarding OPG were made directly to Helmondollar and Martin. Further, the issue is 

whether Respondent had knowledge of Harper’s protected activity, not whether any particular 

member of management had actual knowledge. As a general matter, the knowledge of an agent is 

37 FMSHRC Page 1590
imputed to the operator under the Mine Act. See Martin Marietta Aggregates, 22 FMSHRC 633, 

637 (May 2000); Pocahontas Fuel Co., 8 IBMA 136, 147 (Sept. 1977) aff'd 590 F.2d 95 (4th 

Cir. 1979) (Coal Act case) (adopting the common law principle that acts or knowledge of an 

agent are attributable to a principal); see also Sec’y of Labor on behalf of J. Don Arnold v. BHP 

Navajo Coal Company, 2015 WL 2174407, *31 (Apr. 24, 2015)(ALJ Lewis). There is a nonfrivolous issue as to whether Murphy, Bragg, or Alderman shared the information they learned 

from Harper with Helmondollar and Martin before the layoff occurred. Therefore, there is 

sufficient evidence of knowledge to support such a finding for the purposes of a temporary 

reinstatement. 

Coincidence in time between the protected activity and the adverse action 

The Commission has accepted substantial gaps between the last protected activity and 

adverse employment action. See e.g. CAM Mining, LLC, 31 FMSHRC at 1090 (three weeks) and 

Sec=y of Labor on behalf of Hyles v. All American Asphalt, 21 FMSHRC 34 (Jan. 1999) (a 16-

month gap existed between the miners= contact with MSHA and the operator=s failure to recall 

miners from a layoff; however, only one month separated MSHA=s issuance of a penalty 

resulting from the miners= notification of a violation and that recall failure). The Commission 

has stated “We ‘appl[y] no hard and fast criteria in determining coincidence in time between 

protected activity and subsequent adverse action when assessing an illegal motive. Surrounding 

factors and circumstances may influence the effect to be given to such coincidence in time.’” All 

American Asphalt, 21 FMSHRC at 47 (quoting Hicks v. Cobra Mining, Inc., 13 FMSHRC 523, 

531 (Apr. 1991). 

Here, Harper made several safety complaints starting in early January and continued to 

do so right up until the time he was laid off. Further, he was making these complaints during the 

course of Respondent’s decision-making process regarding layoffs. As a result, I find that the 

time span between the protected activities and the adverse action easily meets the threshold 

requirements for a temporary reinstatement proceeding. 

Respondent argued that Harper’s alleged complaints were, in fact, too close to the 

adverse employment action. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 16). Specifically, it argued that 

all of Harper’s protected activity occurred after his low evaluation and therefore did not 

contribute to his layoff. (Id.). As demonstrated supra, there is a non-frivlous issue as to whether 

some of Harper’s protected activity occurred before the evaluation, the objectivity of the 

evaluations, and whether changes were made in the evaluation after the protected activity. 

Therefore, the timing here is sufficient to establish a nexus. 

Hostility or animus towards the protected activity 

The Commission has held, “[h]ostility towards protected activity--sometimes referred to 

as ‘animus'--is another circumstantial factor pointing to discriminatory motivation. The more 

such animus is specifically directed towards the alleged discriminatee's protected activity, the 

more probative weight it carries.” Secretary of Labor on behalf of Chacon v. Phelps Dodge 

Corporation, 3 FMSHRC 2508, 2511 (Nov. 1981) (citations omitted). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1591
 Harper testified that Helmondollar and Martin were dismissive of his safety complaints. 

Specifically, when Harper complained about OPG, Martin and Helmondollar told him that 

everyone had to follow the OPG’s recommendations. (Tr. 27). He also testified that Alderman 

was openly hostile to safety complaints and attempted to find out who had complained about 

miners bolting twice in return air. (Tr. 51). This was a violation of company policy. (Tr. 22-23, 

51-52). Further, Respondent’s actions in giving Harper a low overall performance rating and his 

low reputation with management that this rating implies, also demonstrate animus towards 

Harper’s protected activity. See e.g. Cobra Natural Resources, LLC, 35 FMSHRC 101, 115 

(2013)(ALJ Steele) aff’d 35 FMSHRC 394 (Feb. 2013). These actions constitute animus 

sufficient to meet the evidentiary standards of a temporary reinstatement. 

 Respondent argued that there was no animus in this case and that the company had an 

excellent record with respect to accumulation violations, showing it took cleanup issues 

seriously. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 15-16). Determining the cleanliness of the section 

at issues would require making credibility assessments which, as discussed supra, are barred at 

this time. Further, even if the area were clean, that would not change the animus demonstrated by 

management towards Harper’s safety complaints. 

Disparate Treatment 

“Typical forms of disparate treatment are encountered where employees guilty of the 

same, or more serious, offenses than the alleged discriminatee escape the disciplinary fate which 

befalls the latter.” Secretary of Labor on behalf of Chacon v. Phelps Dodge Corp., 3 FMSHRC 

2508, 2512 (Nov. 1981). The Commission has previously held that evidence of disparate 

treatment is not necessary to prove a prima facie claim of discrimination when the other indicia 

of discriminatory intent are present. Id. at 2510-2513. 

In the instant matter, insufficient evidence was presented to establish that Harper faced 

disparate treatment. 

However, as has already been shown, there is sufficient evidence to conclude that this 

discrimination claim was not frivolously brought as it relates to animus, knowledge, and 

coincidence in time. Therefore, I find that the Secretary has established a nexus between Harper 

protected activity and the Respondent=s subsequent adverse action. 

Conclusion 

In concluding that Harper’s complaint herein was not frivolously brought, I find that 

there is reason to believe that Harper made safety complaints in January through April 2015 and 

that he caused a state investigation to be instituted against Respondent. I also conclude there was 

a non-frivolous issue as to whether Harper suffered an adverse employment action. Finally, I 

conclude that there was reason to believe Respondent was aware of Harper’s actions, that 

Respondent showed animus toward Harper, and that there was a close connection in time 

between the alleged protected activity and the disparate treatment. Therefore, there is a non37 FMSHRC Page 1592
frivolous issue as to whether there was a nexus between the protected activity and the adverse 

employment action.

ORDER 

For the reasons set forth above, it is ORDERED that Complainant Thomas Harper be 

reinstated by Respondent to his former position, or the equivalent, at the same rate of pay, hours 

worked, and with all other benefits he was receiving at the time of his discharge, effective the 

date of this decision. The parties may elect to economically reinstate Harper if Respondent so 

desires and Harper and the Secretary freely agree. 

The court retains jurisdiction over this temporary reinstatement proceeding. 29 C.F.R. § 

2700.45(e)(4). The Secretary SHALL complete the investigation of the underlying 

discrimination complaint as soon as possible but no later than 90 DAYS following the receipt of 

the complaint of discrimination. 30 U.S.C. § 815(c)(3). Immediately upon completion of the 

investigation, the Secretary SHALL notify counsel for Respondent and my office, in writing, 

whether a violation of Section 105(c) of the Mine Act has occurred. Id. If, upon expiration of the 

statutory period a decision has not been made, I will entertain a motion to issue an order to show 

cause why the reinstatement should not be terminated. 

 /s/ John Kent Lewis 

John Kent Lewis 

 Administrative Law Judge 

Distribution: (Certified Mail) 

J. Matthew McCracken, Esq., Office of the Solicitor, U.S. Department of Labor, 201 12th Street 

South, Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22202-5450 

Arthur Wolfson, Esq., Jackson Kelly, PLLC, Three Gateway Center, 401 Liberty Ave., Suite 

1500, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 

Thomas Harper, 1594 Harper Hill Road, Little Birch, WV 26629 

37 FMSHRC Page 1593
FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION 

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES 

1331 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W., SUITE 520N 

WASHINGTON, DC 20004-1710 

TELEPHONE: 202-434-9958 / FAX: 202-434-9949 

July 16, 2015 

 

DECISION 

Appearances: Lauren A. Polk, Esq., U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Solicitor, 

Denver, Colorado for Petitioner 

 J.D. Terry, Esq., Warrior Investment Company, Inc., Japser, Alabama for 

Respondent

Before: Judge Barbour 

In this civil penalty case arising under sections 105(d) and 110(i) of the Federal Mine 

Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act), as amended (30 U.S.C. §§ 815(d), 820(i)), the 

Secretary of Labor (Secretary) on behalf of his Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) 

seeks the assessment of civil penalties for two alleged violations of mandatory safety standards 

for the nation’s underground coal mines. The standards are set forth at 30 C.F.R. Part 75. In 

citing the alleged violations MSHA’s inspectors made findings as to whether the violations were 

significant and substantial contributions to mine safety hazards (S&S violations). They also 

made findings regarding the violations’ gravity and the negligence of Warrior Investment 

Company, Inc. (Warrior Investment or the company). The violations purportedly occurred at an 

underground bituminous coal mine owned and operated by Warrior Investment. The mine is 

located near Jasper, Alabama. 

Following issuance of the citations, the Secretary proposed civil penalties. When the 

company contested the Secretary’s assessments, the Secretary filed the subject petition 

requesting the Commission assess the penalties as proposed. The company answered, admitting 

it was subject to the Mine Act, but denying the violations occurred, or, if they did, stating that the 

proposed penalties were inappropriate. The Commission’s Chief Judge assigned the case to the 

court, which directed the parties to engage in discussions to determine if the alleged violations 

could be settled. The court advised the parties that it would receive evidence and arguments 

concerning allegations the parties could not settle. The parties ultimately agreed to settle one of 

the violations. The other violation was tried on March 18, 2015, in Birmingham, Alabama.

SECRETARY OF LABOR 

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

 ADMINISTRATION (MSHA), 

 Petitioner, 

 v. 

WARRIOR INVESTMENT COMPANY, 

INC., 

 Respondent. 

 CIVIL PENALTY PROCEEDING: 

Docket No. SE 2014-388 

A.C. No. 01-03419-351947 

Mine: Maxine-Pratt Mine 

37 FMSHRC Page 1594
THE MINE and THE INSPECTION 

 The company’s Maxine-Pratt mine contains four belt conveyers. Tr. 23. The violation 

that went to hearing allegedly occurred on the 15 West section. Id. Two conveyers are on the 

section, 15 West and 15-5. Id. The 15 West belt runs east-west, and the 15-5 belt runs northsouth. Tr. 64-65. The alleged violation occurred on the 15-5 belt. Tr. 32-33. 

Randall Weekly is an MSHA inspector. Tr. 108. At the time of the events in question, he 

had over nine years of experience with MSHA. Id. On the morning of March 5, 2014, Weekly 

traveled to the Maxine-Pratt Mine to continue an earlier inspection. Tr. 112-113. Shortly after 

arriving and before traveling underground, Weekly met with mine foreman Joseph Holbrook. Tr. 

113. Weekly learned that earlier that morning section foreman Charles Gunroe was injured while 

cleaning coal and mud off part of the 15-5 conveyer belt. Id. Weekly also learned that Gunroe 

was being brought to the surface, and he briefly spoke with Gunroe about the accident and 

Gunroe’s injury before Gunroe was taken to the hospital. Tr. 114-115. Weekly then went 

underground, spoke to several of the miners who worked with Gunroe, concluded the accident 

was the result of a violation of a mandatory safety standard, and issued Citation No. 8526289 to 

the company for the alleged violation.1

 The citation was issued pursuant to section 104(a) of the 

Act. 30 U.S.C. §814(a). 

 THE ALLEGED VIOLATION 

CITATION NO. DATE 30 C.F.R. § PROPOSED PENALTY 

8526289 3/5/14 75.1725(c) $5,961 

The citation states: 

On the 15 west section on the 15-5 belt, the 

belt was not locked out or blocked against 

motion when maintenance was being 

performed on it on the day shift. The 

section [f]oreman was cleaning coal and 

mud off of a top roller frame when the belt 

started pulling his arm between the top belt 

and roller injuring his arm severely enough 

that he was transported to the hospital to 

receive medical treatment. If this condition 

is allowed to exist persons working on the 

belt would receive permanently disabling or 

fatal injuries while working on the belt. 

Gov’t Exh. 1. 

 

 1

 Weekly’s inspection additionally resulted in the issuance of Citation No. 8529309, the 

citation the parties settled. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1595
Section 75.1725(c) states: 

 Repairs or maintenance shall not be 

performed on machinery until the power 

is off and the machinery is blocked against 

motion, except where machinery motion is 

necessary to make adjustments. 

Charles Gunroe, the injured second shift section foreman, was called to testify by the 

Secretary. Tr. 16. Gunroe stated that at the time of the accident he had 14 years of mining 

experience. Tr. 17. On March 5, he arrived at the mine at 6:00 a.m. and proceeded to the face of 

the 15 West section. Tr. 25-26. Gunroe and his crew began to mine when the tailpiece of the 15-

5 conveyer belt started spilling coal. Tr. 26. Gunroe instructed his men to stop mining and to 

adjust the tailpiece. Id. The belt was shut down. There were piles of coal at each end of the belt. 

Tr. 28. Gunroe thought that the tailpiece and rollers near it needed to be cleaned and adjusted to 

prevent the spillage and to keep the belt from breaking. Id.

As Gunroe and his crew were cleaning and adjusting a roller near the tail piece, Gunroe 

noticed mud on the roller. Tr. 33. Gunroe was holding a piece of wood. Tr. 34. He attempted to 

remove the mud, using the piece of wood. Tr. 40. Due to the low roof, Gunroe was on his knees 

and he bent over and toward the belt as he attempted to remove the mud. Tr. 46-47. Gunroe stuck 

his arm between the frame of the belt and the belt roller. Tr. 38. As he did so, a miner on 

Gunroe’s crew turned on the belt. Tr. 48. Almost immediately, Gunroe’s arm was pulled between 

the belt and the roller. Id. (Gunroe believed that the belt caught his shirt, and this caused his arm 

to be caught. Id.) The belt was quickly turned off. Tr. 49. Gunroe’s crew cut him free of the belt. 

Tr. 49-50. Gunroe testified that he was in a lot of pain. Tr. 49. He stated he felt like an elephant 

was standing on his arm. Id. He knew he needed medical attention and began to ascend from the 

mine, meeting Holbrook on the way. Tr. 51. Once he reached the surface, Gunroe briefly met 

with Weekly before heading to the hospital. Tr. 52. A representative of the company, Bobby 

Meadows, accompanied Gunroe to the hospital. Id.

2

 THE VIOLATION 

 The court finds that the violation occurred as charged. The language of the standard is 

clear and must be applied as written. The standard pertains to machinery or equipment that is 

being repaired or maintained. Walker Stone Co., 19 FMSHRC 48, 51 (Jan. 1997)3

; Jim Walter 

Res., Inc., 28 FMSHRC 983, 987-88 (Dec. 2006). The cited conveyer belt was both machinery 

(“all devices . . . which permit a thing to function or accomplish an end”) and equipment (“the 

 2

 Gunroe still had a knot in his arm at the time of hearing, but suffered no permanent 

damage to his arm, regaining full use of it. He was unable to work in the mine for a month after 

the accident, during which time he sat in the mine office or received physical therapy. Tr. 55-56. 

3

 Although Walker Stone concerns 30 C.F.R §56.14105, the metal nonmetal standard 

pertaining to procedures used during repairs or maintenance of machinery or equipment, the 

Commission’s holdings regarding interpretation of section 56.14105 and the meaning of “repair” 

and maintenance apply equally to similarly worded section 75.1725(c).

37 FMSHRC Page 1596
implements . . . used in operation or activity”). Webster's Third New Int'l Dictionary, 

Unabridged 768 (1986). Equally important, cleaning the mud and coal from the rollers and 

adjusting the tail piece were both “repair” (“to restore to a sound . . . state”) and maintenance 

(“[p]roper care, repair, and keeping in good order”). Webster's at 1923 (1986); A Dictionary of 

Mining, Mineral, and Related Terms 675 (1968). 

 There is no doubt that the belt was not powered off or blocked against motion when 

Gunroe was injured. Tr. 135. The court accepts Gunroe’s testimony that the belt needed to be 

shut down and the tailpiece cleaned to prevent the belt from breaking and to stop the spillage. Tr. 

26-28. The court rejects the company’s assertion that maintenance was not being performed on 

the belt at the time of injury, as Gunroe’s act of attempting to remove the mud from the roller 

was part of his overall effort to “[keep the belt] in good order” and thus was clearly an act of 

maintenance within the meaning of section 75.1275(c). Webster’s at 1923 (1986). Because 

Gunroe was performing repair and maintenance on the 15-5 belt, because the power to the belt 

was not locked out even though the belt was shut down, and because the belt was not blocked 

against motion, the company violated section 75.1725(c). 

GRAVITY and S&S 

As the Commission has noted, the gravity penalty criteria and a finding of S&S are not 

identical, but are frequently based on the same evidence. Quinland Coals, Inc., 9 FMSHRC 

1614, 1622 n.11 (Sept. 1987). The court finds Weekly’s analysis of the gravity of the violation 

persuasive. Weekly noted that Gunroe was lucky to have survived, as accidents of this sort are 

often at least permanently disabling, and if Gunroe had not been quickly cut free and the power 

to the belt had not been quickly shut off, the result easily could have been fatal. Tr. 133. The 

court finds that the violation was serious. 

The court further agrees with the Secretary that the violation was S&S. A violation is 

S&S, “if, based upon the particular facts surrounding the violation there exists a reasonable 

likelihood that the hazard contributed to will result in an injury or illness of a reasonably serious 

nature.” Cement Div., National Gypsum Co., 3 FMSHRC 822, 825 (Apr. 1981). The 

Commission explained: 

 In order to establish that a violation of a mandatory safety 

 standard is significant and substantial under National Gypsum, 

 the Secretary . . . must prove: (1) the underlying violation of a 

 mandatory safety standard; (2) a discrete safety hazard – that 

 is a measure of danger to safety – contributed to by the 

 violation; (3) a reasonable likelihood that the hazard contributed 

 to will result in an injury; and (4) a reasonable likelihood that the 

injury in question will be of a reasonably serious nature. 

 

Mathies Coal Co. 6 FMSHRC 1, 3-4 (Jan. 1984).

 The court believes that all four elements have been met. There was an underlying 

violation of a mandatory safety standard. Power to the belt was not off and the belt was not 

37 FMSHRC Page 1597
blocked while maintenance was underway, creating a discrete safety hazard. As evidenced by the 

fact that the accident happened, there was a reasonable likelihood that an injury would result, 

fulfilling the third element. Lastly, it was reasonably likely that the injury in question would be 

reasonably serious. Indeed, as noted above, Gunroe was lucky to survive. Tr. 133. 

NEGLIGENCE

Weekly also found that the company was highly negligent in allowing the violation. Gov. 

Exh. 1. He noted that Gunroe was an agent of the operator as a foreman and knew what he was 

doing was wrong.4

 Tr. 157. While it is true, as Respondent’s counsel noted, that there is an 

exception to imputing the negligence of a supervisor to the company, Gunroe’s conduct does not 

fall within the exception. The exception only applies [“w]here . . . an operator has taken 

reasonable steps to avoid a particular class of accident and the erring supervisor unforeseeably 

exposes only himself to risk.” Nacco Mining Co., 3 FMSHRC 848, 850. In this case, neither 

element of the exception is satisfied. 

The court recognizes the company trained Gunroe on belt safety. However, Gunroe must 

not have paid attention. He testified that he had cleaned the rollers in the same way before and he 

had witnessed other miners doing it as well. Tr. 48. In the context of continuing mining, it was 

not unforeseeable that the accident would happen. In addition, the company offered no evidence 

Gunroe received any discipline for his actions or that it took reasonable steps to avoid the type of 

accident that was foreseeable. Gunroe was also not the only one at risk; by not locking and 

tagging out the belt, the other miners were also at risk of the belt suddenly being turned on. The 

court concludes the unsafe practice was pervasive and the company should have known about it 

and taken steps beyond routine training to stop it. 

High negligence is appropriate when the actor has knowledge of the violative condition 

and fails to act. Deshetty, emp. by Island Creek Coal Co., 16 FMSHRC 1046, 1053 (May 1994). 

Gunroe was aware that the belt was not locked out and not blocked against motion when he 

attempted to clean the mud. Tr. 37. Given this and the fact that the exception to attributing the 

negligence of a supervisor to the company does not apply, the court agrees with the Secretary 

that the company was highly negligent. 

OTHER CIVIL PENALTY CRITERIA 

The parties stipulated that the company exhibited good faith in abating the violation. Joint 

Exh. 1 at 2. No testimony was given on the size of the company. Therefore, the court accepts the 

Secretary’s findings as to the size of the company and as a result finds that while the subject 

mine is small, the company as a controlling entity is large. In addition, no testimony was given 

regarding the impact of the civil penalties assessed on the company’s ability to continue in 

business. Therefore, the court assumes there is no impact. The Secretary submitted a printout 

purporting to show all violations cited and assessed at the mine that became final between 

September 5, 2012, and March 4, 2014. Gov’t Ex. 5. There are 83 such final violations. The 

court finds that the company had a large history of prior violations. 

 4

 Weekly reached the conclusion that Gunroe knew what he was doing was wrong based 

on Gunroe’s experience, training, and position. Tr. 136-137. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1598
ASSESSMENT OF CIVIL PENALTIES 

CITATION NO. DATE 30 C.F.R. § PROPOSED PENALTY ASSESSMENT 

8526289 3/5/14 75.1725(c) $5,961 $5,961 

The court finds that the violation was serious and the company’s negligence was 

high. Given these findings and the other civil penalty criteria, the court assesses a penalty 

of $5,961 for the violation. 

SETTLED VIOLATION 

The parties agreed to settle one alleged violation. At the close of the hearing, counsel for 

the Secretary read the details of the settlement into the record. Tr. 217-221. The settlement is as 

follows: 

CITATION NO. DATE 30 C.F.R.§ PROPOSED PENALTY SETTLEMENT AMOUNT 

8529309 4/23/14 75.220(a)(1) $1,026 $700 

 

There are no modifications to the citation. However, the reasons for the settlement were 

explained by counsel after which the settlement was approved on the record by the court. Tr. 

221. 

ORDER 

In view of the conclusions, findings, and approval set forth above, within 30 days of the 

date of this decision the company SHALL PAY civil penalties in the amount of $6,661 ($5,961 

for the contested violations and $700 for the settled violations).5 Upon PAYMENT of the 

penalties, this proceeding IS DISMISSED.6

/s/ David F. Barbour 

 David F. Barbour 

Administrative Law Judge 

 5

 Payment shall be sent to: MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, U.S. 

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, PAYMENT OFFICE, BOX 790390, ST. LOUIS, MO 63179-

0390. 

6

 This decision was prepared by Commission Intern Cole Stevens.

37 FMSHRC Page 1599
Distribution: (Certified Mail) 

Lauren A. Polk, Esq., U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Solicitor, 1244 Speer Blvd., Suite 

216, Denver, CO 80204 

J.D. Terry, Esq./Safety Director, Warrior Investment Co., Inc., 218 Highway 195, Jasper, AL 

35503 

/db 

37 FMSHRC Page 1600
FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES 

721 19TH STREET, SUITE 443 

DENVER, CO 80202-2536 

303-844-3577 FAX 303-844-5268

July 17, 2015 

THE AMERICAN COAL COMPANY, 

 Contestant 

 v. 

SECRETARY OF LABOR 

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

 ADMINISTRATION (MSHA), 

 Respondent 

SECRETARY OF LABOR 

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

 ADMINISTRATION (MSHA), 

 Petitioner 

 

 v. 

THE AMERICAN COAL COMPANY, 

 Respondent 

 CONTEST PROCEEDINGS 

Docket No. LAKE 2007-215-R 

Order No. 6669778; 08/15/2007 

Docket No. LAKE 2007-216-R 

Order No. 6669779; 08/15/2007 

Galatia Mine 

Mine ID. 11-02752 

CIVIL PENALTY PROCEEDINGS 

Docket No. LAKE 2007-171 

A.C. No. 11-02752-122978-08 

 

Docket No. LAKE 2007-172 

A.C. No. 11-02752-122978-09 

 

Docket No. LAKE 2007-202 

A.C. No. 11-02752-125002-01 

Docket No. LAKE 2007-205 

A.C. No. 11-02752-125002-04 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-004 

A.C. No. 11-02752-127021-01 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-037 

A.C. No. 11-02752-129287 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-080 

A.C. No. 11-02752-131664-01 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-082 

A.C. No. 11-02752-131664-02 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-120 

A.C. No. 11-02752-133868-02 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-139 

A.C. No. 11-02752-136300-02 

37 FMSHRC Page 1601
 Docket No. LAKE 2008-140 

A.C. No. 11-02752-136300-03 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-141 

A.C. No. 11-02752-136300-04 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-143 

A.C. No. 11-02752-136300-06 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-231 

A.C. No. 11-02752-139912-01 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-232 

A.C. No. 11-02752-139912-02 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-234 

A.C. No. 11-02752-139912-04 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-235 

A.C. No. 11-02752-139912-05 

 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-239 

A.C. No. 11-02752-139912-09 

 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-526-A 

A.C. No. 11-02752-153962-02 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-528 

A.C. No. 11-02752-153962-04 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-529 

A.C. No. 11-02752-153962-05 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-531 

A.C. No. 11-02752-153962-07 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-582 

A.C. No. 11-02752-157112-01 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-583 

A.C. No. 11-02752-157112-02 

 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-584 

A.C. No. 11-02752-157112-03 

37 FMSHRC Page 1602
 

DECISION ON REMAND 

 These cases were brought under section 105(d) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health 

Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”). They are now before me upon a remand order issued by the 

Commission on April 17, 2015. The history of these cases is complicated and is summarized 

below. 

The American Coal Company (“AmCoal”) contested all of the citations and orders 

(“citations”) at issue in the above dockets. A large number of the citations were issued on the 

basis of notices to provide safeguards authorized under 30 U.S.C. § 874(b). AmCoal filed a 

motion for summary decision on the legal issues it raised concerning notices to provide 

safeguards and the citations issued under such safeguard notices. By order dated December 17, 

2010, I denied AmCoal’s motion for summary decision on the safeguard issues it raised. The 

American Coal Company, 33 FMSHRC 2636 (issued Dec. 2010, published Oct. 2011). AmCoal 

continued to contest three of the citations that were based on safeguard notices but it agreed to 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-585 

A.C. No. 11-02752-157112-04 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-624 

A.C. No. 11-02752-160144-01 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-625 

A.C. No. 11-02752-160144-02 

Docket No. LAKE 2008-626 

A.C. No. 11-02752-160144-03 

Docket No. LAKE 2009-007 

A.C. No. 11-02752-162890-02 

 

Docket No. LAKE 2009-008 

A.C. No. 11-02752-162890-03 

 

Docket No. LAKE 2009-206 

A.C. No. 11-02752-171747-01 

Docket No. LAKE 2009-445 

A.C. No. 11-02752-182275-02 

Docket No. LAKE 2009-546 

A.C. No. 11-02752-188266 

 

Galatia Mine 

37 FMSHRC Page 1603
settle the remaining citations while reserving the right to appeal to the Commission the legal 

issues it raised in its motion for summary decision. 

 On October 24, 2011, I issued a decision after hearing on the merits of three citations 

issued on the basis of safeguard notices. The American Coal Company, 33 FMSHRC 2574 (Oct. 

2011). I also approved the settlement of a number of other citations in that decision. Also on 

October 24, 2011, I issued a separate decision approving settlement of more citations issued in 

these dockets. Finally, on November 9, 2011, I issued another decision approving the settlement 

of another group of citations in these dockets. All three decisions incorporated by reference my 

December 17, 2010, order denying AmCoal’s motion for summary decision and they constituted 

my final orders in the cases so that the validity of the underlying safeguards could be appealed to 

the Commission.1

 Between these three decisions, all of the citations in the above dockets were 

settled or adjudicated including citations that were issued for violations of mandatory safety 

standards.2

 

On November 23, 2011, AmCoal filed a petition for discretionary review with the 

Commission raising issues concerning the validity of citations issued by MSHA inspectors based 

on notices to provide safeguards. The Commission granted AmCoal’s petition for discretionary 

review on December 2, 2011, and stayed all of the cases listed in the caption above.3

On December 8, 2014, the Commission ordered AmCoal to “submit a supplemental 

document listing the citation number for each of the [safeguard] citations referenced in its 

petition” and to “categorize the citations by the cited safeguard number.” (Order at 1). AmCoal 

was also required to associate the citations by docket number and it was encouraged to confer 

with the Secretary to ensure that the list was complete and accurate. The Commission issued 

another order on February 19, 2015, asking the Secretary to review the contested citations in the 

same manner. Both AmCoal and the Secretary filed detailed responses. 

On March 31, 2015, AmCoal filed with the Commission a motion to dismiss its appeal of 

all the cases with prejudice. It agreed to pay any penalties that I previously assessed for the 

violations in these cases that remain unpaid. The Secretary did not object to the motion. The 

Commission’s order of April 17, 2005, remanded the cases to me “for further proceedings, as 

appropriate, with respect to ‘any issues that remain regarding the safeguard-related violations in 

these matters.’” (Order at 2 quoting AmCoal Motion at 1). 

 1

 These three decisions also included dockets that did not involve citations issued based 

upon safeguard notices. These dockets were not appealed to the Commission and are not at 

issue. 

2

 As noted in these decisions, I previously issued orders approving partial settlement for 

some of the citations in these dockets. 

3

 While these cases were stayed, the Commission issued two decisions that resolved most 

if not all the safeguard issues raised by AmCoal in these cases. The American Coal Company, 

34 FMSHRC 1963 (Aug. 2012); Oak Grove Resources, LLC, 35 FMSHRC 2009 (July 2013). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1604
These cases involve 743 citations. Most of the citations were issued for violations of 

mandatory safety standards rather than notices to provide safeguards. AmCoal has already paid 

civil penalties for most of the citations in accordance with my three decisions. The amounts paid 

were based on settlement agreements reached by the parties and approved by me in decisions 

approving settlement or were assessed by me in my October 24, 2011 decision after hearing. 

Given that AmCoal has withdrawn its appeal in these cases, they are all ripe for a final 

disposition. Upon remand, I ordered the parties to review the cases and the citations therein to 

determine the amount of any civil penalties that AmCoal has not yet paid. Working with 

MSHA’s Office of Assessments, counsel for the Secretary prepared a table listing those citations 

for which AmCoal has not paid the entire penalty and the amount owed. The table does not list 

all of the citations in these dockets; it only lists those citations for which AmCoal has not paid 

the entire settled penalty amount.4

 The table is attached to this decision as Attachment A. 

As set forth in Attachment A, the outstanding penalty amount is $236,162. In order to 

ensure that the amount paid is properly credited to the correct docket, the Secretary asked and 

AmCoal agreed that AmCoal will prepare a separate check for each docket and that the citation 

numbers for that docket will be written on the corresponding stub of each check. 

ORDER 

I previously concluded that the parties’ proposed settlements for the citations are 

appropriate under the criteria set forth in section 110(i) of the Mine Act. The American Coal 

Company is ORDERED TO PAY the Secretary of Labor the sum of $236,162 within 40 days of 

the date of this decision.5 A separate check shall be written for each docket for the amount 

shown in Attachment A. The docket number for each docket listed in Attachment A shall be 

written on the face of the corresponding check. The docket number and citation numbers listed 

for each docket in Attachment A shall be written on the corresponding stub of each check. Upon 

payment, all of the dockets are DISMISSED. 

/s/ Richard W. Manning 

 Richard W. Manning 

 Administrative Law Judge 

 4

 During the review of these dockets by counsel and the Office of Assessments, it was 

discovered that some of the penalties previously paid by AmCoal for settled citations were not 

applied to the correct citations in the docket. Working with representatives of AmCoal and 

counsel for the Secretary, the Office of Assessments was able to work through all of the citations 

in the dockets and determine the amount that AmCoal owes for each citation. Once AmCoal 

makes the payment ordered herein, the total settled penalty for the citations in every docket will 

have been paid. 

5

 The checks should be sent to the Mine Safety and Health Administration, U.S. 

Department of Labor, Payment Office, P.O. Box 790390. St. Louis, MO 63179-0390 

37 FMSHRC Page 1605
Distribution: 

 

Emily B. Hays, Esq., Office of the Solicitor, U.S. Department of Labor, 1244 Speer Blvd., Suite 

216, Denver, CO 80204-3518 

Jason W. Hardin, Esq., Fabian & Clendenin, 215 South State Street, Suite 1200, Salt Lake City, 

UT 84111-2323 

RWM 

37 FMSHRC Page 1606
FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES 

1331 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W., SUITE 520N 

WASHINGTON, DC 20004-1710 

TELEPHONE: 202-434-9958 / FAX: 202-434-9949 

July 27, 2015 

DECISION AND ORDER 

Appearances: Daniel McIntyre, Trial Attorney, Office of the Solicitor, U.S. Department 

of Labor, Denver, CO, for Petitioner; 

Jeffrey A. Sar, Esq. Baron, Sar, Goodwin, Gill & Lohr, Sioux City, IA, for 

Respondent. 

Before: Judge L. Zane Gill 

 This proceeding, arising under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, 30 

U.S.C. § 801 et seq. (1994) (“Mine Act” or “Act”), involves a 104(a) citation, 30 U.S.C. § 

814(a), issued by the Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) 

to Ellis & Eastern Company (“E&E” or “Respondent”) at its railroad shop in Sioux Falls, South 

Dakota. E&E is a railroad company which primarily transports quarry products, building 

materials, lumber, fly ash, and cement. (Mulloy1

 Supplemental Aff. at 1–2) 

The parties submitted briefs, affidavits, and documentary evidence, the last of which was 

received on June 22, 2015. All submissions pertain to the sole issue of MSHA’s asserted 

jurisdiction over the Sioux Falls railroad shop. The Secretary asserts jurisdiction over the shop 

either as part of a mine, a place where mining equipment is repaired, or as an independent 

contractor’s facility. E&E claims MSHA has no jurisdiction because E&E is not a mining 

company, and additionally requests that its Independent Contractor Identification Number be 

vacated. (Resp. Br. at 15) For the reasons stated below, I find that there is no genuine issue of 

material fact, and the Respondent is entitled to Summary Disposition as a matter of law because 

                                                             1

 Jon Mulloy (“Mulloy”) is President of E&E, holding that position since 2001. (Mulloy 

Aff. at 1) Mulloy began working at E&E in 1988, as Operations Superintendent, immediately 

after its incorporation. Id. In 1994, Mulloy was appointed E&E’s Vice President and General 

Manager. Id. 

SECRETARY OF LABOR 

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

 ADMINISTRATION (MSHA), 

 Petitioner, 

 v. 

ELLIS & EASTERN COMPANY, 

 Respondent. 

 CIVIL PENALTY PROCEEDING 

Docket No. CENT 2014-0451 

A.C. No. 39-00008-351487 

Mine: Sioux Falls Quarry 

37 FMSHRC Page 1607
MSHA does not have jurisdiction over the railroad shop, even though E&E is an independent 

contractor. Citation No. 8753373 is vacated. 

Background History

E&E considers itself a railroad corporation, and solely under the jurisdiction of the 

Federal Railway Administration (“FRA”). (Resp. Br. at 2) As described in the affidavits, E&E 

daily brings empty railcars into Concrete Materials’ Sioux Falls quarry, which are then loaded by 

miners during the night shift. (Zahn2

 Aff. at 1–2; Schmidt3 Aff. at 4) The railcars are moved by 

E&E on Concrete Materials’ private tracks which connect into the Burlington Northern Santa Fe 

(“BNSF”) railroad system. (Mulloy Aff. at 2) The BNSF is a “general railroad system of 

transportation,” and under FRA jurisdiction. (Schmidt Aff. at 3); See also (Sec. Br. at 12–13) 

The tracks lie between the E&E railroad shop and Concrete Materials’ mining pit, ending in the 

mine’s screening and washing area where the railcars are loaded. (Ex. GX 1) A public road must 

be crossed to travel from the mine’s quarry or processing areas to E&E’s railroad shop. Id. 

Historically, MSHA inspected the railway shop on February 17, 2010, and issued two 

citations. (Mulloy Aff. at 2–3); (Ex. GX 4); (Ex. GX 5) MSHA later vacated the citations 

because of concerns that E&E had not received sufficient notice of its jurisdiction. (Peck4

 Aff. at 

1–2) In its letter vacating the citations, MSHA explicitly asserted jurisdiction over E&E’s 

“tracks, railcars, and maintenance shop.” (Ex. GX 6) 

On March 19, 2014, MSHA Inspector Alan Roberts5 (“Roberts”) inspected E&E’s 

railroad shop. (Resp. Br. at 1) E&E informed Roberts before the inspection that it did not 

acknowledge MSHA’s authority over the building. Id. Prior to 2010, the maintenance shop was 

solely inspected by the FRA. (Mulloy Aff. at 2) Citation No. 8753373 was issued because the 

parking brake was not set on a truck inside the railroad shop. (Resp. Br. at 2) The only question 

                                                             2

 George Zahn (“Zahn”) has been the Quarry Superintendent at the Sioux Falls Mine 

since 2002. (Zahn Aff. at 1) Zahn began working at the Concrete Materials mine in 1970. Id. 

Zahn’s positions at Concrete Materials have included equipment hauler, loading operator, and 

quarry head man. Id. 

3

 Bill Schmidt (“Schmidt”) is the Operations Superintendent at E&E. (Schmidt Aff. at 1) 

Schmidt entered the railroad industry in 1984, working at D & I Railroad. Id. In 1995, Schmidt 

became a locomotive engineer. Id. Schmidt joined E&E in 2002, has attended and taught 

numerous classes on railroad safety. Id. at 2. 

4

 James Peck (“Peck”) is a Staff Assistant to the MSHA District Manager in Duluth, MN. 

(Peck Aff. at 1) Peck’s career in the mining industry began in 1982 as an underground miner. Id. 

Subsequently, Peck worked as a mobile equipment and mine operator at various private 

enterprises. Id. Peck joined MSHA in 2008, and has served as a Conference Litigation 

Representative and Inspector. Id. 

5

 The Secretary did not present Inspector Roberts’ qualifications or attach an affidavit 

from him. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1608
examined in this motion is whether MSHA had jurisdiction over the maintenance shop where the 

citation was issued. 

Standard of Review 

 The Commission held that “summary decision is an extraordinary procedure.” Mo. 

Gravel Co., 3 FMSHRC 2470, 2471 (Nov. 1981). It is “granted only if the entire record, 

including the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, admissions, and affidavits, 

shows: (1) That there is no genuine issue as to any material fact; and (2) That the moving party is 

entitled to summary decision as a matter of law.” 29 C.F.R. § 2700.67. When weighing the 

parties’ arguments, all inferences are “viewed in the light most favorable to the party opposing 

the motion.” Hanson Aggregates NY, Inc., 29 FMSHRC 4, 9 (Jan. 2007) (citations omitted). 

Chevron Deference

When judging the validity of an MSHA statutory interpretation, the first issue is “whether 

Congress has directly spoken to the precise question at issue.” Chevron U.S.A. Inc. v. Natural 

Res. Def. Council, Inc., 467 U.S. 837, 842 (1984). If the “statute is clear and unambiguous, effect 

must be given to its language.” Watkins Eng'rs & Constructors, 24 FMSHRC 669, 672–73 (July 

2002) (citations omitted). If the statute is ambiguous or silent on a point in question, further 

analysis is required to determine whether the agency’s interpretation of the statute is reasonable. 

Id.

“It is only when the plain meaning is doubtful or ambiguous that the issue of deference to 

the Secretary’s interpretation arises.” Bluestone Coal Corp., 19 FMSHRC 1025, 1028 (June 

1997) (citing Pfizer Inc. v. Heckler, 735 F.2d 1502, 1509 (D.C. Cir. 1984)). Deference is 

accorded to “an agency's interpretation of the statute it is charged with administering when that 

interpretation is reasonable.” Energy W. Mining Co. v. FMSHRC, 40 F.3d 457, 460 (D.C. Cir. 

1994) (citing Chevron, 467 U.S. at 844). “The agency's interpretation of the statute is entitled to 

affirmance as long as that interpretation is one of the permissible interpretations the agency could 

have selected.” Watkins, 24 FMSHRC at 673 (citations omitted). Furthermore, “the statutory 

provision underlying the regulation, as well as any related statements accompanying the 

regulation’s publication in the Federal Register, may illuminate the regulation’s meaning.” 

Lehigh Southwest Cement, 33 FMSHRC 3229, 3234 (Dec. 2011)(ALJ Paez) (citing Lodestar 

Energy Inc., 24 FMSHRC 689, 693 (July 2002)). Additionally, “[i]n the absence of a statutory or 

regulatory definition of a term, or a technical usage, we look to the ordinary meaning of the 

terms used in a regulation.” Bluestone, 19 FMSHRC at 1029 (citing Peabody Coal Co., 18 

FMSHRC 686, 690 (May 1996)). 

Definition of a Mine

 Section 4 of the Mine Act provides that “[e]ach coal or other mine... shall be subject to 

the provisions of this Act.” 30 U.S.C. § 803. “Coal or other mine” is defined in Section 3(h)(1) 

of the Act as: 

37 FMSHRC Page 1609
(h)(1) "coal or other mine" means (A) an area of land from which 

minerals are extracted... (B) private ways and roads appurtenant

to such area, and (C) lands, excavations, underground 

passageways, shafts, slopes, tunnels and workings, structures,

facilities, equipment, machines, tools, or other property... used in, 

or to be used in, or resulting from, the work of extracting such 

minerals... or used in, or to be used in, the milling of such 

minerals, or the work of preparing coal or other minerals, and 

includes custom coal preparation facilities. 

30 U.S.C. § 802(h)(1) (emphases added). 

The work of preparation includes “breaking, crushing, sizing, cleaning, washing, drying, 

mixing, storing and loading” of mining products “as is usually done by the [mine] operator...” 30 

U.S.C. § 802(i) (emphasis added). Specifically on the issue of jurisdiction, the Senate Committee 

on Human Resources specified that 

there may be a need to resolve jurisdictional conflicts, but it is the 

Committee's intention that what is considered to be a mine and to 

be regulated under this Act be given the broadest possibl[e] 

interpretation, and it is the intent of this Committee that doubts be 

resolved in favor of inclusion of a facility within the coverage of 

the Act. 

S. Rep. No. 95-181 at 14 (1977), reprinted in Senate Subcomm. on Labor, Comm. on Human 

Res., Legislative History of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 at 602 (1978) 

(emphasis added). The Commission holds that “questions of statutory coverage must be resolved 

within the Act's overall purpose of protecting miners' safety and health.” W.J. Bokus Indus., Inc., 

16 FMSHRC 704, 708 (Apr. 1994) (citation omitted). 

The Railroad Shop is not a Private Way Appurtenant to the Mine 

MSHA claims jurisdiction over E&E’s railroad maintenance shop in several ways, and 

asserts all of them are entitled to Chevron deference. Essentially, the Secretary argues that miner 

safety is affected by the condition of the train tracks and railcars because miners daily load the 

locomotives. (Sec. Br. at 8) Therefore, the building in which the trains are maintained should be 

under MSHA supervision. Id. at 1–2. 

 The Secretary’s first argument alleges that E&E’s railroad shop is a mine. (Sec. Br. at 6) 

Citing Mine Act Section 802, the Petitioner argues the railroad tracks are a “private way 

appurtenant to” the quarry and is thereby part of the mine. Id. The words “private” and 

“appurtenant” as used in 30 U.S.C. § 802(h)(1), are recognized by the Commission as being 

ambiguous. Nat’l Cement Co. of Cal., Inc., 30 FMSHRC 668, 670 (Aug. 2008). Therefore, the 

question is whether the Secretary’s interpretation of these terms as including E&E’s maintenance 

shop is reasonable. Chevron U.S.A. Inc. v. Natural Res. Def. Council, Inc., 467 U.S. 837, 844 

(1984). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1610
MSHA’s authority over appurtenant ways extends to roads not owned by the mine, if 

they are integral to the operation. See TXI Operations, LP, 23 FMSHRC 54, 60 (Jan. 2001)(ALJ 

Feldman). E&E admitted that Concrete Materials owns the train tracks connecting the mine to 

the BNSF rail system. (Resp. Reply Br. at 2) However, MSHA’s asserted jurisdiction over the 

railway is immaterial because the citation was issued for a violation inside the maintenance shop, 

rather than for a condition or activity on the outside train tracks. Additionally, while private ways 

to mines are under MSHA jurisdiction, the vehicles which travel upon them are not. Nat’l 

Cement Co. of Cal., Inc., 573 F.3d 788, 793 (D.C. Cir. 2009). The shop where the citation was 

issued only repairs locomotives, over which MSHA has no jurisdiction. Id. 

The Secretary cites two cases supporting its claim that the railroad shop is a mine, 

however those precedents are distinguishable. Harman Mining Corp. and CML Metals Corp., 

both dealt with hauling accidents on railways adjacent to mine loading areas. 671 F.2d 794, 796 

(4th Cir. 1981); 35 FMSHRC 1962, 1962–63 (June 2013)(ALJ Miller). In Harman, MSHA 

retained jurisdiction because the accident’s close proximity to the loading machinery made it 

incidental to the mine. Id. However in E&E’s case, the cited truck was in a building physically 

separated from loading and all other mining processes.

 In conclusion, the E&E railway repair shop is not a mine under the Mine Act. The 

Secretary’s interpretation, which asserts jurisdiction over the shop because its proximity to the 

railroad tracks somehow makes it part of the mine, is unreasonable and not entitled to deference. 

The Railroad Shop does not Repair Mining Equipment

The Secretary claims E&E’s trains are mining equipment, and therefore MSHA has 

authority over the railroad shop as part of its general jurisdiction over maintenance areas. (Sec. 

Br. at 6); E.g. U.S. Steel Mining Co., Inc., 10 FMSHRC 146, 149 (Feb. 1988); W.J. Bokus Indus., 

Inc., 16 FMSHRC 704, 708 (Apr. 1994); Jim Walter Res., Inc., 22 FMSHRC 21, 25 (Jan. 2000). 

Classifying E&E’s trains as mining equipment is essential to MSHA’s jurisdiction claim, 

because the railroad shop does not repair any other alleged mining machinery. (Schmidt Aff. at 

4; Zahn Aff. at 2) However, the railcars are not used in any of the 30 C.F.R. § 802(i) mining 

activities of “breaking, crushing, sizing, cleaning, washing, drying, mixing, storing... [except 

for] loading.” I do not find this language to be ambiguous, and therefore, restrict the analysis to 

its plain meaning. 

However, even the loading process is done by Concrete Materials’ miners rather than 

E&E’s railway workers. (Zahn Aff. at 1) Based on this evidence, it is inaccurate to designate the 

railcars as mining equipment, because loading is simply incidental to their primary usage in 

transportation. Id. While loading is an activity listed in the Mine Act, the Commission has 

provided guidance that an operation should be considered holistically to determine whether it 

engages in mining. Oliver M. Elam, Jr., Co., 4 FMSHRC 5, 7 (Jan. 1982). This is based on the 

Mine Act, which extends MSHA jurisdiction to activities “usually done by the operator of the 

coal mine.” 30 C.F.R. § 802(i). In Elam, a coal barge loader’s operation was ruled not to be a 

mine because the nature of the business was fundamentally different. 4 FMSHRC at 7. The 

inherent differences between barge loading and mining outweighed the fact that the operator 

broke, crushed, sized, and loaded coal, all of which are activities associated with mining. Id. at 

37 FMSHRC Page 1611
5–6. Similarly, based on the nature of E&E’s business, its vehicles are properly viewed as 

railroad, rather than mining, equipment. 

Furthermore, none of E&E’s railroad vehicles enter the quarry extraction area. (Schmidt 

Aff. at 3) As noted in Pickett Mining Grp., equipment must be used in mining to come under 

MSHA jurisdiction. 36 FMSHRC 2444, 2452 (Sept. 2014)(ALJ Rae). Specifically, MSHA 

cannot “regulate equipment that is not located within the boundaries of the extraction area, is not 

a component of an appurtenant road or way, is not used by the operator's employees, and bears 

no relation to its mining operations.” Id. at 2451. The extraction and processing areas, rather than 

the legal property boundaries, determine the zone of MSHA authority. Id. 

I find that E&E’s equipment is not mining equipment because it is not used in activities 

“usually done by the operator,” according to the Mine Act’s plain meaning. 30 C.F.R. § 802(i). 

None of the cases cited by the Secretary demonstrates MSHA’s jurisdiction over buildings 

exclusively dedicated to transportation equipment maintenance. I find that the machinery E&E 

maintains in railroad shop is not mining equipment, and therefore it is not under MSHA 

jurisdiction. 

E&E and Concrete Materials are not a Single Operation 

 Alternatively, the Secretary argues that Concrete Materials and E&E are “integral 

components of a single operation,” run by their parent company Sweetman Construction 

(“Sweetman”). (Sec. Br. at 1, 7) Therefore, jurisdiction over the mining company Concrete 

Materials also encompasses the E&E railroad corporation. Id. To support this contention, the 

Secretary argued that: (1) Many of the same individuals are E&E’s and Concrete Materials’ chief 

officers; (2) Sweetman owns the property on which the mine and railroad shop are located; (3) In 

1995, approximately 90% of the materials E&E transported were Concrete Materials’ products; 

(4) Both corporations share the same website; (5) and E&E stated that it is “primarily 

transporting aggregate products for Concrete Materials.” Id. at 2-4, 7, 10; (Ex. GX 1; Ex. GX 8; 

Ex. GX 9; Ex. GX 10). E&E did admit that its stock “is owned by Sweetman as is the quarry 

which Sweetman operates under the name of Concrete Materials.” (Resp. Reply Br. at 2) 

Citing Mineral Coal Sales, Inc., the Secretary alleges E&E and Concrete Materials are in 

substance a single company. 7 FMSHRC 615, 620–21 (May 1985). However, Mineral Coal 

Sales, primarily dealt with the issue of companies dividing mining processes functionally into 

separate corporations to limit liability. Id. The reliance on this case law is misplaced because 

Concrete Materials has not decreased or attempted to decrease its liability for the mine’s 

conditions. Here, the goods E&E delivers are finished products, (Resp. Br. at 11) costumers 

often pick up finished goods from mines, and operators are liable for any violations customers 

commit onsite. El Paso Rock Quarries, Inc., 1 FMSHRC 2046, 2047–48 (Dec. 1979)(ALJ 

Moore); C.D. Livingston, 7 FMSHRC 1485, 1487 (Sept. 1985)(ALJ Morris) (citation omitted). 

However, operators are never liable for the conditions of costumers’ offsite transportation 

maintenance facilities. Concrete Materials is not dodging any liability it would normally bear. 

The fact that both E&E’s and Concrete Materials’ worksites are on the same property is 

immaterial because clear boundaries exist between the work areas. (Sec. Br. at 4) Physical 

37 FMSHRC Page 1612
barriers prevent direct access from E&E’s facility to Concrete Materials’ mine. (Mulloy Aff. at 

2); (Resp. Ex. 102) Traveling from the quarry to E&E’s shop necessitates briefly going on a 

public road. (Resp. Br. at 3) Both facilities have separate entrance gates, and a wooded drop off 

lies between the E&E shop and Concrete Materials quarry. (Goembel6

 Aff. at 2–3); (Resp. Ex. 

124; Resp. Ex. 128) MSHA does not possess jurisdiction over facilities even when they are 

adjacent to a mining operation, unless they have a connection with the mine. See Clarkson 

Constr. Co., Inc., 37 FMSHRC 450, n.1 (Feb. 2015)(ALJ Manning). I find no connection 

between the mine and railroad shop, other than the maintenance of trains which distribute some 

of the quarry’s products, therefore, MSHA does not have jurisdiction over E&E’s shop. 

Lastly, the Respondent presented persuasive evidence showing E&E and Concrete 

Materials are different companies. Only 15% of E&E’s volume in 2014 originated from the 

Sioux Falls quarry. (Mulloy Supplemental Aff. at 1) Business from outside Sweetman accounted 

for nearly half of the goods E&E shipped in 2014. Id. at 1–2. Other companies contracting with 

E&E include “GCC Dakotah Cement, Holcim Cement, and Headwaters Fly Ash.” (Schmidt Aff. 

at 5) Besides quarry products, E&E also transports “rebar, re-enforcing steel, and scrap metal.” 

(Resp. Br. at 5) Lastly, 73% of E&E’s revenue came from sources besides Sweetman’s various 

subsidiaries. (Mulloy Supplemental Aff. at 2) These facts demonstrate that E&E is a separate 

company for the purposes of the Mine Act. The overlap in Concrete Materials’ and E&E’s senior 

management is irrelevant. (Sec. Br. at 3) Many companies have diverse holdings, and common 

senior management teams indicate little about whether they are a single mining operation. 

 I find that E&E and Concrete Materials cannot reasonably be treated as a single 

operation. Both corporations have sufficiently diverse holdings and interests to merit treatment 

as distinct companies. 

E&E is an Independent Contractor 

 Respondent argues it is not an independent contractor because it only provides de 

minimis services to Concrete Materials. (Resp. Br. at 9) For this reason, E&E requests that its 

Independent Contractor Identification Number be vacated. Id. at 15. Specifically, E&E’s 

relationship with the mine is limited to the delivery of finished products. Id. at 11. E&E relies on 

the view that “delivery of coal to a consumer after it is processed usually does not fall under the 

coverage of the Mine Act.” United Energy Servs., Inc., 35 F.3d 971, 975 (4th Cir. 1994). 

However, Bulk Transport. Servs., Inc. demonstrates that distributors can be held liable as 

independent contractors. 13 FMSHRC 1354, 1358 (Sept. 1991). Respondent attempted to 

distinguish Bulk as primarily a precedent on subcontractor liability. (Resp. Reply Br. at 11–12) 

While Bulk addresses this topic, the holding still undermines E&E’s position because a 

distributor was found to be an independent contractor. 13 FMSHRC at 1358. Like Bulk, E&E 

                                                             6

 Kevin Goembel (“Goembel”) is the Safety Director at Concrete Materials. (Goembel 

Aff. at 1) Goembel began working at Concrete Materials in 1978 as a quarry laborer. Id. 

Between 1978 and 1988, Goembel was a heavy equipment operator. Id. In 1988, Goembel 

became night shift foreman at the Sioux Falls quarry. Goembel has also been a supervisor at 

Concrete Materials’ various plants, including the sand and gravel operation. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1613
maintained a continuing presence at the mine through the daily drop off and shipment of railcars. 

(Id.; Schmidt Aff. at 4) 

 The meaning of an operator under the Mine Act is very broad and includes “any

independent contractor performing services at a mine.” Otis Elevator Co., 921 F.2d 1285, 1290 

(D.C. Cir. 1990). However, a business relationship can be “so infrequent or de minimis that it 

would be difficult to conclude that services were being performed.” Id. at n.3 (citation omitted). 

Not working at a mine for five years is a sufficient time gap for a company’s services to become 

de minimis and outside MSHA’s jurisdiction. See Clarkson Constr. Co., Inc., 37 FMSHRC 450, 

453 (Feb. 2015)(ALJ Manning). Additionally, the services rendered do not have to be 

“significant” to bring a company under MSHA’s purview. Williams Natural Gas Co., 19 

FMSHRC 1863, 1868 (Dec. 1997). Some activities, like weekly deliveries, are insubstantial 

enough to be considered de minimis. N. Ill. Steel Supply Co., 294 F.3d 844, 848–49 (7th Cir. 

2002). Although E&E cites N. Ill. Steel Supply Co., to support its characterization of its services 

as de minimis, its relationship is much more substantial than the “once or twice a week” 

deliveries made in that case, because its locomotives transport goods for Concrete Materials 

daily. Id. at 845; (Zahn Aff. at 1–2; Schmidt Aff. at 4) 

 The services E&E performs are not de minimis. At a minimum, E&E carries 10% of 

Concrete Materials’ quarry products. (Mulloy Supplemental Aff. at 1) Furthermore, the affidavits 

describe E&E as dropping railcars off daily for loading during the nightshift. (Zahn Aff. at 1–2; 

Schmidt Aff. at 4) This means that during a normal operating day, E&E’s trains enter the 

worksite at least twice. Although both Concrete Materials and E&E have other transportation and 

revenue sources, the relationship between the two companies is significant. Id. at 2. Furthermore, 

the concept of de minimis often represents the amount of time spent at the mine. See D.Q. Fire & 

Explosion Consultants, Inc., 34 FMSHRC 2318, 2330 (Aug. 2012). The minimum time 

necessary to pass the de minimis requirement is quite small, “as little as 1.5 hours per week in the 

mine.” Id. at 2332. (citations omitted) E&E’s daily presence at the Sioux Falls quarry makes its 

services greater than de minimis. (Schmidt Aff. at 4) While no evidence has been presented 

directly on the amount of time E&E’s workers spend at the mine, it is reasonable to conclude that 

it surpasses 90 minutes per week. 

 Since E&E’s services to Concrete Materials are not de minimis, its request that the 

Independent Contractor Identification Number be vacated is denied. 

E&E’s Railroad Shop is not Under MSHA Jurisdiction as an Independent Contractor

 While operators and independent contractors are liable for all violations committed on 

mine property, Cemex, Inc., 33 FMSHRC 1169, 1172 (May 2011)(ALJ Paez), the shipping of 

mine products is at the outer bounds of MSHA’s authority because the “delivery of coal to a 

consumer after it is processed usually does not fall under the coverage of the Mine Act.” United 

Energy Servs., Inc., 35 F.3d 971, 975 (4th Cir. 1994); See also PA Elec. Co., 969 F.2d 1501, 

1504 (3rd Cir. 1992). Additionally, even if located adjacent to a mine, an independent 

contractor’s repair facility is not subject to MSHA jurisdiction if outside the extraction area. See 

Justis Supply & Mach. Shop, 22 FMSHRC 544, 547 (Apr. 2000)(ALJ Manning). Here, E&E’s 

37 FMSHRC Page 1614
maintenance shop is outside MSHA jurisdiction because it is off the mine site and only involved 

in the repair of transportation equipment used to deliver finished goods. 

 I find that E&E’s repair shop is located outside of the mining areas and that MSHA 

cannot reasonably assert jurisdiction under the Mine Act. Because MSHA does not have 

jurisdiction over the facility, there is no need to consider whether there is a conflict with the 

FRA’s authority. 

Conclusion

 I find that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact, and therefore, the moving 

party is entitled to summary decision as a matter of law based on jurisdiction. As such, while 

E&E is an independent contractor, its maintenance shop within which the citation was issued is 

outside MSHA’s jurisdiction as defined by 30 U.S.C. § 802(h)(1). Therefore, E&E cannot be 

liable for a violation of 30 C.F.R. § 56.14207, which requires operators to set the parking brakes 

on unattended vehicles, in that building. 

WHEREFORE, Citation No. 8753373 is VACATED and E&E’s request that the 

Independent Contractor Identification Number be vacated is DENIED. 

/s/ L. Zane Gill 

L. Zane Gill 

 Administrative Law Judge 

Distribution: 

Daniel McIntyre, Trial Attorney, Office of the Solicitor, U.S. Department of Labor, 1244 Speer 

Blvd, Suite 216, Denver, CO 80204 

Jeffrey A. Sar, Esq. Baron, Sar, Goodwin, Gill & Lohr, 750 Pierce Street, P.O. Box 717, Sioux 

City, Iowa 51102 

37 FMSHRC Page 1615
FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES 

7 PARKWAY CENTER, SUITE 290 

875 GREENTREE ROAD 

PITTSBURGH, PA 15220 

TELEPHONE: 412-920-7240 / FAX: 412-920-8689 

July 29, 2015 

DECISION

Appearances: Matthew R. Epstein, Esq., U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the 

Solicitor, Philadelphia, PA for the Secretary of Labor 

James P. McHugh, Esq., Hardy Pence, PLLC, Charleston, WV for 

Respondent 

Before: Judge Harner 

 This case is before me upon a petition for assessment of civil penalty filed by the 

Secretary of Labor (“Secretary”), acting through the Mine Safety and Health Administration 

(“MSHA”), against Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company, LLC, (“Consol” or “Respondent”) at 

its Enlow Fork Mine, pursuant to Sections 105 and 110 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health 

Act of 1977, 30 U.S.C. §§ 815 and 820 (the “Act”). This case includes a Citation and Order, both 

of which were issued under 104(d) of the Act. The Secretary of Labor assessed a civil penalty of 

$29,116.00 for these alleged violations. The parties presented testimony and documentary 

evidence at a hearing held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on November 4-6, 2014. 

STIPULATIONS

1. Respondent is an operator subject to the Mine Act and the Federal Mine Safety and 

Health Review Commission has jurisdiction. (Transcript, pg 6).1

 

2. The Court has jurisdiction over the Citation and Order. (Tr. 6-7).

 1

 Hereinafter, the official hearing transcript will be referred to as “Tr.” followed by the 

page number(s). The Secretary’s exhibits will be referred to as “GX” followed by a number and 

Respondent’s exhibits will be referred to as “RX” followed by a letter. 

SECRETARY OF LABOR 

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

 ADMINISTRATION (MSHA), 

 Petitioner 

 v. 

CONSOL PENNSYLVANIA COAL 

 COMPANY, LLC, 

 Respondent 

 CIVIL PENALTY PROCEEDING 

Docket No. PENN 2013-385 

A.C. No. 36-07416-331352 

Mine: Enlow Fork 

37 FMSHRC Page 1616
3. The Citation and Order are true and accurate copies of what was served on Respondent. 

(Tr. 7). 

4. The payment of the proposed penalty will not affect the operator’s ability to remain in 

business. (Tr. 7). 

FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW 

 The findings of fact are based on the record as a whole and my careful observation of the 

witnesses during their testimony. In resolving any conflicts in the testimony, I have taken into 

consideration the interests of the witnesses, or lack thereof, and consistencies, or inconsistencies, 

in each witness’s testimony and between the testimonies of the witnesses. In evaluating the 

testimony of each witness, I have also relied on his demeanor. Any failure to provide detail as to 

each witness’s testimony is not to be deemed a failure on my part to have fully considered it. The 

fact that some evidence is not discussed does not indicate that it was not considered. See Craig v. 

Apfel, 212 F.3d 433, 436 (8th Cir. 2000)(administrative law judge is not required to discuss all 

evidence and failure to cite specific evidence does not mean it was not considered). 

I. BASIC LEGAL PRINCIPLES 

A. Significant and Substantial 

The Citation and Order in dispute and discussed below have been designated by the 

Secretary as significant and substantial and unwarrantable failures to comply with mandatory 

safety standards. A significant and substantial (“S&S”) violation is described in section 

104(d)(1) of the Act as a violation “of such nature as could significantly and substantially 

contribute to the cause and effect of a coal or other mine safety or health hazard.” 30 U.S.C. § 

814(d)(1). A violation is properly designated S&S “if, based upon the particular facts 

surrounding that violation, there exists a reasonable likelihood that the hazard contributed to will 

result in an injury or illness of a reasonably serious nature.” Cement Div., Nat’l Gypsum Co., 3 

FMSHRC 822, 825 (Apr. 1981). 

 The Commission has explained that: 

[i]n order to establish that a violation of a mandatory safety standard is significant 

and substantial under National Gypsum, the Secretary of Labor must prove: (1) 

the underlying violation of a mandatory safety standard; (2) a discrete safety 

hazard--that is, a measure of danger to safety--contributed to by the violation; (3) 

a reasonable likelihood that the hazard contributed to will result in an injury; and 

(4) a reasonable likelihood that the injury in question will be of a reasonably 

serious nature. 

Mathies Coal Co., 6 FMSHRC 1, 3-4 (Jan. 1984) (footnote omitted); see also, Buck Creek Coal, 

Inc. v. MSHA, 52 F.3d 133, 135 (7th Cir. 1999); Austin Power, Inc. v. Secretary, 861 F.2d 99, 

103-04 (5th Cir. 1988), aff'g Austin Power, Inc., 9 FMSHRC 2015, 2021 (Dec. 1987) (approving 

Mathies criteria). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1617
 The difficulty with finding a violation S&S normally comes with the third element of the 

Mathies formula. In U.S. Steel Mining Co., Inc., 7 FMSHRC 1125, 1129 (Aug. 1985), the 

Commission provided additional guidance: We have explained further that the third element of 

the Mathies formula “requires that the Secretary establish a reasonable likelihood that the hazard 

contributed to will result in an event in which there is an injury.” U.S. Steel Mining Co., Inc., 6 

FMSHRC 1834, 1836 (August 1984). We have emphasized that, in accordance with the language 

of section 104(d)(1), it is the contribution of a violation to the cause and effect of a hazard that 

must be significant and substantial. U.S. Steel Mining Co., Inc., 6 FMSHRC 1866, 1868 (August 

1984); U.S. Steel Mining Co., Inc., 6 FMSHRC 1573, 1574-75 (July 1984). The Secretary “need 

not prove a reasonable likelihood that the violation itself will cause injury.” Cumberland Coal 

Resources, LP, 33 FMSHRC 2357, 2365 (Oct. 2011) (citing Musser Engineering, Inc. and PBS 

Coals, Inc., 32 FMSHRC 1257, 1281 (Oct. 2010). 

This evaluation is made in consideration of the length of time that the violative condition 

existed prior to the citation and the time it would have existed if normal mining operations had 

continued. Elk Run Coal Co., 27 FMSHRC 899, 905 (Dec. 2005); U.S. Steel Mining Co., Inc., 

6 FMSHRC at 1574. The question of whether a particular violation is S&S must be based on the 

particular facts surrounding the violation. Texasgulf, Inc., 10 FMSHRC 498 (Apr. 1988); 

Youghiogheny & Ohio Coal Co., 9 FMSHRC 2007 (Dec. 1987). 

B. Negligence and Unwarrantable Failure 

Negligence “is conduct, either by commission or omission, which falls below a standard 

of care established under the Mine Act to protect miners against the risks of harm.” 30 C.F.R. § 

100.3(d). “A mine operator is required to be on the alert for conditions and practices in the mine 

that affect the safety or health of miners and to take steps necessary to correct or prevent 

hazardous conditions or practices.” Id. MSHA considers mitigating circumstances which may 

include, but are not limited to, actions taken by the operator to prevent or correct hazardous 

conditions or practices. Id. Low negligence exists when “[t]he operator knew or should have 

known of the violative condition or practice, but there are considerable mitigating 

circumstances.” Id. Moderate negligence is when “[t]he operator knew or should have known of 

the violative condition or practice, but there are mitigating circumstances.” Id. High negligence 

exists when “[t]he operator knew or should have known of the violative condition or practice, 

and there are no mitigating circumstances.” Id. See also Brody Mining, LLC, 33 FMSHRC 1329 

(2011) (ALJ Gill). Finally, the operator is guilty of reckless disregard where it “displayed 

conduct which exhibits the absence of the slightest degree of care.” 30 C.F.R. § 100.3(d). 

 The Commission has defined an unwarrantable failure as aggravated conduct constituting 

more than ordinary negligence. Emery Mining Corp., 9 FMSHRC 1997, 2001 (Dec. 1987). 

Unwarrantable failure is defined by such conduct as “reckless disregard”, “intentional 

misconduct”, “indifference”, or a “serious lack of reasonable care”. Emery Mining Corp., 9 

FMSHRC at 2003; see also Buck Creek Coal, Inc., 52 F.3d 133, 136 (7th Cir. 1995). 

 The Commission has recognized that whether conduct is “aggravated” in the context of 

unwarrantable failure is determined by considering all the facts and circumstances of each case 

to determine if any aggravating factors exist, or if any mitigating circumstances exist. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1618
Aggravating factors include the length of time that the violation has existed, the extent of the 

violative condition, whether the operator has been placed on notice that greater efforts were 

necessary for compliance, the operator's efforts in abating the violative condition, whether the 

violation was obvious or posed a high degree of danger, and the operator's knowledge of the 

existence of the violation. See Consolidation Coal Co., 22 FMSHRC 340, 353 (Mar. 2000). 

Repeated similar violations are relevant to an unwarrantable failure determination to the extent 

that they serve to put an operator on notice that greater efforts are necessary for compliance with 

a standard. Peabody Coal Co., 14 FMSHRC 1258, 1261 (Aug. 1992). 

 The Commission has made clear that it is necessary for a judge to consider all relevant 

factors, rather than relying on one to the exclusion of others. Windsor Coal Co., 21 FMSHRC at 

1001; San Juan Coal Co., 29 FMSHRC 125, 129-36 (Mar. 2007) (remanding unwarrantable 

determination for further analysis and findings when judge failed to analyze all factors). While 

an administrative law judge may determine, in his or her discretion, that some factors are not 

relevant, or may determine that some factors are much less important than other factors under the 

circumstances, all of the factors must be taken into consideration and at least noted by the judge. 

IO Coal Company, 31 FMSHRC 1346, 1351(Dec. 2009). 

 I rely on the state of the law as discussed herein in considering each issue addressed 

below and whether the Citation and Order, which are alleged to be S&S and unwarrantable 

failures, meet the above noted criteria. 

II. DISCUSSION WITH FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW 

A. Background 

The instant citation was issued for alleged violations of safety standards in the Enlow 

Fork E-tailgate bleeder system. (GX-1 and GX-2). According to the Commission, “bleeder 

entries” are defined as “panel entries driven on a perimeter of a block of coal being mined and 

maintained as exhaust airways to remove methane promptly from the working faces to prevent 

buildup of high concentrations either at the face or in the main intake airways.” Consolidation 

Coal Co., 20 FMSHRC 227, FN 6 (Mar. 1998) citing American Geological Institute, Dictionary 

of Mining, Mineral, and Related Terms 55 (2d ed. 1997). 

 The bleeders at Enlow Fork were maintained with weekly examinations. (Tr. 31, 69-70, 

173). Examiners were foremen; regular miners did not travel in the bleeder. (Tr. 69-70). At the 

time at issue, examiners walked the bleeders alone but by the time of the hearing a companywide policy required travel in pairs. (Tr. 490-491, 507, 706, 722). The instant matter occurred in 

the E-15- to E-22 bleeder system, an older bleeder about 8 miles long. (Tr. 32-35, 470). An 

experienced examiner would take 4-5 hours to complete an examination run here. (Tr. 33-34). 

The purpose of a bleeder exam was to ensure proper ventilation at certain “evaluation points.” 2

(Tr. 30). The examiner would check for methane, erratic changes in the amount or direction of 

 2

 Exams occurred in the No. 3 travel entry. It was possible to reach the evaluation points 

via other entries, but it was not clear this would be a complete exam. (Tr. 199-200, 229-230, 389, 

480, 500-501). Such a bypass occurred about twice a year when the primary entry was blocked. 

(Tr. 500-501). The examiner only bypassed one block and could see the areas missed. (Tr. 501). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1619
air, the quality of the air, air pressure, ventilation controls, roof support, and anything else 

affecting ventilation. (Tr. 30-32). The examiner would also check for things affecting safe 

passage, including water accumulations. (Tr. 31, 56). 

Most bleeder systems have water in them and all have pumps to remove that water. (Tr. 

34, 280). The E-15 to E-22 bleeder was a challenge to keep dry. (Tr. 315). Significant 

accumulations could occur in a matter of hours. (Tr. 505-506). Most of the water was clear, 

though it could be cloudy, orange, and murky from magnetite, sulfur and “nasty stuff.” (Tr. 488-

489, 756). Clear water might not be a hazard because a miner could see where he was walking. 

(Tr. 53-54). 

 To reroute this water, Respondent’s ventilation plan permitted a system of 18-23 air 

pumps that dumped water into a 12-13 foot deep sump. 3

 (Tr. 41-43, 48, 118, 188, 214-215, 471-

475, 478). The sump was partially filled with mud and coal fines and could be murky. (Tr. 474, 

489). Two four-inch discharge lines transferred water in the sump to an underground retaining 

pool. (Tr. 216, 272-273, 475-476, 650-651, 763). The discharge lines drained at half capacity 24 

hours a day. (Tr. 472, 475-477). Half a pipe of water issuing from the discharge lines meant the 

pumps were working properly. (Tr. 508, 511-512). 

 If the water system was disrupted, the sump could fill in two to three hours and then 

overflow, causing water to cover the walkways in the bleeder. (Tr. 477-478). The mine could not 

keep up if even one or two air pumps went down. (Tr. 478-480, 510). If the water backed up, it 

could block the evaluation points and prevent examination of the bleeder. (Tr. 479-480). If the 

pumps were broken, regulator doors could be opened to allow water to run to the next pump or to 

the sump (at the lowest spot). (Tr. 480-481, 662). 

 Daily monitoring of the pumps was not required by the plan but Respondent had two 

pumpers check the pool and discharge lines three times a day. (Tr. 215, 475-476, 502, 520, 648-

649, 651, 706, 753, 777-778). Pumpers were not certified to enter the bleeder, only to check the 

pool for water discharge and air readings. (Tr. 710, 768, 778). This check only showed how 

much water went from the sump to the pool, not the level of water in the sump or bleeder. (Tr. 

216, 502-503, 508, 656, 710, 768). It also showed that the air pumps were working. (Tr. 217, 

502, 656). A large amount of water being discharged would imply that the sump was full. (Tr. 

769). Water not coming out of the discharge pipes would indicate that a pipe, booster, or 

compressor was broken, air was insufficient, or that there was no electricity. (Tr. 476-477, 657-

 3

 The Consol Enlow Fork Mines Ventilation Plan (GX-3, p. 1) stated: 

[T]he means for maintaining safe travel will include compressed air lines 

routed underground used in conjunction with air pumps to remove water as 

necessary to permit safe travel through the perimeter bleeder system. Discharge 

lines will direct pump water to the mine dewatering system. Ditches, bridges, and 

natural drainage are used to maintain bleeder entries free from standing water that 

effect ventilation and prevent safe travel. 

(Tr. 55-56). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1620
658, 768-769, 778). It could also mean that the sump was empty. (Tr. 769). If water was not 

discharged, the pumpers called the examiner to check the area. (Tr. 765-766, 769). 

 A back-up sump pump system was also in place but not included as part of the ventilation 

plan. (Tr. 43-44, 188-189, 214-215, 472). The sump system was only used in an emergency, like 

when air pumps broke or when there was too much water for the air system. (Tr. 44, 188-189, 

477, 512). The sump pump was located and maintained on the surface and could not be heard 

underground. (Tr. 473-474, 518, 520-521). Surface fan examiners checked whether the pump 

was working, the level of water underground, and the status of the surface tanks. (Tr. 282-283, 

590). The miners underground and above ground communicated about the sump pump. (Tr. 518, 

661-662). 

 Originally, the sump pump was turned on manually but a bubbler system was later 

installed that automatically activated when water in the sump reached a set level. (Tr. 188-189, 

472-473, 565, 663). A bubbler works by forcing a set amount of air down tubes from the surface 

to the sump and, if the air displaces water, activates the pump. (Tr. 241-242, 536-539). Craig 

Yoho set the level at 22 inches.4

 (Tr. 663). Once the water was removed, the pumped turned off 

automatically. (Tr. 559). The bubbler gave an idea of the water level in the sump. (Tr. 538-539, 

758, 761). In fact, there may have been a gauge attached to the bubbler at the surface that 

showed the depth in the sump. (Tr. 542). 

 A mechanic examined the bubbler daily and kept a log of the bubbler readings to keep 

track of water levels and plan maintenance (GX-11, RX-N). (Tr. 557-558, 561-565, 753-754). 

Generally, if the bubbler readout showed “zero inches” the mechanics would not touch the pump. 

(Tr. 558). However, if the bubbler showed “0” for a long time, the mechanic might suspect there 

was a problem. (Tr. 754). Mechanics could only test the accuracy of the bubbler reading by 

forcing air down the tubes and seeing if the pump would run. (Tr. 541, 558-559). Only 

experienced mechanics and electricians would know to take this action. (Tr. 539-542, 558-560). 

 In February 2013, the E-15 overflow from the sump deposited water in three outdoor 

tanks with a total capacity of 63,000-64,000 gallons. (Tr. 44-45, 650-651, 737). The pump 

moved 250-300 gallons a minute and could fill the tanks in three hours. (Tr. 284). When the 

tanks were full the sump pump could not run and 4,610-gallon trucks would have to unload the 

tanks. (Tr. 45-46, 559, 564, 613, 737-738). The tanks were designed so they could not overflow. 

(Tr. 610, 755-756). There was no sediment pond or overflow system, and the water in the tanks 

had to be removed by trucks and processed for environmental reasons because it was considered 

“dirty”. (Tr. 284-285, 761). Burns Trucking was contracted to empty these tanks and did so 

regularly. (Tr. 564, 612-613). Burns Trucking and the fan man monitored the tanks daily. (Tr. 

282-283, 613-614). Frank Vorhes testified that Burns checked the pumps as a courtesy but never 

conducted repairs.5

 (Tr. 546-547, 629-632-633). 

 4

 Craig Yoho was present at the hearing and testified. (Tr. 731). At the time of the 

hearing, Yoho was employed as a maintenance foreman at Consol. (Tr. 731). 

5

 Frank Vorhes was present at the hearing and testified. (Tr. 612). At the time of the 

hearing, Vorhes was employed by Burns Drilling, Excavating, and Trucking as a dispatcher. (Tr. 

612). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1621
 According to Respondent’s witnesses, water in the bleeder only needed to be reported in 

the examination book if the condition could not be fixed or if more repairs were needed. (Tr. 

450-451, 490). The examiner carried tools and spare parts so that conditions could be fixed 

quickly. (Tr. 502-505). If the examiner could not finish a run, the existence of water would have 

to be recorded in the book along with any other hazardous conditions that were not corrected. 

(Tr. 451-452). The condition would be repaired the next day with any assistance necessary. (Tr. 

490-492). Water 42-inches or deeper should go in the book so that the inspector and miners 

would be aware. (Tr. 503). Sometimes the examiner would make additional exams during the 

week to make repairs, but there were no books for these extra exams. (Tr. 493). 

 The ventilation plan permitted digging trenches to move or control water and building 

bridges above them in the bleeder system. (Tr. 48, 50-51). Water still had to be controlled with 

pumps, but walkways could be used over static puddles, mud holes, and bad bottom. (Tr. 48-49, 

51-52). Submerged bridges, especially in muddy or murky water, would be a tripping hazard. 

(Tr. 53-54). The sump area had a wet walkway above the collected water. (Tr. 43-44, 645, 722, 

791). There were two or three other walkways in the E-15 area.6

 (Tr. 47, 55, 155-156). The E-21 

walkway was 400-500 feet long and covered a low spot where the continuous miner had dipped 

that filled with mud and water. (Tr. 482-487). There were valves and pumps in this low spot. (Tr. 

487-488). Some of the bridges were 24-36 inches off the bottom while others were only four or 

five inches from the bottom. (Tr. 54, 484). Most of the walkways in the E-15 to E-22 bleeder 

were in decent shape, though some were rotted, steep, or muddy. (Tr. 48). Walkways were to be 

kept clear and cribs and cables were used to mark the path and served as handholds. (Tr. 725, 

789). 

 There was no communication system in the Enlow Fork bleeders. (Tr. 36-37). Miners in 

the area were tracked manually, meaning they called out at the last tracking signal to explain 

they would go off the grid and then called again when they left the bleeder. (Tr. 37). If a miner 

did not check in, someone was sent after him. (Tr. 38). Two years before the hearing a miner at 

Bailey Mine had a heart attack and died in a bleeder. (Tr. 38, 705-706, 721). If a miner were to 

fall in murky water and hit his head on rocks, pumps, pipes, or other obstructions he could be 

rendered unconscious and drown. (Tr. 39). The miner at Bailey and the instant matter were 

among the reasons Respondent changed its policy to require that two miners conduct 

examinations together. (Tr. 706).

 Power outages occurred often in the bleeder, affecting fans and compressors. (Tr. 493). 

The examiner would check the pump to ensure that water was still coming out, especially if the 

outage was close to the regular exam day. (Tr. 493-494). If there was insufficient water there was 

an indication that the pump or bleeder valve was affected by the outage. (Tr. 493-494). 

 6

 The exact number and location of the walkways was unclear from the record. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1622
On November 20, 2012, MSHA inspector Walter R. “Bud” Young traveled this bleeder 

system as part of a normal, quarterly EO-1 inspection.7

 (Tr. 61-63). During that inspection, 

Young issued a citation (GX-7) for excessive water in sump area of the E-tailgate bleeder 

system. (Tr. 63-64, 74, 183-184). The water was 24-36 inches deep, murky, and contained 

tripping hazards including air lines, discharge hoses, cribs, cables, wires, irregular mine floor, 

and sloughage. (Tr. 64, 198, 200). Young did not know where the water came from but 

Respondent believed it occurred because a contractor had accidentally cut the surface sump 

pump cord. (Tr. 64, 66, 187-188, 190, 585). Respondent removed the water with the surface and 

tailgate pumps and laid a new cable. (Tr. 64, 586). The citation was issued on the last day of the 

weekly exam period, but Young testified that it would have been a violation on any day. (Tr. 

184-186). When Young left the mine he told Jerry Wright, the assistant mine foreman, that every 

time he went into this bleeder it got worse and Wright promised to take care of it. (Tr. 66). 

 The citation was issued for a §75.370 violation under Section 104(a) for a tripping 

hazard. (Tr. 193-194). The citations was marked as “reasonably likely” to occur. (Tr. 193). 

Young factored in that the area was limited access and that only one miner conducted the weekly 

exam. (Tr. 193). The citation was marked as lost workday/restricted duty because of the length, 

depth, and extent of the conditions and the possibility for cellulitis, broken bones, contusions, 

lacerations, dislocations, and hypothermia. (Tr. 195-196, 199-200). The citation was marked as 

“low” negligence because there were significant mitigating circumstances, including the fact that 

the area was lightly traveled, the line was cut, no one knew (though they should have known) 

about the water, and it was the last day of the exam period. (Tr. 190-191, 197-198). 

As a result of the water accumulation, the bleeder inspection could not be completed and 

Young returned on December 10, 2012 to finish the inspection of the bleeder. (Tr. 63). On that 

day, he issued another citation for excessive water in the bleeder (GX-8). (Tr. 65, 73-74, 202). 

There was water at the sump and at the other end of the bleeder. (Tr. 65). The water was 

hazardous because it was 24 inches deep, contained tripping hazards, and was so dark and murky 

that the mine floor was not visible. (Tr. 65). Respondent believed the water accumulated because 

the surface tanks were full and because there was a hole in the pump line. (Tr. 45, 71, 202, 842-

843). 

 This citation was marked as lost workdays because there was wood floating in the area, 

the water was murky, and there were concealed tripping hazards. (Tr. 209). A miner could have 

easily fallen, struck his head or body, and been injured. (Tr. 209). Miners could twist an ankle, 

break a leg, or get sores on their feet. (Tr. 68-69). The water was also orange and contained 

bacteria. (Tr. 69). Young had once gotten cellulitis, a painful blood borne infection in his feet, 

from walking through mine water. (Tr. 68). There had also been cases of MRSA. (Tr. 69). The 

citation was marked as affecting one person because miners only traveled during exams. (Tr. 

205-206). The citation was issued six days after the Respondent had completed its last exam of 

the area. (Tr. 206). The citation was marked as moderate negligence because management was 

 7

 Walter R. “Bud” Young was present at the hearing and testified. (Tr. 24). At the time of 

the hearing, he was an MSHA ventilation specialist. (Tr. 25). He had received training and held 

several certifications. (Tr. 25-30). Young had worked 30 years in the industry at several different 

positions, including 15 years at the Enlow Fork Mine. (Tr. 26-30). When he worked at Enlow 

Fork, Young examined the bleeders, but did not examine the E-15 bleeder. (Tr. 28, 30). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1623
on notice that there was a water problem from the previous citations but did not adequately 

address the problem. (Tr. 207). The violation was mitigated because the areas were small and 

could be avoided. (Tr. 208-209, 239). 

Young wrote in this citation that Respondent was on notice that increased removal of 

standing water in the bleeder and clearing of the walkway was necessary or increased 

enforcement would occur. (Tr. 67-68, 71). He relayed this information to Mine Foreman Mike 

Giavonelli. 8 (Tr. 66-67, 694). Young had traveled the E-15 bleeder many times and had cited 

water at least twice before. (Tr. 39-41, 46). Young only cited the bleeder when water went over 

his 18-inch boots, when it covered a vast area, when it was discolored, or when it contained 

tripping hazards, but the bleeder always contained some water. (Tr. 40, 46-47, 172-173). This 

was the worst bleeder system Young had ever seen for water build-up. (Tr. 34-35). Young was 

concerned about the effect of standing water on the health and safety of miners. (Tr. 68). 

Giavonelli promised to install an alarm on the sump pump to monitor the water levels by 

computer and to devote more miners to keep the area clear. (Tr. 67, 71, 202-203, 275, 294-295, 

512). After this citation, additional exams were conducted by the examiners and pump men. (Tr. 

662, 698). Respondent also split the bleeder system, though this did not necessarily limit the 

amount of water in the area. (Tr. 203-205, 699). Respondent may also have added pumping 

capability to the area. (Tr. 273, 699). The timing of these changes is unclear. (Tr. 700). 

 At some point management installed the promised monitoring system, allowing them to 

view the bubbler system on computer screens so examiners would not have to go to the pump. 

(Tr. 521, 637, 663). The pump was linked with a wireless system to the E-15 fan monitoring 

system. (Tr. 294, 572, 736-737). The monitor showed air pressure in the bubbler, rather than 

inches of water in the mine. (Tr. 605, 751-752). The screens showed a visual alarm when the 

pump activated, when the surface tanks were full or when the power was off. (Tr. 573, 737-739, 

753-755). There were monitoring stations at the tracking center, the foreman’s office, the 

electrician’s office, both superintendents’ offices, the plaza, the communication center, and the 

corporate office. (Tr. 738-739, 751). Someone watched the screens at all times. (Tr. 738). The 

system was tested and worked. (Tr. 737). The system could only monitor, not remotely control, 

the pump. (Tr. 584). After installation, management monitored the bubbler with examiner 

reports, the pumper reports, and by looking at the computer monitor. (Tr. 664-665). Paper 

records were maintained even after the remote system was put in place. (Tr. 572). 

 It was not clear when this system was installed or if it was installed before the instant 

matter. (Tr. 70, 254-255, 295, 520, 522, 637, 701-702). The evidence is conflicting about the 

time of the installation and no records were produced at the hearing to disclose when the system 

was installed. (Tr. 747).Young believed it was installed after December 10. (Tr. 256). Yoho 

stated that it was completed after December 10 and definitely before February 5. (Tr. 732-734, 

736-740, 747, 754). Initially, Christopher E. Demidovich testified it was installed after February 

 8

 Michael Giavonelli was present at the hearing and testified. (Tr. 634). At the time of the 

hearing, Giavonelli had been a mine foreman at Enlow Fork for 10 years. (Tr. 634). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1624
5, 2013.9

 (Tr. 570-571). However, he later stated it was installed starting on December 11, 2012 

and was in place on February 5, 2013. (Tr. 573, 577-579). Finally, he stated he was not certain 

on the timing of the installation. (Tr. 580-582). 

B. The February 5, 2013 Inspection 

On February 5, 201310, Young’s supervisor, Dave Severini, called him at home about a 

103(g) complaint (GX-3) at Enlow Fork for accumulation of water in the bleeders and possible 

problems with the ventilation. 11 (Tr. 56-57, 76, 159-161, 372, 374, 385, 682). Young was sent 

because he was the ventilation specialist in charge of Enlow Fork. (Tr. 77-78, 160-161, 359-

360). Severini said another inspector at the mine needed to be relieved. (Tr. 78, 162, 360-361). 

Severini and Young did not discuss whether issuances under 104(d) were being considered. (Tr. 

161). 

 Young arrived at Enlow Fork at 9:00 p.m. (Tr. 112-113, 406-407, 805). John Brottish12, 

William Gross13, and Rod Henry14 were highlighting the mine map (GX-3, p. 23-25) for 

accumulations of water. (Tr. 79, 156-158, 164-166, 223-224). They told Young what they had 

found and confirmed their findings on the map. (Tr. 167-173, 362, 410-411). Brottish and Gross 

agreed on the location of the accumulations and measurements. (Tr. 795, 805). 

 Gross had begun his regular inspection at 7:00 a.m. and was accompanied by Brottish. 

(Tr. 342, 785). Normally bleeders are not checked in a quarterly inspection, but when Gross got 

 9

 Christopher E. Demidovich was present at the hearing and testified. (Tr. 548). At the 

time of the hearing he was employed by Consol as a surface maintenance supervisor. (Tr. 548-

549). In that capacity he maintained surface equipment. (Tr. 549). 

10 Unless otherwise indicated, all dates refer to 2013. 

11 Section 103(g) of the Mine Act provides, inter alia, “[w]henever a representative of the 

miners or a miner in the case of a coal or other mine where there is no such representative has 

reasonable grounds to believe that a violation of this chapter or a mandatory health or safety 

standard exists, or an imminent danger exists, such miner or representative shall have a right to 

obtain an immediate inspection by giving notice to the Secretary or his authorized representative 

of such violation or danger.” 30 U.S.C. §813(g). 

12 John Brottish was present at the hearing and testified. (Tr. 784). At the time of the 

hearing, Brottish was employed by Respondent as a “safety mentor.” (Tr. 784-785). Before that, 

and at the time at issue, he was a safety inspector. (Tr. 785). 

13 William Gross was present at the hearing and testified. (Tr. 334). At the time of the 

hearing, Gross was an MSHA inspector. (Tr. 334-335, 369). He was trained by MSHA and had 

extensive experience and certifications. (Tr. 335-339). Gross had been at the Enlow Fork Mine 

that day conducting a normal, two-week long quarterly inspection. (Tr. 339-340). 

14 Rod Henry was present and testified at the hearing. (Tr. 770). At the time of the 

hearing Henry was retired but had last worked as a safety supervisor at Enlow Fork. (Tr. 770). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1625
back outside at 11:30, he learned (while in the mine office) that there was a 103(g) complaint 

regarding the bleeders. (Tr. 105, 132, 341-344, 370-372, 785-786). Gross informed Brottish, 

Henry, and Giavonelli that the 103(g) complaint was about water accumulations in the E-District 

bleeders affecting ventilation. (Tr. 343, 682, 771, 773, 777, 786). Brottish recalled telling Gross 

that the examiner had an issue with water that morning. (Tr. 774, 786). Gross did not recall this 

conversation; he just knew what he read in the 103(g) complaint. (Tr. 373-375). Henry and 

Brottish recalled asking Gross how much water was too much and seeing Gross lift his hand to 

his chin. (Tr. 773, 779, 786-787). Brottish assumed this meant he as not worried about going 

through that depth of water. (Tr. 787). Gross did not recall this exchange. (Tr. 375). 

 Gross and Brottish took a mantrip to the E-tailgate area and planned to walk from the 

mouth, to the corner mentioned in the 103(g) complaint, and then walk the whole perimeter from 

E-15 to E-22. (Tr. 173, 343-344, 357, 772, 787). Brottish volunteered to go with Gross. (Tr. 399, 

786). Gross did not note any violations (with roof, ribs, or any other area) until he found a water 

accumulation starting at the 47 crosscut. (Tr. 163, 347, 417-418, 787-788, 799). The water 

ranged from 12 inches to 42 inches at the deepest spot near the sump. (Tr. 80, 156-157, 347-348, 

382, 385-389, 788, 799). The whole area near the sump was flooded. (Tr. 388). Despite the 

water, there was no indication that the visual alarm on the remote monitoring system sounded 

that day. (Tr. 72). Gross took only one measurement. (Tr. 391, 794, 798). However, water was 

also halfway up over a man door (which sat 24 inches from the bottom). (Tr. 349, 788-789). The 

water was rib to rib, very cold, murky (from dirt and coal dust), cloudy, and the bottom could not 

be seen. (Tr. 172, 348, 411-412). There was no indication that the water was receding. (Tr. 364-

366). Gross did not recall Brottish’s reaction to the water or if Brottish was already aware of it. 

(Tr. 423-424). 

 Gross did not hear the sump pump running or see water rippling from it. (Tr. 365-366, 

402). He did not recall anyone saying the pump started at 5 a.m. (Tr. 405). In fact, Gross was not 

aware of the sump pump system at that time, only the air pump system. (Tr. 409). However, it 

was possible the discharge lines were feeding into the sump. (Tr. 368). Brottish knew the pump 

was running because water was coming out of the pipe. (Tr. 795-796). 

 

 Gross and Brottish traveled through the water and through a mandoor to reach a dry area 

near the fan to take air readings and check for methane buildup in the corner. (Tr. 348-349, 788, 

790, 799-800). The highest reading was only 0.4% methane and the air flow was adequate; there 

was no ventilation problem. (Tr. 80-81, 350, 375-377, 774-775, 790). Gross did not think he 

would die as he walked in the water. (Tr. 398). However, he testified that he would not have 

entered the water alone because no one could help him if he fell. (Tr. 349, 367, 398). Gross and 

Brottish shuffled their feet and moved slowly because they could not see the bottom. (Tr. 349, 

411, 425). Later, after returning to the MSHA office, Gross was verbally reprimanded by the 

district manager for entering water that deep, but believed at the time that he acted to ensure the 

safety of miners. (Tr. 349-350, 366-367, 399, 401). Brottish felt safe walking the area. (Tr. 789, 

793). 

 They continued on and about 300 feet from the corner they reached another accumulation 

of water. (Tr. 351). Gross believed that this entire area was about 600-700 feet. (Tr. 79-80, 125-

126, 167, 169, 351-353, 377). It was later determined that the water accumulation started at 46 

37 FMSHRC Page 1626
crosscut, so it was only 400-500 feet. (Tr. 377-378, 382, 384). Gross believed that this might 

have dropped because the pumps were later running. (Tr. 384, 387-388). 

 Gross and Brottish encountered another accumulation of water at E-19. (Tr. 350-351, 

353, 791, 800). The water here ranged from 12 to 36 inches deep from the surface of the water to 

the mine floor (not the bottom of the walkway) and went over Gross’ mid-calf boots. (Tr. 125-

126, 173, 354, 356, 366, 391-392, 394, 420, 791-792, 801). It was 12 inches from the top of the 

bridge to the surface of the water. (Tr. 792, 801-802). The deepest point was halfway across the 

area on the walkway. (Tr. 393-394). The ground was uneven and Brottish believed the deepest 

location was a low spot on the walkway. (Tr. 395, 792, 801). Gross only made two 

measurements in this area. (Tr. 392, 794). Gross agreed that he should have taken more, but he 

already knew the area was unsafe for travel even if some areas may have only been a few inches 

deep. (Tr. 394-396). The water stretched two panels from E-19 to E-21 (about 2,000 feet) 

without any dry areas. (Tr. 79-80, 125-126, 167-169, 173, 354, 379-380). 

 Gross was less concerned about the depth here and more concerned that the water was 

murky and obscured the walkway, their feet, and the bottom. (Tr. 172, 354-356, 392, 394-395). 

Brottish believed the water was clear until they kicked up material. (Tr. 793, 825-826). The 

pumps were running, but were not effective. (Tr. 366, 401, 424, 792). Gross did not believe he 

said he would issue citations for the pumps. (Tr. 403). 

 Gross and Brottish exited the mine around 8:30 to 9:00. (Tr. 406, 682-683, 774-776). 

Brottish, Gross, and Henry discussed the conditions and then a later meeting occurred with more 

management covering the same issues. (Tr. 796-797, 825). After traveling through the area, 

Gross considered the murky water a tripping hazard. (Tr. 356, 411, 775). However, neither he 

nor Brottish tripped. (Tr. 412, 789-790, 793). 

 Gross did not issue a citation right away because he wanted to gather more information 

for the 103(g) complaint.15 (Tr. 356-357, 398). Management believed Gross said he would write 

citations that were low negligence and non-S&S. (Tr. 357, 397, 402-403, 790-791, 796, 804, 

823-824). Gross did not recall making any comments to this effect.16 (Tr. 397). Brottish 

recognized that the alleged comment was made before Gross looked at the books, spoke to the 

examiners, or saw all of the conditions. (Tr. 796-797, 823-824). Henry recalled Gross saying it 

would “probably” be S&S, though Brottish may have told him. (Tr. 775, 780-781). Regardless, 

Gross believed Respondent needed to take immediate action. (Tr. 397-398). Brottish believed the 

company took all citations seriously but acted more quickly and took more notes for S&S 

citations. (Tr. 793-794). Respondent also cared more about the justification for S&S citations. 

(Tr. 794). 

 15 A 103(g) inspections might go on for three weeks without a decision about whether to 

issue a citation. (Tr. 418). Gross believed that good investigations take time. (Tr. 413). 

16 It does not appear likely that Gross made any comment about the type of violation 

since he needed to gather more information. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1627
 Gross then called Severini, his supervisor, and told him he wanted to speak to the two 

examiners when they returned to the mine for their shift to determine negligence and 

unwarrantable failure before issuing anything. (Tr. 357-359, 405, 409-410, 774-775, 777, 797). 

They discussed that the citation could be a (d)(1) issuance pending that conversation. (Tr. 360). It 

was not uncommon for an inspector to want to speak with someone before making a 

determination. (Tr. 816). Gross did not tell Severini he was issuing non-S&S 104(a) citations and 

did not recall who brought up (d) orders. (Tr. 404). They did not discuss mitigating 

circumstances and Gross did not take notes about the conversation. (Tr. 407-408). Gross did not 

know that the bleeder had been cited earlier and that the mine was on notice. (Tr. 364, 369-370). 

After talking to Severini, Gross decided to wait for Young before writing anything. (Tr. 361). 

 Sometime after speaking with Severini, Gross told Giavonelli and Brottish there would 

be two (d) orders. (Tr. 403-405, 683, 804). Giavonelli and Brottish claimed that Gross rescinded 

his earlier announcement that he would issue two citations after speaking with Severini and 

stated, “you are not going to believe this I have to write you two Orders.” (Tr. 683, 798). Gross 

claimed that at the time of the hearing he believed the unwarrantable failure designation was 

appropriate. (Tr. 410). After this conversation regarding (d) Orders, Giavonelli made a note in 

the book (RX-W) indicating that there was water but that it had not roofed or caused ventilation 

problems. (Tr. 679-680, 717-721, 720-721, 724). 

 After Young arrived at the mine, Gross updated him about these circumstances, gave 

Young his notes and left the mine at 11:00 p.m. before the two examiners, Dan Stalnaker17 and 

Kevin Saunders18, returned for their shift. (Tr. 112-114, 162-163, 360-363, 379-380, 400, 410-

411, 416-417, 419). Gross had no further involvement, as Young completed the investigation. 

(Tr. 363, 405, 417). 

 After hearing about the conditions, Young told Brottish and Head of Safety Steve 

Apperson that he was going to issue a 104(d)(1) Citation for the water conditions unless they 

presented mitigation. (Tr. 88, 90, 119, 806, 818). This citation was based on Gross’ observations, 

the map, and what the examiners might tell him. (Tr. 90, 164-166, 170, 211-212). He started 

drafting the body of the citation before he ever saw the water. (Tr. 114, 154-155). Young and 

Gross never discussed the type of issuance and Young did not know what Gross had told 

Respondent before he left. (Tr. 174-175). 

Young knew that two examiners, Stalnaker and Saunders, had earlier walked through the 

area. (Tr. 89-89). Young did not know if the exam had been completed and he wanted to talk to 

 17 Dan Stalnaker was present at the hearing and testified. (Tr. 297). At the time of the 

hearing Stalnaker was retired, but his previous job was working around eight years as a regular 

mine examiner at Enlow Fork. (Tr. 297-298). Stalnaker did not regularly examine bleeders and 

had only been in the cited area two or three times. (Tr. 298-299, 314, 496). He encountered water 

in the area before the instant incident, preventing him from examining the area in its entirety. 

(Tr. 299, 313-314). 

18 Kevin Saunders was present at hearing and testified. (Tr. 426). At all relevant times he 

was a foreman at Enlow Fork. (Tr. 426, 436-437). Saunders was regularly assigned to examine a 

different bleeder and had examined, at most, E-15 twice in the past. (Tr. 427, 436). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1628
them. (Tr. 89). The examiners returned to duty at around 11:00 p.m. (Tr. 90). Young, Brottish, 

and Apperson spoke to Saunders and Stalnaker together. (Tr. 91, 97, 818). 

Stalnaker conducted the bleeder run the previous day because the normal examiner, 

Jamie Greene, was out.19 (Tr. 298, 301, 313, 448, 494-495). Greene had examined the area on 

January 22 and 29 and found that everything was in order.20 (Tr. 320, 321, 491-492, 667, RX-C). 

Greene also inspected it two or three days in a row before Stalnaker filled in for him to ensure 

the area was in good repair. (Tr. 495-496, 519-520). At no time did anyone tell Greene that the 

mine was on notice to prevent water in the bleeders and he did not know about the previous 

citations issued by Young. (Tr. 501-502, 509). Further, Greene did not remember any recent 

power outage. (Tr. 519). 

 On February 5, Stalnaker went to E tailgate No. 3 Entry and made it to an access door 

around the 47 crosscut. (Tr. 91, 299, 646-647). He took air readings and signed date board 

entries. (Tr. 303). At the sump he encountered high areas of water and tried the pumps, but did 

not retreat. (Tr. 91, 227, 299). The water was relatively clear but had debris, gridlocks, and 

pieces of wood floating in it. (Tr. 312). Stalnaker usually inspected working areas and would not 

have let miners work in that amount of water. (Tr. 310-311). However, because the area was 

remote and he would be the only one working, he entered the water. (Tr. 310-311). 

 His boots were not tall enough but he found chest waders in the area and put them on so 

he could continue the exam. (Tr. 300-303). The waders did not have a flotation device, as 

required by law. (Tr. 310, 419-420, 455). He did not know who placed the chest waders there. 

(Tr. 301-302). Giavonelli and Midnight Foreman Bob Price did not know the chest waders were 

present or how they got there. 21 (Tr. 455, 704). According to Giavonelli and Price, Respondent 

did not want miners to use chest waders in case they filled with water.22 (Tr. 455, 500, 704). 

 As Stalnaker walked through the water, the area was fairly clear of obstruction. (Tr. 316). 

He took shorter steps and used his walking stick. (Tr. 316). The nearest pump at the 49 crosscut 

 19Jamie Greene was present at the hearing and testified. (Tr. 469). At the time of the 

hearing, Greene was employed as a fireboss at Enlow Fork. (Tr. 469). He was the normal 

examiner of the E-15 bleeder at the time of the Citation and Order and was familiar with it, 

including locations with water. (Tr. 225, 470, 488). Young believed Greene did an excellent job 

at that difficult task. (Tr. 225-226, 509-511). Saunders and Stalnaker may not have been as 

familiar with the area as Greene. (Tr. 488). 

20 According to Greene, the bleeder system made him “gray just worrying about it” and 

“[e]very time I go back, I don’t know what I am going to get.” (Tr. 506). 

21 Robert Price was present at the hearing and testified. (Tr. 445). At the time of the 

hearing, Price was the continuous miner coordinator for Enlow Fork. (Tr. 445). On February 5, 

Price was a shift foreman and tasked with keeping the mine safe and efficient. (Tr. 446-447). 

22 Greene claimed that he never used the chest waders during his examinations. (Tr. 499-

500). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1629
was not working and Stalnaker tried to prime it to see if the water would recede. (Tr. 92-93, 116-

117, 127). Some of the pumps were working, but not nearly enough to get the water going into 

the sump. (Tr. 312). He also believed that the sump pump was not working. (Tr. 308-309). He 

looked for the date board at the No. 3 outlet and found it was in the water. (Tr. 303). Eventually, 

he tried to pass into another entry so as to bypass the water and reach the next evaluation point. 

(Tr. 314-315). He had not been told to bypass the area; he was just trained to complete the run in 

a timely manner. (Tr. 315). He tried to go through a 3-foot high mandoor between entries and got 

his methane detector wet. (Tr. 91-92, 94, 127, 227, 280-281, 299-300, 304, 322, 660, 773-774). 

Water had poured into his waders when he bent over. (Tr. 300, 422). 

 After that, Stalnaker left the bleeder the way he entered and called Price to say he could 

not complete the exam due to his wet detector. (Tr. 88-89, 92, 94-95, 300, 304-305, 322, 447-

448, 457, 493, 660). This was the first Price learned that there was water in in the sump area. (Tr. 

459-460). Much of the exam was not complete when Stalnaker stopped. (Tr. 95-96). Price 

believed Stalnaker would have pushed through and finished if his detector had not gotten wet. 

(Tr. 452). Stalnaker went to Price’s shanty and gave him his papers. (Tr. 305). Price then called 

the surface at that time to ensure the pump was running and the air compressor was on (though 

he never got a report back). (Tr. 448-449, 453-454, 458-459). Stalnaker spoke with Price at 4:00-

4:30 a.m. (Tr. 100, 103, 305, 321-322, 455-456). 

 Sometime between 4:45 and 5:30 a.m., Stalnaker updated Giavonelli who told him 

Saunders would finish the run. (Tr. 100, 103, 305, 308-309, 321-322, 455-456, 635-636, 711). 

Giavonelli was concerned about the travel hazard and called Russ Ciapetta on the surface to 

restart the sump pump. 23 (Tr. 128-129, 226, 234, 239, 272, 308-310, 322, 588-589, 636, 711, 

804, 832-833). Jeff Hohman had already told Ciapetta to start the pump 15 minutes earlier. (Tr. 

588). Giavonelli knew the ventilation was good because of the fan report. (Tr. 711-712). He 

believed the pump would be sufficient to clear the area so the exam could be completed by the 

end of the day. (Tr. 644, 666). He also told Ciapetta to call Burns Trucking to get the water out 

of the holding tanks if necessary.24 (Tr. 636, 639-640). 

 23 Russ Ciapetta was present at the hearing and testified. (Tr. 587). At the time of the 

hearing he worked in the maintenance department. (Tr. 588). In that capacity, Ciapetta would 

work out of the shop on belt lines, elevators, pumps, or anything broken down. (Tr. 588). 

24 Eventually Demidovich called Burns Trucking. (Tr. 549, 551-552, 761). Four drivers 

were initially dispatched to the pump (a usual number) and eventually two more were sent 

(which was unusual) (RX-S and RX-U). (Tr. 623-624). One driver, Gordon Scott, worked 11.5 

hours that day and completed six loads of 4,620 gallons each. (Tr. 624-627). Drivers did not take 

partial loads; they waited until the tank was full. (Tr. 627-628). Water was pumped all day on the 

February 6; from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on February 7; and from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on 

February 8. (Tr. 631). A review of the records showed that the tanks were empty on February 4 

at 9:00 a.m. and that no one had checked the tanks on February 2 or 3. (Tr. 628-629, 632). 

Vorhes, the dispatcher was not certain if the tanks had been emptied at any time between 

December 18, 2012 and February 1, as he did not have the necessary records at hearing to make 

that determination. (Tr. 630-632). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1630
 Ciapetta reached the outside pump at 5:00 a.m. and saw it was not running. (Tr. 589, 

593). He bypassed the bubbler by allowing more air into the system and got the pump running 

around 5:05-5:10 a.m. (Tr. 226, 532, 557, 589, 593, 597, 638). He had never overridden the 

bubbler before. (Tr. 611). It kicked on at 80 inches of air. (Tr. 597). Once started, it continued to 

run. (Tr. 593-594). Ciapetta saw the tanks filling and updated Giavonelli. (Tr. 594). 

 After dealing with the pump, Giavonelli got a report from the discharge lines at the sump 

from Wendell Hawk showing that water was going into the pool, a favorable indication (RX-I).25

(Tr. 647-649, 656-660, 707, 710, 764-766, 768). In fact, Hawk checked the pipe twice (at 1:00 

a.m. and 6:00 a.m.) and found that between half a pipe and a quarter of a pipe was flowing at all 

times. (Tr. 765, 767). By the second check, Hawk had already given Stalnaker a ride out of the 

mine and knew there was water in the area regardless of the water coming out of the discharge 

pipes. (Tr. 658-659, 767). 

 After speaking with Giavonelli, Stalnaker went home. (Tr. 306, 310). On his way home, 

he called Greene and said he could not finish the run. (Tr. 498-499). Greene thought Stalnaker 

was joking at first, but he recognized that water accumulates quickly. (Tr. 498-499, 519). 

 After speaking with Stalnaker, Price called Saunders and asked if he could complete a 

bleeder run from the opposite direction (to avoid problems). (Tr. 88-89, 97, 427-428, 448-453, 

457, 498-499, 647, 703-704, 774). Price chose Saunders because he was familiar with the area. 

(Tr. 457-458). The run had to be completed by the end of the day. (Tr. 459, 433). Price gave 

Saunders Stalnaker’s notes. (Tr. 305, 449). Price did not tell Saunders not to walk in the water or 

give any cautionary notes, as he believed Saunders knew what Stalnaker had encountered. (Tr. 

430, 443, 450). Price knew Saunders would encounter water but believed he would reach the 

evaluation points without traveling through the water. (Tr. 458).

Saunders entered the E-22 side of the bleeder around 2:00-3:00 a.m. and encountered 

water at E-21. (Tr. 429-431). He could not recall if it was clear, though water in the mine varied 

depending on the day and the depth. (Tr. 439, 441-443). He did not retreat when he reached this 

water and Young believed Saunders walked through water three feet deep. (Tr. 98, 218, 221-222, 

224-225, 227). Saunders testified that at that point he was on a wooden bridge and the water 

reached his ankles; he could not recall if he could see the bridge. (Tr. 438). Saunders 

encountered more water at E-20, No. 2 (boot high); E-15, No. 1, and the E tailgate. (Tr. 430-432, 

439). He stopped at the E-tailgate and could go no further through the water. (Tr. 432, 434-435). 

The water was waist high; Saunders would not work in water that deep and did not want to get 

any wetter. (Tr. 98-99, 227, 277, 431-432, 435). He made this decision himself and it was not 

based on anything management told him. (Tr. 435-437). He did not know if the water got deeper. 

(Tr. 98, 435). He could not reach two evaluation points because of the water. (Tr. 440-441). 

Saunders made a note about the water in the books for Greene. (Tr. 431-432). 

 Saunders retreated back the way he came into the bleeder without examining the areas 

beyond the deep water. (Tr. 99, 221, 433, 442). He got out around 10:00 a.m. (Tr. 99). Saunders 

 25 Wendell Hawk was present at the hearing and testified. (Tr. 763). At the time of the 

hearing Hawk was employed as a pumper at Enlow Fork and had worked there for eight years. 

(Tr. 763).

37 FMSHRC Page 1631
reported to Giavonelli that he could not get the last two readings and showed him the notes 

indicating where the water was located. (Tr. 99, 103, 433-434, 655-666, 713). Giavonelli did not 

recall hearing where the water was located, just that Saunders could not reach the points. (Tr. 

713). When he got outside, Saunders filled out the exam book. (Tr. 434). 

 After hearing these reports from the examiners and management, Young decided to go 

into the mine. (Tr. 109, 410). Young entered the mine at about 2:00 a.m. with Safety inspector 

Matt Roebucks, Apperson, and Stalnaker. (Tr. 114, 118-119). Young reached the E-tailgate No. 

1 entry at 4:15 a.m. and encountered water stretching from the No. 47 crosscut to the No. 12 

crosscut. (Tr. 109-111). The air pump at 49 crosscut was in knee-deep water and was not 

working because of a suction problem. (Tr. 93, 110, 117, 128, 260). Water was not pumping at 

the front of the sump. (Tr. 259). Young inspected other entries to see if the exam was completed 

and to check the water volume. (Tr. 110-111). He also checked the mandoor Stalnaker used and 

found the water was 2-feet deep, though the pump had been running 20 hours at that time. (Tr. 

228-229, GX-14, appendix 3). Young did not hear water at the discharge lines. (Tr. 257-260). 

However, water in the area seemed to be running back towards the pump and several air lines 

were running. (Tr. 115, 258). The water levels had dropped at the No. 2 outlet but was still at 

such a hazardous level that Young would not travel through. (Tr. 115-116, 118). 

 

 After walking the perimeter, Young had seen enough. (Tr. 118). He did not look at the 

entire area. (Tr. 156, 165). Young was not going to walk through water as Brottish and Gross had 

already determined the water’s location. (Tr. 118). They left the mine and Young issued a (d)(1) 

Citation and (d)(1) Order to Brottish. (Tr. 118, 128, 149, 158, 806-807). He did not see anything 

underground that changed his mind regarding the appropriateness of 104(d) issuances. (Tr. 211). 

The body of the citation was based on the highlighted map. (Tr. 167). 

 Young and Gross agreed that determining the root cause of a condition was important. 

(Tr. 198, 287-291, 412-413). Young did not know the exact cause of the water accumulation but 

believed it was caused by a failure to check the bleeder and equipment after a 12-hour power 

outage earlier in the week. (Tr. 134, 271-272, 292-293, 514-516). The outage could have caused 

the air pumps to lose prime and stop functioning and that would have allowed water to 

accumulate for days. (Tr. 271, 514, 515-516). Respondent believed that “a majority of the time,” 

the pumps came back on with the power. (Tr. 516-517). But Young believed Respondent knew 

this was a problem area and should have checked after the outage. (Tr. 271). The water could 

also have been caused by overly filled holding tanks outside preventing the pump from turning 

on. (Tr. 284, 517). 

 There may also have been a problem with the bubbler system as evidenced by the fact 

that it had to be bypassed to work. (Tr. 189, 232, 241, 251, 272). That day, Demidovich and the 

other mechanics went to the surface pump several times starting at 9:00-10:00 a.m. (Tr. 551, 

556, 761). Multiple trips were required because the pump would run for a while and then stop 

and the air volume would have to be increased to get it running again. (Tr. 555). Demidovich 

called Mon Valley Integration (“MVI”), a contractor, to look at the bubbler at 1:00 a.m. (Tr. 525-

527, 541, 552-553, 555). MVI employee William Batten worked for five hours that day to 

37 FMSHRC Page 1632
troubleshoot the bubbler.26 (Tr. 526-527). When Batten arrived and conducted a visual 

examination, the pump had already been overridden and was running. (Tr. 530, 532-533, 546). 

He did not know at that time there was a problem with the bubbler, but the air readings did not 

correspond to the observed high water. (Tr. 531-532, 542, 544). 

 Batten eventually determined that the bubbler tube was damaged and that it needed to be 

repaired. (Tr. 534). The bubbler tube contained holes that prevented pressure from building and 

gave an incorrect reading. (Tr. 539, 542, 744-745). If the bubbler system gave a low reading it 

would send incorrect data to the monitoring system and prevent an alarm. (Tr. 745-746). The 

remote monitoring system relied entirely on the bubbler for data about water levels and would 

reflect any inaccurate data provided by the bubbler. (Tr. 582-584). The remote monitoring 

system would still show the power, the tank level, and pump faults. (Tr. 750-751). 

 It was not clear when the bubbler had begun malfunctioning. (Tr. 557). Demidovich first 

learned about the problem on February 5, when the water accumulation was found but it could 

have been broken a month earlier. (Tr. 557). The bubbler records for the end of January and start 

of February showed the pump had never run. (Tr. 561). It also showed that the surface tanks 

were empty because the pump was not running. (Tr. 562). 

 While he acknowledged possible problems with the bubbler, Young testified that it only 

dealt with the sump, not the entire area. (Tr. 232). Young did not know if the other air pump 

system was working or if the water came from the sump or elsewhere. (Tr. 236). 

Regardless of the physical cause of the violation, Young believed what mattered was that 

a violation existed based on the facts (including the size, area, and location of the condition). (Tr. 

234, 237, 291). In Young’s opinion, the root cause of the violation was Respondent’s failure to 

maintain the bleeder system in a manner safe for travel despite being placed on notice and 

receiving two previous citations. (Tr. 237-238). If Respondent removed all the water or it 

evaporated before exposure, he would not issue a violation regardless of the water source. (Tr. 

236-237). 

 Young issued a 104(d) citation (GX-1) for failure to maintain the bleeder perimeter in a 

safe manner for exams as required by the ventilation plan at E-15 and between E-19 and E-21. 

(Tr. 119-120, 125, 148, 194-195, 208, 356). Brottish confirmed as accurate the depths and 

locations listed in the citation. (Tr. 824-825). However, MSHA does not have a specific depth of 

water in total or over the bridge that violates the standard, it was somewhat subjective. (Tr. 210-

211, 217). An agency policy given to operators states that water over a bridge was a violation. 

(Tr. 218). Young only cited when, like here, he could not see his feet in the water. (Tr. 218). 

 The citation was marked as highly likely to result in injury because of the depth of the 

water, the condition of the travel ways, the pump lines, the crib blocks, the previous citations, 

and the conditions Gross observed. (Tr. 121). A miner could fall, hit his head and drown, break 

an arm or leg, or, if he had a weak heart, go into shock and die before being found. (Tr. 121-

 26 William Batten was present at the hearing and testified. (Tr. 524). At the time of the 

hearing he was an electrical technician at MVI. (Tr. 524). He was an MSHA electrician for 10 

years and attended technical college. (Tr. 524-525). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1633
122). Miners would be wearing a 10-12 pound belt and would wear an SCSR (weighing a few 

pounds), a methane detector, cordless cap lamp, hammers, channel locks, and various items. (Tr. 

122). The lack of uniformity in the mine floor would contribute to a tripping hazard. (Tr. 724). 

Young may have marked the condition as less likely if Respondent began fixing it before anyone 

was exposed. (Tr. 232). Brottish and Gross did not trip while they walked the bleeder. (Tr. 174). 

Giavonelli was not aware of anyone being injured in any of the Enlow Fork Bleeders at any time 

and did not expect miners to trip each time the mine flooded. (Tr. 660, 725). 

 The citation was marked as fatal because if a miner fell, he may not be able to get his 

head above water and would die from drowning. (Tr. 122, 230). Young recalled an instance in 

which a miner fell into water after having a heart attack and the coroner’s report listed the cause 

of death as drowning. (Tr. 230-231). The cited area had pipes and supports that a miner might 

strike in a fall. (Tr. 123). The bridge was only three to four feet wide (not rib to rib) and had only 

a steel wire to mark the edge, no handrail. (Tr. 124-125). The water under the bridge was up to 

42 inches. (Tr. 123). The sump was ten or eleven feet deep and had a foot or two of sediment in 

the bottom. (Tr. 123). If a miner fell in the sump, the water level would be over his head. (Tr. 

123). 

The citation was marked as S&S because Young believed it met all the factors and 

believed an injury was reasonably likely. (Tr. 126). The citation was marked as affecting two 

people because Stalnaker and Saunders had traveled the area that day, although normally only 

one did. (Tr. 125). 

The citation was marked as high negligence because Young believed the operator knew 

or should have known of the condition and there were no mitigating circumstances. (Tr. 126, 

239-240, 243). Respondent knew about the violation when Stalnaker informed his shift foreman 

about the hazardous amount of water at 4:30 a.m. (Tr. 126-127, 131-133). No one else knew 

about the water until Stalnaker left the bleeder. (Tr. 130-131). However, Stalnaker and Saunders 

were both Respondent’s agents. (Tr. 128). Young did not believe Respondent exercised the 

necessary degree of care because both examiners went through the water and Stalnaker used 

disallowed chest waders in the area. (Tr. 264). Young was also concerned because something 

was wrong every time inspectors entered the area; it was not maintained for safe travel. (Tr. 274, 

288). In this regard, on November 20, 2012, the line was cut, on December 10, 2012, the tanks 

were full, and on February 5 the alarm did not work. (Tr. 288). 

Brottish noted that authorized miners could stay in a hazardous area to assess or correct a 

violation. (Tr. 829-831). However, he also testified that those repairs must follow proper 

procedure and be conducted cautiously. (Tr. 831). MSHA believed the examiners should have 

stopped and pumped out the water before continuing on or correcting the problems. (Tr. 147-

148, 186). 

Young stated he would change the negligence level if Respondent could produce facts to 

support a finding of mitigation but none of those offered by Respondent occurred before the 

miners traveled through the hazardous water. (Tr. 235, 240, 243). Brottish provided what he 

believed was mitigation to Young on several occasions, including things done since the 

December citation. (Tr. 802-803, 805-806, 832, 835-836). Young told Respondent that nothing 

37 FMSHRC Page 1634
they listed was mitigation based on the confluence of factors and the fact that Respondent was on 

notice. (Tr. 243, 269, 806). Young testified that something was not mitigation if it failed to 

prevent or limit exposure. (Tr. 146, 232-233, 238, 243, 253-255). The timeline was key to 

Young, measures taken after someone travels through the hazard there were not mitigation. (Tr. 

148, 192, 232-233, 238, 243, 253-255, 262-264, 273-274). The suggested mitigation included the 

following:

Brottish explained to Young that the power had been out on February 1 and that it may 

have led to the water accumulation. (Tr. 803, 832-833). Young did not consider this mitigation 

because this was a problem area and Respondent had been put on notice. (Tr. 133-134). Also, 

Respondent knew of the power outage and had time after February 1 to ensure the pump system 

was working properly; however Respondent did not check on the pump system. (Tr. 133-136, 

833). Gross also believed this was not mitigation because the power outage was not placed in the 

book. (Tr. 363). Brottish later learned that Greene went back to the area around the time of the 

power outage. (Tr. 135, 266-267, 833-834). Young did not believe Greene’s earlier access of the 

area was mitigation because it did not prevent miners from entering the water. (Tr. 267-268). 

 Brottish also argued that Respondent got sump reports each shift starting no later than 

December 10. (Tr. 804, 810-811, 832-833). Young believed Respondent should have had 

someone monitoring the sump and checking the air pumps in addition to the checks on the 

discharge lines; further, given the scope of the issue Respondent should have checked the water 

level and made repairs every day or every third day if necessary. (Tr. 270-271). 

Young also did not consider the existence of the surface pump to be mitigation because it 

was only run when the underground air system was overwhelmed. (Tr. 136). Young believed it 

was reasonable to start the sump pump at the cited time but did not believe that turning it on was 

mitigation because someone had already traveled through the water in the unsafe travel way 

instead of backing out and marking the hazard. (Tr. 89, 129-133, 244-249). Both Stalnaker and 

Saunders entered the water to complete the exam before the pump was activated. (Tr. 131-133, 

249). Pumping would only be mitigation if the water came down before the first examiner went 

through. (Tr. 245-248). Similarly, Young did not believe that two pumping systems constituted 

mitigation. (Tr. 265). While he had stated in his deposition two systems might be mitigation, he 

also stated that there could be thirty systems and it would not matter if the systems were not 

properly maintained. (Tr. 266). 

 Respondent also claimed that the bubbler was broken. (Tr. 240). Brottish explained the 

bubbler gave a false indication that the water was low in the sump. (Tr. 803, 832-833). Young 

believed it was not mitigation if the bubbler broke before Stalnaker entered the area because 

Respondent did not find the problem; the fact that something was broken was not mitigation. (Tr. 

254, 263). 

 On a related point, Respondent’s witnesses claimed that there was a remote monitoring 

system but that the sump pump alarm did not work and did not register on the monitoring 

screens. (Tr. 239-240, 242, 275, 295, 811). The system said there was only 40 inches of water in 

the sump when the Order was issued. (Tr. 208, 255-256). While Young believed this could give 

someone a false sense of security, he believed that if the alarm was not working properly that 

37 FMSHRC Page 1635
proper attention was not being paid. (Tr. 208, 252). Young further testified that the fact that the 

alarm did not show in the offices was not mitigation; the alarm was in place but not adequate to 

address the situation or prevent recurrences. (Tr. 256, 275). 

 Brottish also believed that there was a broken discharge line in the area and he made a 

note to repair it later. (Tr. 792, 802). Young did not believe this was mitigation if it occurred 

before February 5 because it meant the system had failed and Respondent did not maintain safe 

travel; it may have constituted mitigation if something was done to prevent, correct, or limit 

exposure before miners entered the water. (Tr. 261-263). Further, Gross noted that if there was a 

broken pipe causing the condition, it should have been listed in the book. (Tr. 396-397). Young 

believed that some of the equipment issues may have mitigated the condition if this was the first 

time the issue arose. (Tr. 253). 

 Young did not believe calling contractors to correct the situation constituted mitigation. 

(Tr. 260-262, 285). Young saw no evidence Respondent called MVI before MSHA was 

involved; Respondent needed to call before the examiners entered the water to be mitigating. (Tr. 

260-261). Similarly, Young believed Respondent calling Burns Trucking to haul away the water 

was not mitigation because most of the water was hauled after the citations were issued. (Tr. 

285). 

 Brottish also argued that Respondent had no way of knowing about the condition and 

took immediate action to correct the problem when it learned about it. (Tr. 809). Young agreed 

that an operator cannot correct a condition it does not know about; however Respondent had 

been previously put on notice about the area and it also knew about the power loss. (Tr. 233). 

 Brottish also found that Enlow Fork had received only seven 75.370(a) citations which 

was 3.68% of their total citations, while the national average was 5.28%. (Tr. 814). Previous 

years showed a similar trend. (Tr. 814). 

 Young testified that the condition was an unwarrantable failure and was aggravated 

conducted constituting more than ordinary negligence and that Respondent did not act or did not 

act properly. (Tr. 137-138). Young also believed the condition was obvious and extensive and 

the examiner knew it when he entered the area. (Tr. 137-138). Several witnesses confirmed that 

the problem had to exist for at least three of four shifts for that volume of water to build up. (Tr. 

137, 268, 281-282). Credible testimony also established that similar issues had occurred in the 

recent past and Respondent was on notice that it needed to do more. (Tr. 137-138, 835). Young 

noted that mine management was aware of the condition as soon as the examiner reported it. (Tr. 

138). He further testified that while Respondent started the sump pump, this only dealt with 

water in the corner and gave Respondent no indication of what existed in the other areas of the 

bleeder where the two miners traveled and could not complete the exam safely. (Tr. 138-139). 

Finally, Young noted the conduct was aggravated because miners walked through the water after 

a state inspector told them not to travel in boot deep water. (Tr. 139). 

 The first citation was abated on February 8, 2013. (Tr. 153). Thus, it took three days of 

pumping in a difficult to reach area to fix the problems and get the water out. (Tr. 153-154, 233). 

The day after the Citation and Order were issued, Giavonelli went back into the area, listed all of 

37 FMSHRC Page 1636
the conditions he saw, and marked them on a map (RX-X). (Tr. 684-686). He started from the E21 outlet and walked to E-15 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Tr. 686-688, 696). The water was still 

present but in many places it was clear. (Tr. 688-690, 697). He found one location were the water 

was 12 inches over the top of a walkway which sat 22 inches above the bottom. (Tr. 686-687, 

715). There was also water near the sump 32 inches deep and above the knee that Giavonelli had 

to walk through. (Tr. 693, 716, 723). There were various other places with small amounts of 

water and a spot near a mandoor where water was at least 28 inches deep. (Tr. 687, 694). 

Giavonelli found a broken discharge line which he repaired. (Tr. 687). He did not see any 

additional issues and did not see any location where the water was at the roof. (Tr. 689-690, 

693). All of the air pumps were running, and the sump pump was off because it was not 

necessary. (Tr. 697-698). 

 On February 6, Demidovich, Jobes, and Batten spent the day attempting to figure out 

what was wrong with the bubbler. (Tr. 534, 567). The next day, they dropped the new tubes 

down the shaft to the sump while Craig Yoho worked underground and communicated via radio. 

(Tr. 535-536, 567-569, 596, 743-745). An electronic display and a new hand dial were also 

added to the surface pump after the instant event. (Tr. 596-597, 603-605). On February 8, 

Demidovich corrected the problem that was causing the pump to repeatedly start and then shut 

off. (Tr. 569-570). Batten continued to make adjustments for a few more days. (Tr. 538). During 

the abatement period, Young did not issue any danger orders on the area. (Tr. 154).

 In addition to the water accumulations, Young and Gross discovered in the investigation 

that the exams for the E tailgate overcast and E tailgate No. 2 entry had not been completed for 

air quality, error measurement, or signature.27 (GX-3, tab 3, p. 45, RX-F). (Tr. 81-83, 105-106, 

113, 175-176, 345-347, 358-359, 372-374, 400, 782). An Order was issued for this condition. 

(Tr. 683-684, GX-2). Young and Gross were not sure why the book was not filled out. (Tr. 83, 

86, 89, 399-400). They later learned that the book was not filled out because the examiners could 

not reach the area. (Tr. 177-178). Respondent had 24 hours, or until midnight on February 6, to 

complete the exam and have it signed by the foreman. (Tr. 178-179, 680, 819). Presumably, the 

examiner could make corrections to the book if he believed he missed something in that time. 

(Tr. 179). 

 Giavonelli nevertheless signed the book despite the fact that the dark, murky water and 

tripping hazards were not listed as hazards. (Tr. 84-85, 87, 99, 671, 677). Giavonelli knew that 

the run was not complete but claimed he signed it only to signify that he read the pages and knew 

there was an issue. (Tr. 671-672, 681-682). Giavonelli did not know why the examiners did not 

list any hazards. (Tr. 725). He believed it was apparent to everyone the run was not completed 

because of the water. (Tr. 672). The book was important because it is supposed to inform 

inspectors and miners about hazards. (Tr. 103-104). It also allowed examiners to report 

hazardous conditions to management. (Tr. 104). Young also reviewed the fan charts and saw no 

ventilation hazards. (Tr. 85-86). 

 When Young spoke with Stalnaker and Saunders about the books, they explained that 

they forgot to fill them out. (Tr. 100). A few days later Stalnaker called Young to explain that he 

 27 Henry and Brottish recalled that Young was always very thorough when reviewing 

exam records; sometimes he would ask for additional books. (Tr. 782-783, 822). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1637
kept notes underground and then filled the book in later on the surface. (Tr. 100-102, 306). On 

the day at issue, Stalnaker only filled the final three entries in the book. (Tr. 317, 319). Stalnaker 

gave his notes to Saunders to finish the run. (Tr. 102, 306, 319). Young explained that the failure 

to fill in the readings could be a technical violation, but the water hazard should have been listed. 

(Tr. 102). Stalnaker also explained that he was wet and miserable and “that is just the way you 

fill the book out.” (Tr. 102). Young did not place much stock in this explanation. (Tr. 103). He 

believed two people saw a hazard but did not record it and a mine foreman signed the book and 

did not note the problem even though he knew about the hazard. (Tr. 103). Young believed 

Stalnaker was a good miner who made an honest mistake, but that it was still a violation. (Tr. 

276). 

 At the hearing, Stalnaker explained, that he did not consider placing a note about the 

water in the book because he had walked forty blocks and taken two readings that were dry. (Tr. 

307). He could have taken a reading at the No. 3 outlet, but the date board was in the water. (Tr. 

307, 383). In retrospect, he admitted he should have put the condition in the book. (Tr. 307). He 

also admitted he was complacent because the area had a history of water and he was not 

surprised to find it there. (Tr. 311). If he thought there was an imminent danger, he would not 

have tried to travel through the water at all. (Tr. 316). 

 Saunders never admitted to Young that the condition was a hazard and he did not put it in 

the book. (Tr. 132-133, 434). Saunders told Young that he stopped going through the area 

because he did not want to get any wetter, but still did not enter any hazards into the book. (Tr. 

277). Saunders was already soaked and could not finish the last few evaluation points. (Tr. 277-

280). Saunders knew Stalnaker had not completed an examination of all the evaluation points 

either. (Tr. 278) Young believed this meant it was too dangerous to finish the run and that, under 

the law, Saunders should have listed the water as a hazard. (Tr. 277-280). Young agreed with 

Saunders’ decision to back out but believed he should have filled in the book. (Tr. 277). 

Saunders maintained at all times that the water at 36-inches can be hazardous, but that he felt that 

in the cited situation it was not particularly dangerous. (Tr. 277-278, 280, 433, 441-442). He did 

not trip, fall, or have any trouble getting through the water. (Tr. 439-440). Greene agreed at 

hearing that he had never fallen or been injured during an exam and felt comfortable in the area. 

(Tr. 489-490). 

Young also spoke with Brottish and Apperson about the incomplete books and whether 

the exam was completed. (Tr. 107, 113, 224). Young also told Brottish and Apperson that they 

needed to get the water level down and complete the run or they would get another citation. (Tr. 

107). Brottish and Apperson assigned a fireboss, Andy Yablonsky, to complete the task.28 (Tr. 

107-108). Young spoke to Yablonsky and told him the areas he needed to examine in the 

bleeder. (Tr. 108-109). Yablonsky started around 9:30-10:00 p.m. and completed it just around 

the time Young was entering the mine. (Tr. 109, 179-182, 671, RX-F). Yablonsky finished the 

run and Respondent did not receive a citation for failure to complete the exam. (Tr. 182-183, 

677, 819). 

 28 For the purposes of hearing, the fireboss will be referred to as Andy “Yablonsky.” At 

times in the transcript he is referred to as “Yablonksi.” Further, Respondent’s pre-hearing report 

refers to him as “Yackuboskey.” It is unclear which name is correct, but “Yablonsky” will be 

used at all times in the interest of consistency. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1638
An Order was issued for this condition (GX-2). (Tr. 683-684). This Order was marked as 

reasonably likely because miners other than Saunders, Stalnaker, Giavonelli, and Price who 

entered the area might not be aware of the water. (Tr. 139-140). The books are the only way 

other foremen know about conditions in the mine. (Tr. 142). Mental notes are not enough. (Tr. 

140-141). When a foreman signs a book listing no hazards, he indicates that there are no 

problems. (Tr. 141-142). 

The violation was marked as fatal for the same reasons as the first citation. (Tr. 143). A 

miner entering the bleeder without knowledge of the water could trip in the murky water and fall 

and hit his head, which could cause a drowning fatality. (Tr. 143). 

The violation was marked as S&S because there was a violation of a mandatory health 

and safety standard, there was a discrete safety hazard because the conditions were not placed in 

the book as required, and it was reasonably likely that a reasonably serious injury would result. 

(Tr. 144). Two people were affected for the same reasons as the first citation. (Tr. 143). 

This violation was higher negligence than the first condition because two examiners 

conducted partial exams, walked through water, and yet entered no hazards. (Tr. 144). Also, the 

foreman knew about the water and signed the book indicating no hazards. (Tr. 144-145). If 

MSHA had not caught the missing entry in the book, no one would have finished the exam or 

gotten the pump in the corner running. (Tr. 145). Respondent’s monitoring was inadequate and a 

pumper should have been in the area around the clock to ensure the system worked. (Tr. 145). 

 The violation was also marked as aggravated conduct. (Tr. 145). There were people 

making an exam and there was an obvious and extensive condition. (Tr. 145). Two miners 

traveled in the hazard. (Tr. 146, 191-192). Further, there was a pattern of people walking through 

water to complete exams and then claiming that a pumping problem was mitigation. (Tr. 191-

192, 207). The water had to be there more than a shift to grow so large. (Tr. 145). No one did 

anything beyond start the surface pump for two shifts. (Tr. 145). This pump would only have 

cleaned the corner. (Tr. 146). This was the third time the pumps had failed since November 20 

and Respondent was on notice regarding the need for increased efforts. (Tr. 146). Young did not 

know how many other citations were issued in the last five years under the instant standard. (Tr. 

283-284). He doubted there were many as Enlow Fork’s books were usually good. (Tr. 284). 

C. Citation No. 7024068 

1. Contentions of the Parties 

With respect to Citation No. 7024068, the Secretary asserts that Respondent violated 30 

CFR § 75.370(a)(1), that this violation was “Highly Likely” to result in “Fatal” injuries to two 

miners, that the violation was S&S, and that it resulted from “High Negligence” and an 

unwarrantable failure to comply. (GX-1)(Secretary’s Post-Hearing Brief at 14-26). The 

Secretary believes that the proposed penalty of $14,373.00 is appropriate. (Id. at 31-33). 

 Respondent argues that no injury was reasonably likely to occur as a result of the 

violation and that, as a result, it was not S&S. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 25-26 and 

37 FMSHRC Page 1639
34-35). It argues in the alternative that any injury that would occur would result only in “Lost 

Workdays/Restricted Duty” rather than death. (Id. at 30-33). It also argues that its actions did not 

display “High Negligence” or an unwarrantable failure to comply. (Id. at 21-25 and 36-46). 

2. The Secretary Has Carried His Burden Of Proof By A Preponderance Of 

The Evidence That Respondent Violated 30 CFR § 75.370(a)(1) 

On February 5, 2013, Young issued Citation No. 7024068 under 104(d)(1) of the Act for 

a violation of 30 CFR § 75.370(a)(1). Section 8 of that Order, Condition or Practice, reads as 

follows: 

The operator failed to comply with their approved mine ventilation plan, in that, 

the bleeders were not maintained for safe travel in the E tailgate to E-21 panel 

bleeder district. Obvious and extensive accumulations of water were permitted to 

accumulate from 12 to 42 inches in depth, rib to rib, for a total distance of 2350 

feet at the listed locations. 

1. In the number 3 entry of E tailgate from 46 crosscut to 50 crosscut and in the 

inby bleeder entry from 50 crosscut, north for just over 2 blocks inby (a distance 

of 500 feet). Water measured from 12 to 42 inches in depth. 

2. In the inby bleeder entry (travelable entry), from 20 feet outby E-19 number 3 

entry to 200 feet inby E-21 number 3 entry (a distance of 1800 feet), water 

measured 12 to 36 inches in depth. 

The mine floor in these [areas] can be irregular, contain rib sloughage and other 

various other tripping hazards, which can be hidden by the depth of the water. 

Page 4, Line AA, of the approved mine ventilation plan (5958-B13, MAY 29, 

2012), states that, "the means for maintaining the bleeders safe for travel will 

include compressed air lines routed underground, used in conjunction with air 

pumps to remove water as necessary to permit safe travel through he [sic] 

perimeter of the bleeder system." 

This constitutes more than ordinary negligence on the part of the mine 

management, in that, it would have taken at least several days for the water to 

flood to this level. Part of this same area was cited twice last quarter and the mine 

operator was placed on "notice" that increased attention to the pumping water was 

necessary in these areas. This high negligence demonstrates a lack of due 

diligence by the miner operator to provide a safe work environment by not 

maintaining the water in the bleeders to a safe level. This unique aggravated 

circumstances [sic] puts the miners at a high risk to be injured. This a [sic] lack of 

reasonable care on the part of the mine operator to provide a safe work 

environment for their employees demonstrates indifference in complying with the 

regulations. 

This is being issued in conjunction with 104(d)(1) Order Number 7024069. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1640
Standard 75.370(a)(1) was cited 16 times in two years at mine 3607416 (16 to the 

operator, 0 to a contractor). This violation is an unwarrantable failure to comply 

with a mandatory standard. 

(GX-1) 

 On February 8, 2013, the citation was abated, after the water was pumped down 

sufficiently to provide for safe travel. (GX-1). 

 On February 11, 2013, Young issued an amendment to the citation, following further 

investigation and plotting the area on a strip map. This amendment provided: 

The starting location of the accumulation of water in the E tailgate number 3 entry 

should have been at 47 crosscut, not 46 crosscut. This correction reduces the 

distance of water accumulations in the E-tailgate area from 500 feet in length to 

400 feet in length. The total distance of water accumulations is reduced from 2350 

feet in length to 2250 feet in length. 

(GX-1). 

 The cited standard, 30 CFR § 75.370(a)(1) (“Mine ventilation plan; submission and 

approval”), provides the following: 

The operator shall develop and follow a ventilation plan approved by the district 

manager. The plan shall be designed to control methane and respirable dust and 

shall be suitable to the conditions and mining system at the mine. The ventilation 

plan shall consist of two parts, the plan content as prescribed in § 75.371 and the 

ventilation map with information as prescribed in § 75.372. Only that portion of 

the map which contains information required under § 75.371 will be subject to 

approval by the district manager. 

30 CFR § 75.370(a)(1). 

In the instant matter, it is uncontested that Respondent had an approved ventilation plan 

that required, inter alia, walkways in the bleeder be maintained in a manner safe for travel. (GX1)(Tr. 56). It is likewise uncontested that the E-Tailgate through E-21 bleeder district contained 

large accumulations of water. Water at the 46 crosscut stretched 600-700 feet and ranged in 

depth from 12-42 inches. (Tr. 79-80, 125-126, 156-157, 167, 169, 347-348, 351-353, 377, 382, 

385-389, 788, 799). Water from E-19 to E-21 stretched 1,800 feet and ranged in depth from 12-

36 inches. (Tr. 79-80, 125-126, 167-169, 173, 354, 356, 366, 379-380, 391-394, 420, 791-792, 

801). Witnesses credibly testified that this water was murky, cold, contained debris and tripping 

hazards, and constituted a hazard to miners traveling in the area. (Tr. 121, 172, 312, 354-356, 

392-395, 348, 411-412). Further, Respondent conceded that in the instant matter, “there was a 

violation of the ventilation plan.” (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 21). In light of these facts, 

I find that the violation occurred. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1641
3. The Violation Was Highly Likely to Result in Fatal Injury to Two Miners 

And Was Significant And Substantial In Nature. 

Inspector Young marked the gravity of the cited danger in Citation No. 7024068 as being 

“Highly Likely” to result in “Fatal” injuries to two persons. (GX-1). Young also determined that 

the violation was S&S. (GX-1). These determinations were supported by a preponderance of the 

evidence at the hearing. 

As noted supra, the first element in determining whether a violation is S&S is whether 

there was an underlying violation of a mandatory safety standard. Mathies at 3-4. As 

demonstrated above, Respondent violated 30 C.F.R. §75.370(a)(1) in the instant matter. 

Therefore, the first Mathies element is met. 

In its brief, Respondent argues that a 30 C.F.R § 75.370(a)(1) violation based “solely” on 

a tripping hazard cannot be S&S because that standard is not directed at tripping hazards, but 

rather at ventilation issues. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 33, citing Oak Grove Resources, 

34 FMSHRC 594, 610 (Mar. 2012)(ALJ Moran)). Respondent argues that a citation can only be 

S&S if a specific hazard implicated by the cited standard is raised by the violation. Respondent 

further notes “[t]his goes to the first element in Mathies...” (Id. at 33). 

It is unclear exactly how this particular argument, “goes to the first element in Mathies...” 

As shown supra, the first element of Mathies is whether there was an underlying violation of a 

mandatory safety standard. Here, the facts support, and Respondent conceded, that Respondent 

violated 30 C.F.R. §75.370(a)(1). Whether the standard was primarily intended to prevent any 

given hazard has no bearing on the question. 

Regardless of whether this argument concerns the first element of Mathies, it is 

unpersuasive on its merits. Nothing in the Mine Act, Title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations, 

or Commission and judicial case law limits S&S designations in the manner urged by 

Respondent. The only issues in determining whether a violation of a mandatory safety standard 

is S&S are whether it contributes to a discrete safety hazard and that hazard is reasonably likely 

to contribute to a reasonably serious injury. Mathies, supra. There is no additional requirement 

that the “true” or “real” purpose of the standard be analyzed. If an operator’s conduct violates the 

cited standard, then by necessity that conduct implicates the hazards considered in that standard. 

In the instant matter than means that if Respondent violated 30 C.F.R. §75.370(a)(1), and it is 

uncontested that it did, then the violation must at least concern the hazards that 30 C.F.R. 

§75.370(a)(1) was promulgated to address.29 In this regard, Commission ALJs have, in the past, 

accepted citations as S&S for trip and fall hazards, even when the standard cited dealt with 

ventilation issues. See e.g. Consolidation Coal Co., 15 FMSHRC 1408 (July 1993)(ALJ 

Weisberger). 

 29 That is not to imply that any violation contributes to a discrete safety hazard (the 

question asked in the second prong of Mathies). For example, many violations are merely 

technical and do not raise hazards. Nonetheless, even a technical violation with no contribution 

to an actual hazard in a given instance still concerns the hazard addressed by the violated 

standard. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1642
Even if it were necessary to determine the purpose of the cited standard, Respondent’s 

interpretation of 30 C.F.R. §75.370(a)(1) is far too narrow. The purpose of the standard is clear 

from the first sentence: to require operators to make and follow an approved ventilation plan. 

While that plan is primarily designed to ensure proper ventilation, it is clearly not limited to that 

purpose. In fact, it is undisputed that Respondent’s ventilation plan required maintenance of 

walkways to ensure safe travel. By admittedly failing to maintain those walkways, Respondent 

violated the plan and implicated this standard. Respondent’s argument erroneously focused on 

certain goals in the plan, rather than the overall purpose of the standard. As a result, its argument 

is unpersuasive and I reject it. 

Respondent’s argument relies entirely on Judge Moran’s statement in Oak Grove 

Resources that, “the Court finds despite the record evidence establishing a significant slipping 

and tripping hazard, such conditions cannot form the basis for a ‘S&S’...because that is not the 

focus of that standard.” (Id. at 34 citing Oak Grove Resources at 610). I respectfully decline to 

follow the reasoning in Oak Grove Resources to the extent it mirrors Respondent argument, for 

the reasons discussed above. I find that the tripping hazard present in this case can form the basis 

of an S&S designation. 

The second element of Mathies, a discrete safety hazard – that is a measure of danger to 

safety – contributed to by the violation – was also met. Credible testimony established that the 

bleeder entry contained deep water with various tripping hazards, including uneven floor, and 

debris. (Tr. 724). Two miners walked through the water and got extremely wet in the process and 

one of them had his methane detector fail as a result of the water. (Tr. 91-94, 98-99,127, 221-

227, 277, 280-281, 299-300, 304, 322, 422, 431-435, 660, 773-774). The water was cold and so 

murky that a miner could not see his feet or tripping hazards as he walked through the water. (Tr. 

121,172, 312, 354-356, 392-395, 348, 411-412). Tripping miners could suffer broken bones or 

head injuries. (Tr. 121-122, 143, 230). Given the depth and temperature of the water, the various 

structures and equipment in the area, and the heavy equipment the miners carried, the miners 

also faced hazards of shock or drowning. (Tr. 121-123). In short, the cited condition contributed 

to several discrete safety hazards and, therefore, the second element of Mathies is met. 

The third element of the Mathies test – a reasonable likelihood that the hazard contributed 

to will result in an injury – was also met. Specifically, a miner slipping or falling in the bleeder 

could be injured in the fall. (Tr. 121-122). Injuries could occur to the limbs or the head. (Tr. 121-

122). Further, the deep water in the area would contribute to a drowning hazard. (Tr. 121-122). 

In fact, the record fully supports the Secretary’s determination that an injury would be “Highly 

Likely” to result from a slip and fall in the bleeder entry. Also, Young credibly testified that the 

water contained bacteria that could cause cellulitis – a blood infection – should a miner be cut by 

debris or machinery. The depth of the water, the size and length of the accumulations, the fact 

that two miners actually entered the water, and the fact that management ordered miners to 

attempt to complete the entire exam despite the existence of water, all support a finding of 

“Highly Likely.” 

In its brief, Respondent presents several arguments for why an injury was unlikely to 

result from a trip and fall accident in the bleeder. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 25-26 and 

35). However, none of these arguments was persuasive. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1643
First, Respondent argues that the area was controlled access and only the weekly 

examiner traveled in the area. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 25). This point was 

uncontested. (Tr. 69-70). Inspector Young credibly testified that this citation was marked as 

affecting two miners because two inspectors, Stalnaker and Saunders, actually entered the area in 

an attempt to complete the required exam. (Tr. 146, 191-192). However, the fact that only two 

miners entered the area in no way minimizes the hazards those miners faced. Any examiner in 

the area (Stalnaker, Saunders, Greene, or any other member of management) faced tripping 

hazards and deep water in the bleeders. The fact that access was limited only to those examiners 

does not change the hazard. 

Respondent next argues that “Inspector Young decided to give the Operator three days to 

abate the water condition with no additional requirements other than Section 104(c).” 

(Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 25). It is unclear how Respondent believes this limited the 

likelihood of injury to miners traveling in the water on February 5. This argument fails. 

Additionally, Respondent argues that 11 people traveled in the bleeders, including Gross, 

and none tripped. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 25 and 35). Further, Respondent noted 

that no previous injuries were observed in the bleeder entry, despite frequent water inundations. 

(Id.). As the Commission noted in U.S. Steel Mining Company, Inc., “[t]he fact that injury had 

been avoided in the past or in connection with a particular violation may be ‘fortunate, but not 

determinative,’” to the question of whether a citation was S&S. U.S. Steel Mining Company, 

Inc., 18 FMSHRC 862, 867 (Jun. 1996) quoting Ozark-Mahoning Co., 8 FMSHRC 190, 192 

(February 1986). It is fortunate that none of the miners or inspectors in this matter were injured 

by the tripping hazards in the bleeder system, but that does not change the fact that such an 

injury was highly likely. That likelihood was supported by both inspectors’ credible testimony. 

Next, Respondent argues that the two examiners exposed to deeper water retreated rather 

than complete their exams. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 26). While it is true that two 

miners, Stalnaker and Saunders, eventually retreated from the mine, as noted repeatedly at 

hearing, this retreat only occurred after the miners had already been exposed to the cited danger 

and because they chose not to go further, likely because of the danger involved. (Tr. 88-89, 92-

95, 98, 218, 221-227, 300, 304-305, 322, 432-435, 447-448, 457, 493, 660). The inspectors 

credibly testified that the water Stalnaker and Saunders traveled in was hazardous. (Tr. 98, 218, 

221-227, 314-316, 438). The miners might not have been exposed to all of the hazards in the 

area, but they were undoubtedly exposed to some of them. It was possible that Stalnaker would 

have finished the run, had his gas detector not been damaged by the water. (Tr. 452). In sum, the 

fact that Stalnaker and Saunders eventually retreated in no way limited the likelihood of injury. 

Further, Respondent argues that after 5:00 a.m., Respondent began to pump down the 

water and therefore reduced the likelihood of injury. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 26). 

Respondent also noted that when remedial efforts were already underway when the inspector 

arrived, an injury was unlikely. (Id. at 35 citing Knox Creek Coal, 36 FMSHRC 1128, 1139 

(May 28, 2014)). Respondent was correct that remedial efforts began (albeit with limited 

success) before the inspector arrived in the area. (Tr. 84, 128-129, 226, 234, 239, 272, 308-310, 

322, 586-589, 593, 636, 711, 832-833). However, the remedial efforts did not occur until after 

Stalnaker had already been exposed to the dangerous conditions. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1644
This situation is inapposite to that in Knox Creek Coal, cited by Respondent. In that case, 

the trailing cables on a continuous miner were nicked and the insulated inner conductors were 

exposed. Knox Creek Coal, 36 FMSHRC at 1137. However, in that case the machine was shut 

down and the cables were undergoing repair. Id. at 1139. The Commission found that the only 

likelihood of injury would be if miners were “willfully grossly neglectful in completing repairs.” 

Id. In the instant matter, the cited area, unlike Knox Creek Coal, was not “shut down.” Instead, 

Respondent ordered another miner, Saunders, into the area to be exposed to the hazards long 

before the pumps could have possibly eliminated all of the water. Further, Saunders was not sent 

into the area to cautiously repair the water condition, he was sent to complete the ventilation 

examination. (Tr. 88-89, 97, 427-428, 448-453, 457, 498-499, 647, 703-704, 774). As such, 

Respondent’s remedial actions here in no way limited the likelihood of injury. 

Next, Respondent argues that there was an alternative route and bridging by which the 

bleeder examination could be conducted without entering the hazardous area. (Respondent’s 

Post-Hearing Brief at 26). Leaving aside the fact that Inspector Young testified that such an 

examination would not walk the entire entry and therefore would not be legally complete, the 

facts do not support this assertion. Specifically, Stalnaker was attempting to enter the alternate 

route to complete the examination when his mutli-gas detector got wet, forcing his retreat. (Tr. 

300, 314-315, 422). Stalnaker testified that the water was halfway up through the man door, a 

door that was three feet from the bottom. (Tr. 349, 788-789). Even if the alternate entries were 

dry, miners had already traveled through deep, hazardous water to reach those alternate entries. 

With respect to the bridged walkways, Gross credibly testified that the water was a foot above 

the walkway and so murky his feet could not be seen. (Tr. 172, 354-356, 392, 394-395, 792, 801-

802). The same hazards existed on the walkway as on the bottom. Therefore, the likelihood of 

the hazard was in no way limited. 

Additionally, Respondent argues that the entry was five feet wide, kept clear by the 

regular examiner, and had supports every six feet for miners to use for handholds. (Respondent’s 

Post-Hearing Brief at 26). The record supports a finding that the water was rib to rib in the area. 

(Tr. 172, 348, 411-412). Therefore, the width of the entry did not limit the likelihood of injury as 

there were no dry spots to walk through. While examiners were tasked with clearing debris from 

the entry, the uneven bottom itself could have been a tripping hazard. (Tr. 395, 792, 801). This 

hazard was exacerbated because the water was murky, meaning miners could not tell if the 

ground was uneven or if some tripping hazard had arisen since the last weekly examination. (Tr. 

172, 354-356, 392-395, 411, 775,). Further, the supports did not change the fact that examiners 

walked through the area and were reasonably likely to trip in the murky water. Indeed, the 

supports (which were not primarily designed as handholds) provided yet another item against 

which a miner might strike his limbs or head when falling. The likelihood of injury, therefore, 

was not limited. 

Finally, Respondent argued that the examiners were experienced and used care to avoid 

injury. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 26). The Commission has held that the exercise of 

caution is not an element in determining whether a violation is S&S, noting, “[w]hile miners 

should, of course, work cautiously, that admonition does not lessen the responsibility of 

operators, under the Mine Act, to prevent unsafe work conditions.” Eagle Nest, Inc., 14 

FMSHRC 1119, 1123 (July 1992). The Commission has also consistently emphasized that, in 

37 FMSHRC Page 1645
evaluating the risk of injury, the vagaries of human conduct cannot be ignored. See, e.g., Great 

Western Electric, 5 FMSHRC 840, 842 (May 1983); Lone Star Industries, Inc., 3 FMSHRC 

2526, 2531 (November 1981); Thompson Bros. Coal Co., 6 FMSHRC 2094, 2097 (Sept. 1984). 

As a result, whether or not the miners were experienced or used care to avoid injury is 

immaterial and does not, in any way, limit the hazard that existed. 

The fourth and final element of Mathies, a “reasonable likelihood that the injury in 

question will be of a reasonably serious nature,” was also met. Young credibly testified that a 

miner slipping and falling in the bleeder could suffer broken bones. (Tr. 121-122). The 

Commission has consistently recognized that broken bones and other injuries likely to result 

from a slip-and-fall are sufficiently serious in nature to support an S&S designation. See e.g. 

Maple Creek Mining, Inc., 27 FMSHRC 555, 562-63 (Aug. 2005) (affirming a judge's 

conclusion that serious injuries such as leg or back injuries would arise from the failure to 

maintain an escapeway in a safe condition); Buffalo Crushed Stone Inc., 19 FMSHRC 231, 238 

n.9 (Feb. 1997) (concluding that slipping on a walkway would result in reasonably serious 

injuries such as a finger or a wrist fracture); and Southern Ohio Coal Co., 13 FMSHRC 912, 918 

(June 1991) (affirming a judge's conclusion that a trip and fall would result in reasonably serious 

injuries such as “sprains, strains, or fractures”). Therefore, the broken bone hazard in the instant 

matter is sufficiently serious to meet the fourth element of Mathies and the violation is S&S. 

However, the record establishes that even more serious injuries were reasonably likely to 

occur from the cited condition. Inspector Young credibly testified if a miner fell and struck his 

head or was weighed down by equipment and fell into the water he would very likely drown. (Tr. 

122, 230). The cited area had plenty of pipes, supports, and other debris that could be struck in a 

fall. (Tr. 123). The cold water increased the chances that the miner would go into shock. (Tr. 

121-122). Young recalled a specific instance in which a miner had a heart attack after falling into 

water and drowned. (Tr. 230-231). The risk of drowning was increased in this instance because 

Stalnaker used illegal waders while traveling in the area. Waders were not permitted because 

they fill with water and drag miners under the surface of the water. (Tr. 455, 500, 704). In fact, in 

this case water entered Stalnaker’s waders and broke his multi-gas detector. (Tr. 300, 422). 

Several other Commission ALJs have found that death is reasonably likely under certain slipand-fall circumstances. See e.g. Independence Coal Company, Inc., 32 FMSHRC 654, 664 (Jun. 

2010)(ALJ Miller)(Judge found tripping hazards in an escapeway to be reasonably likely to 

result in fatal injury) and Palmer Coking Coal Company, 22 FMSHRC 887 (Jul. 200)(ALJ 

Manning)(Judge found tripping hazards over freezing water to be reasonably likely to result in 

fatal injury). It is reasonably likely that a miner, particularly a miner in waders, falling in the area 

could suffer a fatal injury in the deep water. 

In addition to the drowning risk, Inspector Young credibly testified that the murky water 

was full of chemicals and bacteria. (Tr. 69). He noted that there was a risk of cellulitis and 

MRSA as a result of these substances. (Tr. 68). Respondent’s own witnesses explained that the 

water was full of dangerous materials. (Tr. 312). In fact, the water that the miners walked 

through had to be trucked away from the mine because of the environmental dangers it posed and 

processed before being released into the environment. (Tr. 284-285, 761). The water therefore 

posed additional dangers to the health of miners. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1646
 In its brief, Respondent argues that the cited condition would not result in fatal injury. 

However, none of Respondent’s arguments were persuasive. 

 First, Respondent argues that eleven different people entered the bleeder during the 

investigation of the cited condition and no one was injured. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 

31). Similarly, Greene could not recall ever falling in the bleeder and Giavonelli could not recall 

anyone else falling or being injured. (Id.). It is fortunate that no one was injured in this instant 

matter. However, as discussed with respect to the third Mathies element, Respondent’s fortune 

does not change the likelihood of an injury. Miners were likely to suffer a fatal injury from one 

of the various hazards in the bleeder system and Respondent was lucky that a death did not 

occur. However, such luck could, eventually, run out. See e.g. Lone Star Industries, Inc., 3 

FMSHRC 2526, 2532 (Nov. 1981)(Operator had “20-year history of apparently fatality-free” 

history of unsafe train operation that eventually ended with the death of a miner). 

 Next, Respondent argues that fatal injury could only occur if an unlikely series of events 

were to occur. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 31). Specifically, Respondent asserts, 

First, the person would have to encounter a tripping hazard. Second, they would 

have to fail to bypass the hazard. Third, they would have to fail to catch 

themselves on a handhold. Also, it is common sense that tripping in water when a 

person is already in the water is less severe because of the buoyancy of the water. 

Fourth, they have hit their head. Finally, the potential injury would have to render 

the miner unconscious. 

(Id. at 31-32). Respondent’s argument attempts to show that a serious trip and fall is unlikely by 

unnaturally splitting the action into discrete units. Adding additional steps in the sequence (for 

example describing the way in which the toe must come in contact with a tripping hazard and 

then the way in which the foot must wrench around the tripping hazard) does not make the 

ultimate injury less likely. Respondent’s argument does not take into account that tripping and 

falling into water would happen in only a few seconds and the miner would not have time to take 

the discrete steps suggested by Respondent. I conclude that fatal injury is reasonably likely for 

the reasons discussed supra; imaginative explanations of the act of tripping do not change those 

determinations. 

Finally, Respondent argued that the facts in the instance matter were substantially similar 

to those in Oak Grove Resources, LLC, supra where the ALJ found the likely injuries were lost 

workdays/restricted duty. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 32). It argues that the fact that 

Young’s previous citations were also lost workday/restricted duty further support this 

designation. (Id.). Once again, I respectfully decline to follow the reasoning in Oak Grove 

Resources to the extent it mirrors Respondent’s argument, for the reasons discussed above. In the 

instant matter, I fully credit Young’s testimony and find that a fatal injury was reasonably likely. 

In short, I find that a preponderance of the evidence supports the Secretary’s finding that 

the condition listed in Citation No. 7024068 was Highly Likely to result in Fatal injuries to two 

miners and that it was S&S. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1647
4. Respondent’s Conduct Constituted “High” Negligence and an 

Unwarrantable Failure to Comply. 

With respect to Citation No. 7204068, I find that Respondent knew or should have known 

about the condition and that there were no mitigating circumstances as argued by Respondent. 

As a result, a finding of “High Negligence” is warranted. 

With respect to knowledge, well-settled Commission precedent recognizes that the 

negligence of an operator’s agent is imputed to the operator for penalty assessments and 

unwarrantable failure determinations. See Whayne Supply Co., 19 FMSHRC 447, 451 (Mar. 

1997); Rochester & Pittsburg Coal Co., 13 FMSHRC 189, 194-197 (Feb. 1991); and Southern 

Ohio Coal Co., 4 FMSHRC 1459, 1463-1464 (Aug. 1982). An agent is defined as someone with 

responsibilities normally delegated to management personnel, has responsibilities that are crucial 

to the mine’s operations, and exercises managerial responsibilities at the time of the negligent 

conduct. Martin Marietta Aggregates, 22 FMSHRC 633, 637-638 (May 2000). Further, “in 

carrying out... required examination duties for an operator, an examiner...may appropriately be 

viewed as being ‘charged with responsibility for the operation of . . . part of a mine,’ and, 

therefore, the examiner constitutes the operator's agent for that purpose.” Rochester and 

Pittsburg Coal Co., 13 FMSHRC at 194 quoting 30 U.S.C. §802(e). 

In the instant matter, Stalnaker was a miner examiner, member of management, and an 

agent of Respondent. (Tr. 128, 297-298). Stalnaker entered the area and discovered the 

hazardous water. (Tr. 91, 227, 299). At that moment, Respondent had knowledge of the 

condition. Rather than immediately retreating and reporting the condition, Stalnaker tried to 

wade through the water and only retreated when he damaged his equipment. (Tr. 91, 277, 299, 

316). Once he left the area after donning unauthorized waders, Stalnaker informed two other 

members of management, Price and Giavonelli, about the water. (Tr. 88-89, 92-95, 100, 103, 

300, 304-309, 321-322, 447-448, 455-457, 493, 635-636, 660, 711). Giavonelli then ordered the 

pumps on. (Tr. 128-129, 226, 234, 239, 272, 308-310, 322, 588-589, 636, 711, 804, 832-833). 

Without giving those pumps time to actually clear the area, Price contacted Saunders, another 

member of management, and ordered him to walk through the area from a different direction. 

(Tr. 88-89, 97, 427-428, 448-453, 457, 498-499, 647, 703-704, 774). Saunders, knowing of the 

hazard, attempted to wade through the water as well. (Tr. 98, 218, 221-227, 438, 480). In short, 

no fewer than five members of underground management were aware of the condition (and 

caused exposure to the condition) before the citation was issued. Beyond this specific 

knowledge, Respondent should have known that the area often filled with water and should have 

taken action to prevent the hazards created by the high water. Therefore, Respondent was 

negligent. The question that remains is the degree of that negligence. 

In its brief, Respondent argues that its negligence was substantially mitigated in this 

matter. However, none of those arguments are persuasive. 

First, Respondent argues that when it first learned about the condition after Stalnaker 

reported the condition, the pump was turned on. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 22). 

Respondent’s argument leaves out one crucial detail about Stalnaker’s actions: Exposure. After 

Stalnaker discovered the condition and before he reported it, he walked through the water and 

37 FMSHRC Page 1648
exposed himself to the hazards. The danger had already been realized and, in fact, exacerbated. 

Perhaps if Stalnaker had noticed the water and immediately ceased his examination until the 

hazard was removed, the negligence would be lower. But, that is not what happened here. 

The fact that Respondent started the pump after Stalnaker made his report did not 

mitigate the negligence. Then, before the pump had time to remove even a fraction of the water 

in the area, Price dispatched Saunders into the same area from a different direction. (Tr. 88-89, 

97, 427-428, 448-453, 457, 498-499, 647, 703-704, 774). Price knew that Saunders would get 

wet and even apologized for it. (Tr. 450). While turning the pump on was appropriate, it does not 

mitigate subsequent willful exposure to the hazard. 

In its brief, Respondent addresses this issue. It asserts that Young’s testimony that 

something was not mitigation if it happened after exposure is not correct. (Respondent’s PostHearing Brief at 24). It notes that the case law indicates instead that the issue is whether the 

mitigation occurred before the issuance of the citation. (Id. citing Enlow Fork Mining Co., 19 

FMSHRC 5, 17 (Jan. 1997). Respondent claims that Young’s definition of mitigation would 

mean that there was never would be mitigation because mitigating circumstances never exist 

before a violative condition is discovered. (Id.). 

Respondent fails to appreciate the issue is not that the examiners were exposed to a 

hazard, but instead the willfulness of Respondent’s action. As Respondent correctly pointed out, 

miners are often exposed to unknown hazards and actions taken after discovery of that hazard 

constitute mitigation. In this case, there was no hidden or unknown danger. Respondent 

discovered the hazard and then members of management were willfully and negligently exposed. 

Rather than being unaware of a condition, Respondent ignored a known danger about which 

Young had previously warned management in December 2012 when he explained that more 

effort was needed to keep the level down in the bleeder. Only after the water level became 

dangerously high did Respondent begin to correct the condition. Consider a situation in which a 

miner knowingly walks under an unsupported roof during an examination and then, after 

completing the exam, begins the process of supporting the roof. In that situation, the fact that the 

roof was later supported, before any citation was issued, does not mean that walking under 

unsupported roof was in any way mitigated. The risk had already been run. That is analogous to 

the situation here. Therefore, actions taken after exposure cannot be mitigation. 

The second possible mitigating circumstance Respondent raises is that the accumulation 

of water occurred, in part, because the bubbler was broken and the water would have remained 

low if it was working. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 23). Respondent asserts that the 

pump and the monitoring system had been installed to correct the problem and that the failure of 

that system to activate was mitigation. (Id.). Respondent lists additional mechanical problems 

including the fact that the monitor screen showed 40 inches of water, broken discharge lines, and 

the power outage. (Id. at 14-16). The brief notes that Young had considered mechanical failure 

mitigation in the past. (Id at 23). Respondent contends management did not have any reason to 

doubt the system in place. (Id.). 

Regardless of the efficacy of the monitoring and bubbler system, Respondent’s system 

cannot serve as a mitigating circumstance because Stalnaker and Saunders traveled through the 

37 FMSHRC Page 1649
water. Saunders was ordered into the water by other members of management. Efforts made to 

limit the water in the area were appropriate, but the purpose of these systems is to avoid exposure 

to hazards. If miners are exposed to hazards anyway, those efforts cannot be effective. Whatever 

mitigation occurred as a result of the installation of the system was completely negated by the 

willfully negligent actions of Stalnaker, Price, and Saunders. 

Beyond that, the evidence clearly shows that Respondent’s system was wholly inadequate 

to the challenge of keeping water out of the bleeder. Respondent’s witnesses testified that the 

mine could not keep up with the water even if only one of the two dozen air pumps in the area 

went down. (Tr. 478-480, 510). If the system was disrupted, the sump would fill in two or three 

hours and then overflow. (Tr. 477-478). The monitoring system, which may or may not have 

been totally installed at the time at issue, only monitored the bubbler. (Tr. 582-584, 745-746). 

When the bubbler broke, the monitoring system no longer produced accurate data. (Tr. 582-584, 

745-745). The system essentially only worked in laboratory conditions and was completely 

ineffective in the dynamic environment of a working mine. Actions are not mitigation when they 

are inadequate to the task of preventing, correcting, or limiting exposure. See e.g. Cemex de 

Puerto Rico, 36 FMSHRC 1386, 1427 (May 2014)(ALJ Andrews) and Maple Creek Mining, 

Inc., 26 FMSHRC 539, 555 (Aug. 2005)(ALJ Bulluck). As a result, the various systems and 

equipment failures did not constitute mitigation. 

Next, Respondent argues that it conducted additional monitoring in the area, including 

monitoring the discharge pipe, daily surface pump examinations (with records), and Greene’s 

additional examinations. This argument is rejected for the same reasons as the previous 

argument. Stalnaker and Saunders willfully traveled through the hazards, so any efforts to limit 

exposure to hazards were in vain. Further, the actions taken clearly did not give Respondent any 

indication that water was collecting in the area at dangerous levels and therefore were grossly 

inadequate. As a result, the additional examinations did not constitute mitigation. 

Additionally, Respondent argues that it did not know about the cited condition until 

February 5, which was the last day of the weekly examination period. (Respondent’s PostHearing Brief at 15). Substantial evidence supports this assertion. However, given the willfully 

negligent conduct of management and the fact that Respondent should have known that the 

bleeder was prone to flooding, the lateness of the discovery cannot constitute mitigation. 

Respondent also argued that it had two different contractors, MVI and Burns Trucking, 

come to the mine after the discovery of the condition to pump water and correct problems with 

the pumping System. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 15-16). Once again, these actions 

came after management willfully exposed miners to a known hazard and therefore are not 

mitigation. 

As none of the actions presented by Respondent constituted mitigating circumstances, the 

“High Negligence” designation is appropriate. 

The Commission has recognized the close relationship between a finding of 

unwarrantable failure and a finding of high negligence. San Juan Coal Co., 29 FMSHRC 125, 

139 (Mar. 2007) see also Consolidation Coal Company, 22 FMSHRC 340, 353 (2000) (holding 

37 FMSHRC Page 1650
that if there is mitigation, an unwarrantable failure finding is inappropriate). Having found that 

the instant violation resulted from “High negligence,” it is appropriate to consider whether the 

six IO Coal factors establish aggravated conduct. 31 FMSHRC at 1346. I will consider each of 

those factors in turn: 

a. Extent Of The Violative Condition 

The water accumulations in the instant bleeder system were very extensive. Water at the 

47 crosscut stretched 400 feet and ranged in depth from 12-42 inches. (Tr. 79-80, 125-126, 156-

157, 167, 169, 347-348, 351-353, 377, 382, 385-389, 788, 799). Water from E-19 to E-21 

stretched 1,800 feet and ranged in depth from 12-36 inches. (Tr. 79-80, 125-126, 167-169, 173, 

354, 356, 366, 379-380, 391-394, 420, 791-792, 801). The water was rib to rib in these areas. 

(Tr. 172, 348, 411-412). In its brief, Respondent concedes that the accumulations were extensive 

in length. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 39). 

 Despite this concession, Respondent contends that, for the purposes of the unwarrantable 

failure analysis, the condition was not extensive. Specifically, it notes that some of the water was 

not particularly deep. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 39). The brief draws attention to the 

fact that the water was only 6 inches deeper than on December 10 and Respondent’s actions then 

were not aggravated conduct. (Id.). The record establishes that the water in some locations was 

only a few inches deep. (Tr. 395-396). However, this in no way changes the fact that the water 

stretched for nearly half a mile and some of the locations were three and a half feet deep. 

b. The Length of Time of the Violation Existed 

It is unclear from the record exactly how long the condition existed. Young testified that 

the water would had to have existed for several shifts to reach the cited extensiveness. (Tr. 271, 

514-516). At the very least, Young believed that the condition that led to the accumulation (the 

power outage, the broken discharge line, broken pumps, or any other factor) had to have 

happened a considerable time before the cited condition was found. Common sense would 

support this determination: there were thousands of gallons of water in the bleeder and it would 

have to be collecting very rapidly to appear even in a few days. In fact, it took three days to 

pump the water back out of the area. However, Greene testified he had been in the bleeder the 

Monday (February 4) before the citation was issued. (Tr. 495-496, 519-520). Respondent’s 

witnesses credibly testified that water could accumulate very quickly in the area. (Tr. 498-499, 

505-506, 519). In light of the Secretary’s burden, I find that the accumulation likely occurred 

sometime after Greene’s last examination, which was less than 48 hours from the time the 

citation was written. 

c. Whether the violation is obvious or poses a high degree of 

danger 

 

As discussed at length in the discussion on gravity, the cited condition posed a high level 

of danger. Miners, especially those wearing waders, faced trip-and-fall and drowning danger. 

(Tr. 121-123, 230, 455, 500, 704, 724). Further, miners traveling through the water ran the risk 

bacterial infection. It is significant that miners were willfully and negligently exposed to this 

37 FMSHRC Page 1651
high degree of danger. In its brief, Respondent argues that the cited condition did not pose a high 

degree of danger for largely the same reasons given with respect to gravity. (Respondent’s PostHearing Brief at 45-46). These arguments are rejeced for the same reasons discussed supra. 

 With respect to obviousness, the accumulations were massive and the examiner had to 

travel through them to complete the examination. There was no way anyone could enter the area 

without seeing the cited condition. There is no question the condition was obvious. 

 In its brief, Respondent argued that the condition could not be obvious because it was in a 

“remote area,” namely a bleeder entry that was only traveled by certified examiners on weekly 

examination. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 40 citing Carmeuse Lime, Inc., 29 FMSHRC 

266, 270 (March 2007)(ALJ Zielinski). Respondent misapprehends the nature of the obviousness 

determinations both in Carmeuse case in particular and Commission case law in general. In 

Carmeuse, Judge Zielinksi held, inter alia, “the condition was not obvious, and was located in a 

somewhat remote area.” 29 FMSHRC at 266. However, he went on to explain: 

I conclude that the condition was not obvious because of its nature and location. 

Ex. G-4. Aside from the fact that persons rarely traveled the walkway, the 

condition was located almost seven feet above the walkway surface, and it is not 

likely that a person would look up and see it. There is no evidence that the 

condition had been reported in any other workplace examination reports. 

Id. at FN 7. The question of obviousness in Carmeuse, therefore, did not turn solely on the act 

that the area was “somewhat remote.” According to Judge Zielinski’s reasoning, it was perhaps 

more important that the condition was hard to see from the walkway and that the condition had 

never been seen in the area before. In the instant matter, Respondent was clearly aware of 

previous water issues in the area and it was impossible to enter the area without noticing it. 

Therefore, the condition was obvious and also posed a high degree of danger. 

d. Whether the operator had been placed on notice that greater 

efforts were necessary for compliance or that this condition 

was an issue. 

Respondent was on notice that additional efforts were needed in the cited area. 

Specifically, Young had issued two citations for excessive water in the same bleeder system less 

than three months before the instant problem arose. (Tr. 63-65, 73-74, 183-184, 202). Beyond the 

notice these citations would naturally give, Young specifically wrote that Respondent was on 

notice. (Tr. 67-68, 71). Further, in December 2012, he discussed this notice and the water 

problem in the bleeder with members of mine management. (Tr. 66-67, 694). 

 It strains credulity but Respondent argues that previous “moderate” citations could not 

serve as notice that additional efforts were necessary. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 42 

citing Cyprus Emerald Resources Corporation, 11 FMSHRC 2570 (Dec. 1989)(ALJ Koutras). 

Once again, Respondent misunderstands the holding in the cited case. It is true Judge Koutras in 

Cyprus Emerald Resources Corporation expressed concern that four previous citations relied 

37 FMSHRC Page 1652
upon by the Secretary in that matter to show notice were only “moderately” negligent. However, 

he ultimately stated: 

In any event, I cannot conclude that the prior citations which were issued for 

different conditions, and at different locations far removed from the scene of the 

conditions which prevailed at the time of the inspection on August 31, 1988, may 

serve to support a finding of aggravated conduct. In my view, in order to support 

an unwarrantable failure order, which is a severe sanction, an inspector must 

make an informed judgment, on a case-by-case basis, with respect to the 

prevailing conditions which he believes justifies such an order. 

11 FMSHRC at 2585 (emphasis added). 

 In short, Judge Koutras was most concerned that the previously cited conditions were so 

different from the condition at issue that they could not serve as notice for unwarrantable failure 

issues. In the instant matter, the previous citations were issued in the same location in the same 

bleeder for the identical condition. Perhaps more importantly, notice in this matter relies less on 

the fact that there were previous citations and more on the fact that Young gave an explicit 

message to Respondent that additional efforts were needed when those citations were issued. 

Whether Respondent could imply notice from previous enforcement is not at issue when 

Respondent has actual notice. Therefore, Respondent had meaningful notice that additional 

efforts were needed. 

 Respondent further argues that the additional precautions it took after receiving notice, 

including the remote monitoring system of the bubbler, meant that the “notice” factor should not 

be held against the company. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 43 citing Big Ridge, 35 

FMSHRC 1531). It argued that equipment defects intervened, but that it had acted to correct the 

problems cited. (Id.). It argued “at some point, the clock should be re-started or at least not 

progressed,” on notice. (Id.). As discussed previously, Respondent’s actions in setting up the 

remote monitoring and bubbler system were wholly inadequate to the challenge posed by this 

bleeder. Every time the bleeder was inspected, equipment defects and accumulations were 

observed. While it is true that at some point, efforts made after notice should “restart the clock” 

on notice, the inadequate efforts made by Respondent were not sufficient to do so in this case. 

e. The operator’s efforts in abating the violative condition 

Respondent acted to abate the condition in the hours and days after the discovery of the 

cited condition. This point is essentially uncontested. 

 However, in its brief, Respondent attempts to stress that their abatement efforts were so 

substantial and important that it would essentially negate all of the other unwarrantable failure 

factors. In its brief Respondent argues that the time the condition existed, the extent of the 

condition, the obviousness of the condition, notice of greater effort, and knowledge had to be 

considered in light of abatement efforts taken. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 38-43). For 

instance, Respondent stated that with respect to length of time, obviousness and extent, “the real 

issue is that Consol responded to the water problem by taking aggressive action to abate the 

37 FMSHRC Page 1653
conditions.” (Id. at 40). However, Respondent cites no authority for the proposition that 

abatement is the ultimate issue in unwarrantable failure determinations. Further, Respondent 

failed to reckon with the fact that, before any abatement occurred or could be effective, miners 

were willfully and negligently exposed to the cited condition. I find no reason to believe that 

abatement after miners are exposed to a hazard alone makes an unwarrantable failure 

determination inappropriate.

f. Operator’s knowledge of the existence of the violation 

 “It is well-settled that an operator’s knowledge may be established, and a finding of 

unwarrantable failure supported, where an operator reasonably should have known of a violative 

condition.” IO Coal Co., 31 FMSHRC at 1356-1357 (citing Emery, 9 FMSHRC at 2002-2004). 

A supervisor’s knowledge and involvement is an important factor in an unwarrantable failure 

determination. See Lopke Quarries, Inc., 23 FMSHRC 705, 711 (July 2001) citing (REB 

Enterprises, Inc., 20 FMSHRC 203, 224 (Mar. 1998) and Secretary of Labor v. Roy Glenn, 6 

FMSHRC 1583, 1587 (July 1984). In fact, a supervisor’s actual knowledge can be imputed to the 

Respondent for purposes of determining an unwarrantable failure, in addition to the penalty. 

Whayne Supply Co., supra; Rochester & Pittsburgh Coal Co., supra; and Southern Ohio Coal 

Co., supra. As discussed supra, the preponderance of the evidence shows that Stalnaker knew 

about the condition when he encountered it in the bleeder. In the hours that followed, several 

other members of management learned about the condition. Despite this knowledge, miners were 

willfully exposed to the condition. 

 In its brief, Respondent argues that knowledge is unimportant when a condition exists for 

a short period of time and Respondent took appropriate corrective action. (Respondent’s PostHearing Brief at 41 citing Oak Grove, supra *12). For the reasons described supra, 

Respondent’s corrective actions are insufficient to negate all the other unwarrantable failure 

factors. Further, I find that the time the condition existed is unimportant given Respondent’s 

actual knowledge of the condition and the willful exposure to the hazards. 

 In light of the extent of the condition, its obviousness and high degree of danger, the 

notice of greater efforts needed in the area, Respondent’s actual knowledge of the cited 

condition, and the fact that Respondent’s actions were best characterized as “High” negligence, I 

find that this violation as an unwarrantable failure to comply on the part of Respondent. 

D. Order No. 7024069 

1. Contentions of the Parties 

With respect to Citation No. 7024069, the Secretary asserts that Respondent violated 30 

CFR § 75.364(h), that this violation was “Highly Likely” to result in “Fatal” injuries to two 

miners, that the violation was S&S, and that it resulted from “High Negligence” and an 

unwarrantable failure to comply. (GX-1)(Secretary’s Post-Hearing Brief at 27-31). The 

Secretary believes that the proposed penalty of $14,743.00 is appropriate. (Id. at 31-33). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1654
 Respondent argues that no injury was reasonably likely to occur as a result of the 

violation and that, as a result, it was not S&S. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 30-35). In the 

alternative, it argues that if any injury occurred it would result in “Lost Workdays/Restricted 

Duty” rather than death. (Id. at 30-33). It also argues that its actions did not display “High 

Negligence” or an unwarrantable failure to comply. (Id. at 26-29 and 36-46). 

2. The Secretary Has Carried His Burden Of Proof By A Preponderance Of 

The Evidence That Respondent Violated 30 CFR § 75.370(a)(1) 

On February 5, 2013, Young also issued Order No. 7024069 under 104(d)(1) of the Act 

for a violation of 30 CFR § 75.364(h). In the Condition or Practice section, he stated: 

The operator failed to record at the completion of any shift during which a portion 

of a weekly examination is conducted, a record of obvious and extensive 

hazardous conditions found during a weekly examination conducted on 

02/05/2013 on the midnight shift of the E tailgate through E-21 bleeder district. 

The record book on the surface showed that no violations or hazards existed and 

obvious and extensive accumulations of water were found during 103(g) 

complaint investigation number 47336. Water measuring 2350 feet in total length 

by 12 to 42 inches in depth from rib to rib were found in this bleeder system. The 

record book on the surface was signed by one examiner and the mine 

foreman/superintendent. The second examiner also failed to sign for his portion of 

the exam by the end of the shift on which it was made. None of the three persons, 

who signed the record and had knowledge of these hazards, entered the hazards 

into the record book. 

This constitutes more than ordinary negligence on the part of the mine 

management, in that, hazards are required to be reported and corrected 

immediately to protect the health and safety of the miners. This high degree of 

negligence demonstrates a lack of due diligence by the mine operator to provide a 

safe work environment by not recording hazardous conditions. This unique 

aggravated circumstances [sic] puts the miners at a high risk to be injured. This a 

[sic] lack of reasonable care on the part of the mine operator to provide a safe 

work environment for their employees demonstrates indifference in complying 

with the regulations. 

This is being issued in conjunction with 104(d)(1) Citation Number 7024068. 

 

This violation is an unwarrantable failure to comply with a mandatory standard. 

(GX-2). 

 The Order was terminated on February 7, 2013, after Respondent’s management 

reviewed with all certified mine examiners who examine the E-22 bleeder district that all 

violations and observed hazards shall be recorded in the record book. (GX-2). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1655
 On February 11, 2013, Young modified this Order to note a change in time (to use 

military time) and to reduce the total distance involved from 2,350 feet to 2,250 feet. (GX-2). 

 The cited standard, 30 CFR § 75.364(h) (“Weekly examination”), provides the following: 

At the completion of any shift during which a portion of a weekly examination is 

conducted, a record of the results of each weekly examination, including a record 

of hazardous conditions and violations of the nine mandatory health or safety 

standards found during each examination and their locations, the corrective action 

taken, and the results and location of air and methane measurements, shall be 

made. The results of methane tests shall be recorded as the percentage of methane 

measured by the examiner. The record shall be made by the person making the 

examination or a person designated by the operator. If made by a person other 

than the examiner, the examiner shall verify the record by initials and date by or 

at the end of the shift for which the examination was made. The record shall be 

countersigned by the mine foreman or equivalent mine official by the end of the 

mine foreman’s or equivalent mine official’s next regularly scheduled working 

shift. 

30 C.F.R. §75.364(h). 

In the instant matter, it is uncontested that four of Respondent’s foremen (Stalnaker, 

Saunders, Price, and Giavonelli) knew about the water in the bleeder. This condition was a 

hazard and, as a result, should have been recorded in the book. However, the hazardous water 

was not noted in the record book when Giovanelli signed the book. (Tr. 84-85, 87, 99, 671, 677). 

Further, Respondent conceded that “there was a violation of the standard...” (Respondent’s PostHearing Brief 26). In light of these facts, I find that the citation was properly issued. 

3. The Violation Was Highly Likely to Result in Fatal Injury to Two Miners 

And Was Significant And Substantial In Nature. 

Inspector Young marked the gravity of the cited danger in Order No. 7024069 as being 

“Highly Likely” to result in “Fatal” injuries to two persons. (GX-1). Young also determined that 

the violation was S&S. (GX-1). These determinations were supported by a preponderance of the 

evidence at the hearing. 

As noted supra, the first element in determining whether a violation is S&S is whether 

there was an underlying violation of a mandatory safety standard. Mathies at 3-4. As 

demonstrated above, Respondent violated 30 C.F.R. §75.364(h) in the instant matter. Therefore, 

the first Mathies element is met. 

As with the previous citation, Respondent argues that a 30 C.F.R § 75.364(h) violation 

based “solely” on a tripping hazard cannot be S&S because that standard is not directed at 

tripping hazards, but rather at ventilation issues. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 33 citing 

Oak Grove Resources, supra). Respondent asserts that “all of the factors” outlined in its brief 

37 FMSHRC Page 1656
with respect to Citation No. 7024068 are incorporated for Order No. 7024069. For these reasons 

fully discussed above, those arguments are once again rejected here. 

The second element of Mathies, a discrete safety hazard – that is a measure of danger to 

safety – contributed to by the violation – was also met. Because the condition was not listed in 

book, miners would not be aware of the hazards cited in Citation No. 7024068. As a result, the 

failure to list the cited hazard contributed to the chances miners would be exposed to those 

hazards. Further, failure to list the cited condition meant that Respondent would not take notice 

or fully appreciate that its previous efforts to control water in the area were grossly inadequate. 

Therefore, Respondent would not take additional efforts to control the area. This meant that more 

miners in the future would face exposure to water in the bleeder system. 

The third element of the Mathies test – a reasonable likelihood that the hazard contributed 

to will result in an injury – was also met. If miners entered the area, they would be exposed to the 

hazards discussed with respect to Citation No. 7024068. Specifically, these hazards would 

include trip-and-fall, fractures, drowning, and bacterial infection. (Tr. 121-122, 143). Such an 

injury would be more than reasonably likely; I find that the injury would be highly likely. 

In its brief, Respondent argues that the hazard contributed to in this situation, the 

exposure of miners to hazards in the bleeder, was unlikely to occur and unlikely to result in 

injury. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 30). Specifically, Respondent argues that the cited 

area was controlled access and abatement was underway. (Id.). Any person who had any reason 

to read the record book or to enter the Bleeder, including Greene, was already aware of the water 

from word of mouth. (Id.). Also, by February 5, Yablonsky’s entries noting the water were 

already in the book. (Id.). 

While remedial efforts with respect to the underlying condition were started before 

Inspector Gross discovered the condition, remediation of the inadequate examination did not 

occur until later. Specifically, the examination was not completed and the water condition was 

not added to the books until after Young told Respondent he would issue citations. (Tr. 81-83, 

105-107, 113, 175-176, 345-347, 358-359, 372-374, 400, 782). Young actually spoke to 

Yablonsky before the examiner entered the bleeder. (Tr. 108-109). Therefore, completion of the 

examination and the examination book occurred only after the condition was cited, near the end 

of the day on February 5. 

Further, whether some or all of Respondent’s employees had actual knowledge of the 

water condition is immaterial. Without the examination record, Respondent’s miners had to rely 

entirely on word-of-mouth. Respondent provided no legal support for its contention that the 

Mine Act permits informal, ad hoc pre-shift reports. Certainly Greene, the regular examiner, 

should not have to rely solely on an informal conversation with Stalnaker to learn about the 

nature and extent of an extremely hazardous condition.30 Greene should have been able to read 

 30 It is true that by the time Greene returned to the mine, Yablonsky had completed his 

examination and noted the cited condition in the book. However, as noted supra, Yablonsky was 

only sent in after a further citation was threatened. (Tr. 107-109). Without this threat, no note 

would have been included, as various Respondent’s witnesses testified they did not believe there 

was a hazard. (Tr. 132-133, 307, 434). 

37 FMSHRC Page 1657
the book to determine the hazards he would encounter. Further, reliance on informal reporting 

would not provide a means to later verify what information the various miners received when 

they learned about the water accumulation. The fact that Saunders was eventually sent into the 

area also shows that Respondent cannot predict who would need to be sent into the area, as 

originally only Stalnaker was supposed to examine the bleeder. Further, once Saunders entered 

the area, he was obviously not told about the nature, extent, or danger of the condition because 

he simply walked through the water hazard. Miners should have been informed about the water 

accumulation in the record book. 

Perhaps more importantly, because the water was not included in the examination book 

Respondent would not have a record of the accumulation. This would mean that MSHA 

inspectors would not know that the condition existed and that hazards continued to occur in this 

bleeder. Without the 103(g) complaint, MSHA never would have known about the water in the 

bleeder.31 (Tr. 105). Further, Respondent would not have a record that their efforts to keep water 

out of the bleeder were wholly inadequate and therefore would have no reason to plan future 

efforts to improve the plan. Eventually, the bleeder would flood again and miners would, once 

again, be exposed to hazards. Therefore, I find the fact that some miners may have been aware of 

the existence of the cited condition (to some degree) does not change the fact that an injury from 

the inadequate examination was highly likely. 

The fourth and final element of Mathies, a “reasonable likelihood that the injury in 

question will be of a reasonably serious nature,” was also met. As discussed with respect to 

Citation No. 7024068, serious, or even fatal, injury was likely to result from the water 

accumulations. Respondent argues, for the same reasons described in Citation No. 7024068, that 

fatal injury was unlikely. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 30-33). Those arguments are 

rejected for the same reasons given above. 

In short, a preponderance of the evidence supports the Secretary’s finding that condition 

listed in Citation No. 7024068 was “Highly Likely” to result in “Fatal” injuries to two miners 

and that it was S&S. 

4. Respondent’s Conduct Constituted “High” Negligence and an 

Unwarrantable Failure to Comply. 

With respect to Order No. 7204069, I find that Respondent knew or should have known 

about the condition and that there were no mitigating circumstances. As a result, a finding of 

“High Negligence” is warranted. 

Several members of management knew that the examination had not been properly 

completed and that the water accumulation was not listed, including Stalnaker, Saunders, and 

Giavonelli. Nevertheless, Giavonelli signed the exam book knowing that water was present and 

that it was not listed. (Tr. 671-672, 681-682). Therefore, Respondent was negligent. Once again, 

the question remains as to the degree of negligence. 

 31 Also it is questionable if Respondent would have taken adequate measures to control 

the water condition in the bleeder system since no one deemed it enough of a hazard to record 

the problem. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1658
In its brief, Respondent argued that its negligence was substantially mitigated in this 

matter. However, none of those arguments are persuasive. 

Respondent argues that this condition was merely a technical paperwork violation. 

(Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 27). Respondent notes that the record was incomplete but 

that everyone knew there was water in the bleeder and that it was being pumped. (Id.). Stalnaker 

did not complete the record because he did not finish the exam. (Id.). Saunders could not 

complete the final two sections and did not add the water to the record because he believed it was 

not a hazard. (Id. at 28). Giavonelli signed the document but he knew there were areas that 

weren’t examined and that there was extensive water in the area. (Id.). Therefore, Respondent 

argued that there was no negligence, just a minor paperwork error. 

As discussed with respect to gravity, the issue is not whether some miners had actual 

knowledge of the water accumulation. A record of the hazards in the bleeder was required. 

Without that record, it was impossible to know what miners were aware of the nature and scope 

of the condition. Even those who knew that water was present did not recognize it as an obvious 

hazard. Specifically, Saunders said he did not believe that the water was a hazard despite the fact 

that it was cold, murky, contained tripping hazards, and was so deep that he did not continue to 

travel through it to complete his exam. Respondent should have ensured that the water 

accumulation was placed in the record book so that Saunders and others would recognize it as a 

hazard before being exposed to the hazard. 

Further, a record would have ensured that management was aware and remembered the 

inadequacy of the existing systems to handle the water. By recording the condition, Respondent 

would have been aware that additional efforts were needed to keep the bleeder clear. Finally, a 

record ensured that MSHA inspectors were aware of the cited condition. This was especially 

important because Young had placed Respondent on notice regarding this bleeder. As the two 

inspectors noted, without the 103(g) complaint, they never would have known there was water in 

the bleeder because it was not recorded. (Tr. 105). This was not a mere paperwork error, rather 

this went to the heart of miner safety in the bleeder. 

The next possible mitigating circumstance raised by Respondent is that Respondent had 

no previous citations for the cited condition. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 29). It is true 

that Respondent did not have any previous citations for inadequate examinations in the bleeder. 

However, Respondent had a history of failing to notice and address water conditions in the 

bleeder. Whether or not Respondent was cited, it had consistently failed to ensure the area was 

safe for travel. As a result, history supports a finding of high negligence and the lack of any prior 

citations is in no way mitigation. 

Respondent also argues that management had ensured abatement before issuance of the 

citation. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 29). As noted with respect to gravity, Respondent 

began pumping the water in the bleeder before Citation No. 7204068 was issued. However, the 

examination was only completed after Young told Respondent he was issuing citations. (Tr. 

107). Further, Yablonsky only completed the exam and noted the water after speaking with 

Young. (Tr. 108-109). This condition was not abated before issuance and there was no 

mitigation. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1659
Respondent further notes that Stalnaker was not the usual examiner and that he reported 

the condition immediately. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 29). Stalnaker was a foreman 

and regularly conducted examinations. Respondent provided no legal support for its argument 

that one examiner filling in for another should be held to a lower standard. Regardless of 

Stalnaker’s lack of familiarity with the area, he still should have recognized a massive water 

accumulation as a hazard. Further, although Stalnaker may have immediately orally reported the 

condition to Price and Giavonelli , he never reported the condition in the one way required by the 

cited standard: he never placed the condition in the book. Therefore, this is not mitigation. 

Respondent next argues that the time given to complete the examination had not run 

when Young wrote the order. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 29). Presumably, Respondent 

means that the examination could still be completed and all the hazards listed before the time 

period had run. However, at the time the citation was issued, Giavonelli had already signed the 

record book, that noted no hazards. (Tr. 84-87, 99, 671, 677). Respondent unpersuasively argues 

that Giavonelli only signed the exam record to indicate that he had read it and recognized that the 

exam was not completed. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 29). It also notes that Giavonelli 

was not required to correct any problems when countersigning the book. (Id.). This argument is 

misplaced, as Respondent, as well as Giavonelli, apparently misunderstand the importance of 

signing the record book. In pertinent part, the standard states: 

At the completion of any shift during which a portion of a weekly examination is 

conducted, a record of the results of each weekly examination, including a record 

of hazardous conditions and violations of the nine mandatory health or safety 

standards found during each examination and their locations...shall be 

made...The record shall be countersigned by the mine foreman or equivalent 

mine official by the end of the mine foreman’s or equivalent mine official’s next 

regularly scheduled working shift. 

30 C.F.R. §75.364(h)(emphasis added). Inspector Young clearly explained that when a foreman 

signs a book listing no hazards, he indicates that there are no problems. (Tr. 141-142). Put 

simply, Giavonelli signing the record indicated that that the examination was complete. It did not 

indicate that he was reading an incomplete report. A miner looking at the record could only 

assume that the examination was complete and no hazard was found. Further, whether or not 

Giavonelli was required to correct errors made in a record book when countersigning, he still 

should not have signed a record he knew to be incomplete and inaccurate. Nothing about the 

record book or the countersigning of the record book mitigates the negligence here. In fact, by 

creating a false impression about the area, the countersigned record book exacerbated the 

problem. 

 Additionally, Respondent argues that the failure to adequately examine the area was 

mitigated by the fact that Respondent had started to pump in the area. (Respondent’s PostHearing Brief at 29). This is completely irrelevant to the issue. The dangers associated with an 

inadequate examination are not completely eliminated by correcting the underlying condition. 

Even if Respondent had acted entirely properly with respect to the underlying condition (and, as 

noted in the discussion regarding Citation No. 7204068, it did not), that does not change the fact 

that the hazard should have been recorded. Miners and MSHA need to be aware of the exact 

37 FMSHRC Page 1660
nature and extent of the conditions in the area. Also, management needed to be aware and 

remember that their efforts to control water in the area were inadequate. 

 Finally, Respondent noted that the area was controlled access and that only management 

would enter the area. (Respondent’s Post-Hearing Brief at 29).32 As is clearly demonstrated by 

the fact that both Saunders and Stalnaker attempted to walk through the water, management can 

be exposed to hazards. While fewer people entered this area that perhaps other areas of the mine, 

this is reflected in the finding that only two persons are affected. It in no way affects 

Respondent’s negligence. 

As none of the actions presented by Respondent constituted mitigating circumstances, the 

“High Negligence” designation is appropriate. 

 The facts and the arguments of the parties regarding the unwarrantable failure designation 

in Order No. 7204069 are identical to those in Citation No. 7204068. (See Respondent’s PostHearing Brief at 36-46). Therefore, the findings regarding unwarrantable failure in Citation No. 

7204068 are incorporated here by reference. I find the preponderance of the evidence shows that 

this violation as an unwarrantable failure to comply on the part of Respondent. 

APPROPRIATE CIVIL PENALTY 

 The principles governing the authority of the Commission’s administrative law judges to 

assess civil penalties de novo for violations of the Mine Act are well established. Section 110(i) 

of the Mine Act delegates to the Commission and its judges the authority to assess all civil 

penalties provide in the Act. 30 U.S.C. 820(i). The Act delegates the duty of proposing penalties 

to the Secretary. 30 U.S.C. §§ 815(a), 820(a). Thus, when an operator notifies the Secretary that 

it intends to challenge a penalty, the Secretary petitions the Commission to assess the penalty. 29 

C.F.R. §2700.28. The Act requires that in assessing civil monetary penalties, the Commission 

and its judges shall consider the six statutory penalty criteria: 

[1] the operator’s history of previous violations, [2] the appropriateness of such 

penalty to the size of the business of the operator charged, [3] whether the 

operator was negligent, [4] the effect on the operator’s ability to continue in 

business, [5] the gravity of the violation, and [6] the demonstrated good faith of 

the person charged in attempting to achieve rapid compliance after notification of 

a violation 

30 U.S.C. § 820(i) 

 The Secretary seeks civil penalties in the amounts of $14,373.00 for Citation No. 

7024068 and $14,743.00 for Order No. 7024069. Given all of the evidence and my findings 

above, I find that these penalties are appropriate 

 32 Certainly Respondent does not mean to imply that the safety of management personnel 

is less important that the safety of its rank and file miners. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1661
 In assessing a $29,116.00 penalty, I have given full consideration to the Section 110(i) 

criteria. Specifically, I note that Respondent had a history of water accumulations in this 

particular bleeder and received several citations for that condition. Respondent is a large operator 

and the Enlow Fork is a very large mine and therefore the penalty is appropriate to the size of the 

business. The parties stipulated that this penalty amount would not affect Respondent’s ability to 

stay in business. As noted above, with respect to both citations Respondent’s actions constituted 

high negligence and an unwarrantable failure to comply. Further, the dangers cited with respect 

to each violation were highly likely to result in fatal injuries to two miners. Finally, although I 

find Respondent’s actions were insufficient to constitute mitigation, I considered Respondent’s 

efforts in abating the condition once the Citation and Order were issued. 

ORDER 

It is ORDERED that Citation No. 7024068 and Order No. 7024069 are AFFIRMED. It 

is further ORDERED that Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company, LLC, PAY the Secretary of 

Labor the sum of $29,116.00 within 30 days of the date of this Decision.33 Upon receipt of 

payment, this case is hereby DISMISSED. 

/s/ Janet G. Harner 

 Janet G. Harner 

 Administrative Law Judge 

Distribution: 

Matthew R. Epstein, Esq., US Department of Labor, Office of the Solicitor, The Curtis Center, 

170 S Independence Mall West, Suite 630E, Philadelphia, PA 19106 

James P. McHugh, Esq., Hardy Pence, PLLC, P.O. Box 2548, Charleston, WV 25329 

 33 Payment should be sent to: MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, PAYMENT OFFICE, P. O. BOX 790390, ST. LOUIS, MO 

63179-0390 

37 FMSHRC Page 1662
FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION 

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES 

1331 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, NW, SUITE 520N 

WASHINGTON, DC 20004 

July 30, 2015 

DECISION APPROVING SETTLEMENT 

AND 

ORDER TO PAY 

Before: Judge Feldman 

The captioned civil penalty proceeding is before me based upon a petition for assessment 

of civil penalty filed pursuant to section 105(d) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 

1977 (the Act). 30 U.S.C. § 815(d). After this matter was assigned to me on May 17, 2012, 

further activity in this docket was held in abeyance pending Commission resolution of the novel 

question of the evidentiary requirements necessary for demonstrating a repeated flagrant 

violation under section 110(b)(2) of the Act, as amended by the Mine Improvement and New 

Emergency Response Act of 2006, 30 U.S.C. § 820(b)(2). 

The parties have now filed a joint motion to approve settlement and dismiss this matter. 

The parties’ agreed-upon settlement terms for the single order at issue, Order No. 8216179, 

include deleting the 110(b)(2) repeated flagrant designation and reducing the civil penalty from 

$140,000.00 to $4,000.00. Specifically, the parties agree to delete the flagrant designation 

because there are disagreements about the condition of the cited belt at the time of the violation, 

the length of time the cited condition existed, and whether the alleged predicate violations relied 

on by the Secretary to support a repeated flagrant violation were of sufficiently similar 

conditions. Having deleted the flagrant designation, the parties agree that the violation should be 

issued as a 104(d)(1) order. 

SECRETARY OF LABOR 

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

 ADMINISTRATION (MSHA), 

 Petitioner, 

 v. 

CAM MINING, LLC, 

 Respondent. 

 CIVIL PENALTY PROCEEDING 

Docket No. KENT 2009-856 

A.C. No. 15-18911-178540 

Mine: Mine #28 

37 FMSHRC Page 1663
I have considered the representations and documentation submitted in this matter and I 

conclude that the proffered settlement is appropriate under the criteria set forth in Section 110(i) 

of the Act. WHEREFORE, the motion to approve settlement IS GRANTED, and pursuant to 

the parties’ agreement, CAM Mining, LLC, IS ORDERED to pay the $4,000.00 civil penalty 

within 30 days of this Order in satisfaction of the single order at issue.1 Upon receipt of timely 

payment, the captioned matter IS DISMISSED. In reaching this conclusion, I have not 

considered paragraphs three and four of the motion because they are irrelevant. 

/s/ Jerold Feldman 

Jerold Feldman 

 Administrative Law Judge 

Distribution: 

Mary Sue Taylor, Esq., U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Solicitor, 618 Church Street, 

Suite 230, Nashville, TN 37219-2440 

Mark E. Heath, Esq., Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC, 300 Kanawha Blvd. East, P.O. Box 273, 

Charleston, WV 25321-0273 

/acp 

 1

 Payment should be sent to the Mine Safety and Health Administration, U.S. 

Department of Labor, Payment Office, P.O. Box 790390, St. Louis, MO 63179-0390. Please 

include the Docket No. and A.C. No. noted in the above caption on the check.

37 FMSHRC Page 1664
FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION 

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES 

1331 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, NW, SUITE 520N 

WASHINGTON, DC 20004 

July 30, 2015 

DECISION APPROVING SETTLEMENT 

AND 

ORDER TO PAY 

Before: Judge Feldman 

The captioned civil penalty proceeding is before me based upon a petition for assessment 

of civil penalty filed pursuant to section 105(d) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 

1977 (the Act). 30 U.S.C. § 815(d). After this matter was assigned to me on February 4, 2010, 

further activity in this docket was held in abeyance pending Commission resolution of the novel 

question of the evidentiary requirements necessary for demonstrating a repeated flagrant 

violation under section 110(b)(2) of the Act, as amended by the Mine Improvement and New 

Emergency Response Act of 2006, 30 U.S.C. § 820(b)(2). 

The parties have now filed a joint motion to approve settlement and dismiss this matter. 

The parties’ agreed-upon settlement terms for the single order at issue, Order No. 8216882, 

include deleting the 110(b)(2) repeated flagrant designation and reducing the civil penalty from 

$144,300.00 to $40,000.00. Order No. 8216882 was issued for accumulations of float coal dust 

in a power box. The parties agree to delete the flagrant designation because the alleged predicate 

violations relied upon by the Secretary to support the flagrant violation were not issued for 

accumulations in power boxes and because the mine developed a cleaning program for power 

boxes in 2009 upon recognition that the existing program was insufficient. Having deleted the 

flagrant designation, the parties agree that the violation should be issued as a 104(d)(1) order. 

SECRETARY OF LABOR 

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

 ADMINISTRATION (MSHA), 

 Petitioner, 

 v. 

CAM MINING, LLC, 

 Respondent. 

 CIVIL PENALTY PROCEEDING 

Docket No. KENT 2009-1008 

A.C. No. 15-18911-182680 

Mine: Mine #28 

37 FMSHRC Page 1665
I have considered the representations and documentation submitted in this matter and I 

conclude that the proffered settlement is appropriate under the criteria set forth in Section 110(i) 

of the Act. WHEREFORE, the motion to approve settlement IS GRANTED, and pursuant to 

the parties’ agreement, CAM Mining, LLC, IS ORDERED to pay the $40,000.00 civil penalty 

within 30 days of this Order in satisfaction of the single order at issue.1 Upon receipt of timely 

payment, the captioned matter IS DISMISSED. In reaching this conclusion, I have not 

considered paragraphs three and four of the motion because they are irrelevant. 

/s/ Jerold Feldman 

Jerold Feldman 

 Administrative Law Judge 

Distribution: 

Mary Sue Taylor, Esq., U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Solicitor, 618 Church Street, 

Suite 230, Nashville, TN 37219-2440 

Mark E. Heath, Esq., Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC, 300 Kanawha Blvd. East, P.O. Box 273, 

Charleston, WV 25321-0273 

/acp 

 1

 Payment should be sent to the Mine Safety and Health Administration, U.S. 

Department of Labor, Payment Office, P.O. Box 790390, St. Louis, MO 63179-0390. Please 

include the Docket No. and A.C. No. noted in the above caption on the check.

37 FMSHRC Page 1666
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE ORDERS

FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION 

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES 

1331 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W., SUITE 520N 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20004-1710 

TELEPHONE: (202) 434-9950 / FAX: (202) 434-9949 

July 1, 2015 

SECRETARY OF LABOR, 

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

 ADMINISTRATION (MSHA), 

 Petitioner, 

 v. 

JEPPESEN GRAVEL, 

 Respondent. 

 CIVIL PENALTY PROCEEDING 

 Docket No. CENT 2014-298-M 

 A.C. No. 13-02285-344601 

 Mine: Jeppesen Pits 

ORDER ON MOTION FOR SANCTIONS

Before: Judge Rae 

This case is before me upon a petition for assessment of a civil penalty under section 

110(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, 30 U.S.C. § 820(c). 

On April 24, 2015 I issued an Order compelling Respondent to answer the Secretary’s 

first and second set of discovery requests in this docket. His answers were due two weeks from 

the date of my Order. Respondent provided 23 exhibits including his income tax returns for the 

past two years in response. The Secretary has now filed a Motion for Sanctions for Jeppesen’s 

failure to respond to discovery. He seeks sanctions for Respondent’s failure to respond fully to 

his interrogatories, requests for admission, and requests for production of documents. 

Respondent has responded to this motion by email stating they “do not want to go with 

sanctions.” 

For the reasons set forth below, I DENY the Secretary’s motion but limit the evidence the 

Respondent shall be permitted to produce at trial. 

This docket involves eighteen 104(a) citations issued for alleged violations existing as a 

result of the Respondent’s alleged failure to abate certain conditions after MSHA had issue prior 

citations and withdrawal or removal from service orders under 104(b) of the Mine Act. 

Jeppesen is a pro se litigant who through his various pleadings and responses to motions 

appears to be relatively unsophisticated from a legal standpoint. He operates a small mine in 

which he claims he is the sole employee and has limited financial means. 

The Secretary has propounded three sets of discovery – 28 interrogatories (not including 

subparts, in violation of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 33), 38 requests for admission, and 12 

requests for production of documents/videos in all. Each of the discovery requests seeks multiple 

answers, admissions and documents for each of the 18 non-significant and substantial alleged 

violations. In addition to propounding the third request for production after my Order of April 

24th, the Secretary sent a letter by email to Jeppesen on May 28, 2015 informing the Respondent 

that pursuant to my previous Order, the Secretary is entitled to this information. The Secretary 

37 FMSHRC Page 1667
further informed the Respondent that they did not consider his responses to their discovery 

sufficient and that the Secretary would be compelled to file a motion for sanctions should he not 

fully comply. In fact, the Secretary is not entitled to any relief with respect to this last request for 

production as it was served after my Order to Compel and the Secretary has not filed a Motion to 

Compel this information. That is not to say I would grant it, however. 

The Secretary has also filed with the Court a Prehearing Report containing 500 pages of 

pre-trial exhibits including copious inspector’s notes on each violation, glossy colored 

photographs, quarterly employee reports, a U.S. District Court consent judgement against 

Jeppesen, a previous ALJ decision approving settlement of several of the prior citations issued 

for the same conditions herein1

 and a prior ALJ’s decision against Jeppesen. 

FMSHRC Rule 56(c) provides that upon a judge’s own motion, the judge may limit 

discovery to protect a party or person from oppression or undue delay, burden or expense. See 29 

C.F.R. § 2700.56(c). Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(c) states that a Court may issue an order 

to protect a person from undue burden or expense by limiting the scope of discovery. I find that 

the Respondent has complied, to the extent of his abilities, with the Secretary’s discovery. I 

further find that requiring the Respondent to provide additional responses to the Secretary’s 

overzealous requests would be unduly burdensome and oppressive. It would not lead to 

information not already at the disposal of the Secretary or necessary for presentation of his case. 

It would also lead to undue delay as the trial is scheduled to commence in less than two weeks. 

I hereby DENY the Secretary’s motion for sanctions. I do, however, acknowledge that 

Jeppesen has allegedly demonstrated a reluctance to cooperate with MSHA and the Secretary. I 

therefore ORDER that Jeppesen be limited to the introduction at trial of only that evidence that 

has been provided to the Secretary or the Court in response to discovery or my Notice of Hearing 

Order, absent good cause shown. 

/s/ Priscilla M. Rae 

Priscilla M. Rae 

Administrative Law Judge 

Distribution: 

Robert Alan Kelly, Esq., U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Solicitor, Two Pershing 

Square, 2300 Main Street, Suite 1020, Kansas City, MO 64108 

Jay A. Jeppesen, Jeppesen Gravel, 719 8th Street, Sibley, IA 51249 

1

 The Secretary filed a Motion for Partial Summary Judgement. He argued that because 

Jeppesen had settled several of the previous citations for the same condition or had failed to 

respond to admissions concerning the citations involved, they were entitled to a summary 

decision. I denied that motion. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1668
FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES 

721 19th STREET, SUITE 443 

DENVER, CO 80202-2536 

TELEPHONE: 303-844-5266 / FAX: 303-844-5268 

July 2, 2015 

ORDER DENYING THE SECRETARY’S MOTION FOR CERTIFICATION FOR 

INTERLOCUTORY REVIEW & 

ORDER DENYING MOTION TO STAY 

Before: Judge Miller 

These cases are before me upon a notice of contest filed by Pocahontas Coal Company 

and a petition for assessment of a civil penalty under section 105(d) of the Federal Mine Safety 

and Health Act of 1977. On June 23, 2015 the Secretary filed a Motion for Certification for 

Interlocutory Review of the court’s June 18, 2015 Order Denying the Secretary’s Motion to 

Reconsider. For reasons that follow, the Secretary’s Motion for Certification for Interlocutory 

Review is DENIED. The Secretary also filed a Motion to Stay the court’s June 18, 2015 Order 

Denying the Secretary’s Motion to Reconsider. The Motion to Stay is DENIED. 

On April 13, 2015 the Secretary filed a Motion for Protective Order in which he asked 

the court to prevent the depositions of attorneys from the Office of the Solicitor who had been 

subpoenaed by Respondent. On May 22, 2015 the court issued an Order Granting in Part and 

Denying in Part the Secretary’s Motion for Protective Order and found that factual information 

considered by MSHA and the attorneys when selecting and grouping the 42 enforcement actions 

included in the NPOV, as well as facts involving who, what, where and when the selections were 

made, may be relevant, were discoverable, and were not privileged. The Secretary was given the 

opportunity to advise Pocahontas whether a person from MSHA was involved in the 

POCAHONTAS COAL COMPANY, LLC, 

 Contestant, 

v. 

SECRETARY OF LABOR, 

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

 ADMINISTRATION, (MSHA), 

 Respondent. 

SECRETARY OF LABOR, 

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

 ADMINISTRATION, (MSHA), 

 Petitioner, 

 v. 

POCAHONTAS COAL COMPANY, LLC, 

 Respondent. 

 CONTEST PROCEEDING 

Docket No. WEVA 2014-395-R 

Order No. 3576153; 12/19/2013 

Mine: Affinity Mine 

Mine ID: 46-08878 

CIVIL PENALTY PROCEEDING 

Docket No. WEVA 2014-1028 

A.C. No. 46-08878-350475 

Mine: Affinity Mine 

37 FMSHRC Page 1669
selection of the 42 enforcement documents included in the NPOV, which would obviate the need 

for an attorney to supply the facts surrounding the selection. The Secretary indicated that it 

would serve no purpose to depose an employee of MSHA, as there was no one who could 

provide the information sought by the mine. Even so, the Secretary was ordered to provide a 

person with knowledge from MSHA to be deposed, and, following the deposition, to respond in 

writing to interrogatories regarding the selection of the citations that were listed on the NPOV 

that was issued to the mine. The order addressed all of the privileges raised by the Secretary and 

allowed Respondent a deposition and interrogatories regarding only the facts surrounding the 

selection of the citations. On June 5, 2015 the Secretary filed a Motion to Reconsider the court’s 

May 22, 2015 order, and attached an affidavit from an MSHA employee who was involved, in 

some respect, with the selection of the 42 enforcement documents. On June 18, 2015 the court 

denied the Secretary’s Motion to Reconsider and set new discovery timelines. Subsequently, on 

June 23, 2015 the Secretary filed this Motion for Certification for Interlocutory Review. 

The Secretary argues that the court should certify for interlocutory review its June 18, 

2015 order because that ruling involves controlling questions of law and immediate review may 

materially advance the final disposition of these proceedings. Specifically, the Secretary argues 

that three controlling questions of law were raised by the June 18, 2015 order: 

(1) whether the facts that the ALJ found to be discoverable are 

inextricably intertwined with privileged information covered by 

the attorney-client, attorney work product, and deliberative-process 

privileges; 

(2) whether the Secretary’s issuance of a POV notice is subject to 

review for “abuse of discretion;” and, if so, 

(3) whether the facts that the ALJ found to be discoverable are 

relevant to whether the Secretary abused that discretion. 

Sec’y Mot. for Certification for Interlocutory Rev. 3-4. The Secretary asserts that immediate 

review of these questions may save that amount of time that it would take the parties to complete 

the deposition and interrogatories which the court ordered. While the Secretary concedes that 

pre-trial discovery rulings are not normally subject to interlocutory review, he argues that 

Commission precedent demonstrates that interlocutory review may be appropriate when there is 

a “‘manifest abuse of discretion’ on the part of the judge” or where “‘unprecedented litigation of 

enormous impact and concern to all parties . . . raises complex procedural and substantive issues 

of first impression.’” Id. 2, 4 (quoting Asarco, Inc., 14 FMSHRC 1323, 1328 (1992) and In re: 

Contests of Respirable Dust Sample Alteration Citations, 14 FMSHRC 987, 1004 (1992)). 

Further, the Secretary asserts that how the Commission applies the pattern of violations rule, and 

what discovery is allowed in these types of proceedings, will have an enormous impact on how 

the Secretary enforces the Act. Finally, the Secretary argues that his prosecutorial discretion is, 

at most, reviewable only under the “abuse of discretion” standard, and the issues concerning 

discovery of the bases for the exercise of his discretion are important enough to warrant 

interlocutory review. 

During a status conference on June 25, 2015 the Secretary asked for an immediate ruling 

on his motion for interlocutory review and Pocahontas indicated that it intended to file a 

37 FMSHRC Page 1670
response within the time allowed by Commission rules. Pocahontas was informed that it may 

file a response for the record, but that a decision may be issued before the time has elapsed for 

the filing of a response. Also, at the conference on June 25, 2015, the parties agreed to a date of 

July 2, 2015 for the deposition of Mr. VanDyke, the MSHA employee whose declaration was 

attached to the motion for reconsideration and who was involved in the selection of the 42 

citations and orders listed in the NPOV. Further, the court set a deadline of July 10, 2015 for 

Respondent to submit written interrogatories to discover the facts surrounding the selection of 

the documents listed on the NPOV, and a deadline of July 17, 2015 for the Secretary to respond 

in writing to those interrogatories. The parties will have until August 17, 2015 to supplement the 

record so that the court can address the motions for summary decision filed by each party. 

The Commission’s Procedural Rules state that “[i]nterlocutory review by the 

Commission shall not be a matter of right but of the sound discretion of the Commission.” 29 

C.F.R. § 2700.76(a). Interlocutory review “cannot be granted unless . . . [t]he Judge has 

certified, upon . . . the motion of a party, that [her] interlocutory ruling involves a controlling 

question of law and that in [her] opinion immediate review will materially advance the final 

disposition of the proceeding.” Id. at § 2700.76(a)(1)(i). 

I find that interlocutory review of the June 18, 2015 order is not merited on the facts of 

this case. As the Secretary correctly points out, pre-trial discovery rulings are usually not the 

subject of interlocutory review. While the Secretary argues that the Commission, in In re: 

Contests of Respirable Dust Sample Alteration Citations, 14 FMSHRC 987 (1992) (“Dust 

Cases”), recognized a narrow exception to this usual practice, I find that the Secretary’s reliance 

on the case is misplaced. In Dust Cases the Commission, in a footnote, stated that its decision to 

grant the petitions for interlocutory review of the discovery related orders was “grounded in the 

recognition that . . . [the case was] an unprecedented litigation of enormous impact and concern 

to all parties that raise[d] complex procedural and substantive issues of first impression.” Id. at 

1004 n. 19. Dust Cases involved a dispute between the Secretary and approximately 500 

operators who were alleged to have altered respirable dust samples. There, roughly 4,700 

citations were at issue, and both the Secretary and the mine operators sought interlocutory review 

of three discovery related orders addressing hundreds of documents sought by the operators from 

the Secretary. Unlike Dust Cases, the Secretary here seeks interlocutory review of matters that 

involve far less material being sought through discovery, only one mine operator is involved, 

and, in the court’s opinion, the case does not rise to the same level of complexity that was 

present in Dust Cases. Accordingly, I find that this matter does not meet the exception outlined 

in Dust Cases. 

While the Secretary argues that the standard of review in this matter affects the scope of 

discovery, and that issues concerning discovery of the bases for the exercise of his prosecutorial 

discretion are important enough to warrant interlocutory review, I disagree. No matter the 

standard of review, the scope of discovery in Commission proceedings remains the same. Here, 

as the court has previously explained, the scope of discovery includes facts which go to the issue 

of whether the Secretary acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner. Both the original May 22, 

2015 order and subsequent June 18, 2015 order made clear that only facts related to who selected 

and grouped the citations and orders included in the NPOV, what information they considered, 

when they considered it, where they considered it, and what facts they presented to the 

37 FMSHRC Page 1671
Administrator so that he could make the final determination, were discoverable. The Secretary’s 

internal deliberations involving opinions, thoughts, conclusions and legal theories leading up to 

the decision to issue the NPOV are privileged, and will remain privileged based on the 

information before the court. Accordingly, the Secretary’s privileges remain intact through the 

many orders issued in this case restricting discovery and limiting it to only facts. Those orders 

remain in effect while the final deposition and interrogatories are completed by the parties. 

The factual information sought by Pocahontas is limited, and any time preparing for and 

participating in the deposition and interrogatories will be minimal compared to the time it will 

take the Commission to address these issues. This case has been ongoing for nearly two years, 

and the parties have inched along through discovery and are now at a point where the motions 

for summary decision can reasonably be evaluated. Both parties believe that all of the 

information that will be presented at hearing on the NPOV is contained in the depositions 

already taken. One last step, regarding the choice of the 42 enforcement documents listed in the 

NPOV, remains for discovery. Given the limited information sought, the remaining discovery 

should take little time. The deposition of the MSHA representative should take only a few hours 

and the interrogatories will address only the facts that remain unanswered after that deposition. 

While a hearing on the notice has not been ruled out, the parties agree that all of the information 

that the court needs to make a decision regarding the NPOV will be contained in the record 

following the deposition and interrogatories that are both set to be complete in the coming 

weeks. 

The Secretary has been slow in providing information during discovery and, as a result, 

has managed to drag on this dispute far too long. The September 16, 2015 hearing date is not 

particularly far off and still is nearly two years from the initial notice of pattern to the mine. The 

parties need to complete discovery 20 days prior to the hearing date. If the parties intend to have 

the validity of the NPOV decided on motions for summary decision, they must complete 

discovery and supplement the record with additional information so that the court can render a 

decision on the validity of the NPOV before the hearing date. At the end of the day, the court’s 

order only requires the Secretary to turn over facts so that the court has all of the information 

necessary to determine if the Secretary did abuse his discretion in choosing this mine for a 

pattern of violations. Once that decision has been made, the court can turn its attention to 

looking at the notice itself and determining whether the notice demonstrates a pattern as alleged 

by the Secretary. While I do not disagree with the Secretary that this case in general presents 

novel and important issues, it is the court’s opinion that interlocutory review of these issues will 

not materially advance the final disposition of these proceedings and, as a result, is inappropriate. 

The fact that a case involves a pressing issue does not necessarily justify interlocutory review of 

a court’s order on that issue. See Oak Grove Resources, LLC, Docket Nos. SE 2013-301 et al., 

Unpublished Order dated June 23, 2015. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1672
Accordingly, based on my above findings, the Secretary’s Motion for Certification for 

Interlocutory Review is DENIED. For all of the reasons listed above, the Secretary’s Motion 

for Stay is also DENIED. 

/s/ Margaret A. Miller 

Margaret A. Miller 

Administrative Law Judge 

Distribution: 

Jason Grover, Francine Serafin, Office of the Solicitor, U.S. Department of Labor, 1100 Wilson 

Blvd., 22nd Floor West, Arlington, Virginia 22209 

Jason Nutzman, Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP, 900 Lee St. Suite 600, Charleston, WV 25301 

Robert Huston Beatty, Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP, 215 Don Knotts Blvd., Suite 310, Morgantown, 

WV 26501 

37 FMSHRC Page 1673
FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES 

1331 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, NW, SUITE 520N 

WASHINGTON, DC 20004 

TELEPHONE: 202-434-9953 / FAX: 202-434-9949 

July 16, 2015 

ORDER OF DISMISSAL FOR LACK OF JURISDICTION

On July 10, 2015, the Commission received a request for temporary reinstatement from 

Mark L. Lujan. On July 20, 2015, the court received the company’s response and motion to 

dismiss. The company essentially argues the Commission is without jurisdiction. Because I 

agree, I will grant the company’s motion without waiting for Mr. Lujan’s reply. 

Mr. Lujan formerly worked as a miner for Signal Peak Energy, LLC at the company’s 

Bull Mountain Mine No. 1, an underground bituminous coal mine located in south central 

Montana. Mr. Lujan contends that he was illegally discharged by the company on June 18, 2013. 

On September 24, 2014, Mr. Lujan filed a discrimination complaint with the Secretary of 

Labor’s (“Secretary”) Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”). On November 24, 

2014, MSHA sent Mr. Lujan a letter informing him that it did not find sufficient evidence to 

establish a violation of section 105(c). 30 U.S.C. § 815(c). Mr. Lujan then filed an “appeal” of 

MSHA’s determination. The appeal was docketed by the Commission as a section 105(c)(3) (30 

U.S.C. § 815(c)(3)) discrimination complaint (Docket No. WEST 2015-252-D), and the case was 

assigned to the court. Time was provided for Mr. Lujan to obtain counsel, but his efforts proved 

unsuccessful. On June 30 and July 1, 2015, a hearing on Mr. Lujan’s discrimination complaint 

was held in Denver, Colorado. At the hearing, the company was represented by counsels and Mr. 

Lujan represented himself. A decision on Mr. Lujan’s discrimination complaint is pending. In the 

meantime, and as noted above, on July 10, 2015, the Commission received Mr. Lujan’s request 

for temporary reinstatement. Mr. Lujan’s request was docketed by the Commission as a 

temporary reinstatement proceeding filed pursuant to section 105(c)(2) of the Act. 30 U.S.C. § 

815(c)(2).

MARK L. LUJAN, 

 

 Complainant, 

 v. 

SIGNAL PEAK ENERGY, LLC, 

 Respondent. 

 TEMPORARY REINSTATMENT: 

Docket No. WEST 2015-765-D 

MSHA Case No. DENV-CD 2014-17 

Mine ID: 24-01950 

Mine: Bull Mountain Mine No. 1 

37 FMSHRC Page 1674
Mr. Lujan’s request must be denied and the case must be dismissed for lack of 

jurisdiction. Section 105 (c)(2) provides for the Secretary, not the affected miner, to bring an 

application for temporary reinstatement. 30 U.S.C. § 815(c)(2). Section 105(c)(2)states, “[I]f the 

Secretary finds that such complaint [i.e., the miner’s complaint to MSHA that he or she has 

suffered discrimination] was not frivolously brought, the Commission . . . upon application of 

the Secretary, shall order the immediate reinstatement of the miner pending final order on the 

complaint.” 30 U.S.C. §815(c)(2) (emphasis added). There is no comparable provision in section 

105(c) or elsewhere in the Act authorizing a miner to bring such an application on his or her own 

behalf. 1

 Therefore, because the case is not sanctioned by the Act, I lack the statutory authority to 

hear it, and Mr. Lujan’s application must be and is DENIED. The case is DISMISSED.

/s/ David F. Barbour 

David F. Barbour 

 Administrative Law Judge 

Distribution: (1st Class Mail) 

Christopher G. Peterson, Esq.; Ben Ross, Esq., Jackson Kelly, PLLC, 1099 18th Street, Suite 

2150, Denver, Colorado 80202 

Mark L. Lujan, P.O. Box 4733, Grand Junction, Colorado 81502 

                                                             1 As the Sixth Circuit noted in N. Fork Coal Co. v. Fed. Mine Safety & Health Review 

Comm’n, 669 Fd.735, 744 (6th Cir. 2015), “[T]emporary reinstatement is not appropriate when a 

miner pursues an individual ‘action’ under §815(d)(3).” (Citations omitted.)

37 FMSHRC Page 1675
FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES 

1331 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W., SUITE 520N 

WASHINGTON, DC 20004-1710 

TELEPHONE: 202-434-9933 / FAX: 202-434-9949 

July 20, 2015 

 

ORDER OF DISMISSAL 

Before: Judge Moran 

On January 16, 2015, the Secretary filed his motion to approve settlement in this matter. 

That motion sought a 50% reduction of the proposed penalties for each of the two section 104(a) 

citations in the docket, which were both marked as significant and substantial with the likely 

expected injury as fatal. An accident involving a loaded tractor-trailer coal truck was related to 

both citations. That truck lost power while going up a haul road. It then began rolling backwards 

and overturned, injuring the driver, who suffered a lost time injury. Based on the statement in the 

citation, the results could easily have been more serious, as the truck operated in congested areas 

and traveled a steep haul road that provides access to the mine for all persons who work there, 

including miners and vendors. Because the motion inadequately explained the basis for the 

settlement, the Court, pursuant to its responsibilities under Section 110(k) of the Mine Act, 

required the Secretary to justify the large reduction. The Secretary did not comply. Instead, it 

retreated to its unchecked authority to vacate citations, dropping entirely the citation for failing 

to inspect equipment prior to its operation. Although present law allows the Secretary to vacate a 

citation, the Court is of the view that, in these circumstances, for the reasons which follow, that 

decision was antithetical to the purpose and spirit of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act. 

The background to this case is as follows. The Secretary’s authorized representative, 

Inspector Douglas W. Johnson, investigated the event and then issued the two citations the day 

after the accident.1

 Both citations involved the same tractor-trailer truck and the overturning 

accident that resulted in the lost time injury to the truck driver. 

Inspector Johnson cited Respondent (“Remington”) for violations of 30 C.F.R. § 77.1606 

and 30 C.F.R. § 77.404. The former standard, entitled “Loading and haulage equipment; 

inspection and maintenance,” provides that “[m]obile loading and haulage equipment shall be 

                                                             1

 The record does not indicate when MSHA was called, nor when the inspector first 

arrived at the mine. 

SECRETARY OF LABOR, 

 MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 

 ADMINISTRATION (MSHA), 

 Petitioner, 

 v. 

REMINGTON, LLC, 

 Respondent. 

 CIVIL PENALTY PROCEEDING 

Docket No. WEVA 2012-533 

A.C. No. 46-09230-275179 

Mine: Winchester Mine 

37 FMSHRC Page 1676
inspected by a competent person before such equipment is placed in operation [and that] 

[e]quipment defects affecting safety shall be recorded and reported to the mine operator.” Thus, 

the focus of the standard is upon the inspection of equipment for defects prior to its use. The 

latter standard, 30 C.F.R. § 77.404, entitled “Machinery and equipment; operation and 

maintenance,” requires that “[m]obile and stationary machinery and equipment shall be 

maintained in safe operating condition and machinery or equipment in unsafe condition shall be 

removed from service immediately.” The focus of this standard is the requirement for 

maintaining equipment in safe condition and removing such equipment when it is not safe. 

Citation No. 8120822, citing conduct violating 30 C.F.R. § 77.1606(a), described that the 

truck lost power going up a haul road and then rolled backwards and turned over, injuring the 

truck driver who sustained a lost time injury. The Secretary has now vacated this citation, which 

relates that upon an examination, it was determined that 6 of 10 brakes on the trailer and coal 

truck were not functioning properly. Beyond the brake defects, there was another significant 

defect: the seat belt tether was not connected to the body of the truck cab. As the Inspector stated 

in the citation, those defects should have been observed by the pre-operation examiner and 

corrected before the truck was put into operation. As noted, adding to the seriousness of this 

accident, the citation recorded that the haul road where the accident occurred “is used by all 

persons, including miners and vendors traveling to and leaving the mine site.” 

Citation No. 8120824, which alleges a violation of 30 C.F.R. § 77.404(a), provides 

additional details, stating what is plain, that the truck was not being maintained in safe operating 

condition, thus violating the standard. Adding to the information provided in Citation No. 

8120822, the investigation determined 

that the right front and right rear tandem brake shoes were not contacting the 

drums, as evidenced by the fact that a person could turn the wheels by hand[] as 

well as easily move a feeler gauge between the brake shoes and the drum. 

Further, it was determined [th]at all four brake units on the trailer were 

functionally inoperable. The left front brake stroke was measured to be 2 and 

3/4ths inches. A feeler gauge would easily pass between the shoes and the drum 

on all four brakes. When tested after the trailer was turned upright by pulling the 

trailer empty, all four wheels rolled easily. Therefore, 6 of 10 brakes on the tractor 

trailer unit were not working. 

It should be noted that none of the statements in either citation were challenged in the 

motion to approve the settlement or in the decision to vacate Citation No. 8120822. Instead, in a 

manner which could be construed as inconsistent with the purpose of the Mine Act, the Secretary 

only cryptically advises that “[u]pon further review of the facts and the available evidence [for 

that citation, he has] determined that the Citation shall be vacated,” citing RBK Construction, 15 

FMSHRC 2099 (Oct. 1993).2

2

 It is worth observing that, some 22 years ago, the Commission in RBK Construction 

arrived at the conclusion that the Secretary has carte blanche authority to vacate, but only by 

(continued...) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1677
When the Court reviewed the Secretary’s Motion to Approve Settlement, it noted the 

following claim in the motion: 

The Operator asserts that policies were properly in place for any independent 

contractors working on its property regarding the proper examination and 

maintenance of equipment. Additionally, all such independent contractors were 

required to undergo training before working on the mine’s property. Given the 

steps taken by the mine operator to ensure that independent contracting 

companies on its property work in a safe manner, questions exist as to whether the 

citation was properly issued as highly likely or moderate negligence. 

Except for minimal non-substantive, grammatical changes in the rationale, and with absolutely 

no substantive changes to the text of the rationale, the settlement justification for the second 

Citation, No. 8120824, simply repeated the language presented to justify Citation No. 8120822.3

2

 (...continued) 

analogy to a case involving the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, in which 

the Supreme Court made a conclusion to that effect. See Cuyahoga Valley Ry. Co. v. United 

Transp. Union, 474 U.S. 3 (1985). But, of course, the Occupational Safety and Health Act has 

neither the uniquely deadly history of the mining industry nor a provision in that Act akin to the 

Mine Act’s Section 110(k). A fair reading of the Mine Act is that Congress intended greater 

enforcement oversight for the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission to meet the 

solemn responsibility to protect the safety and health of our Nation’s miners. That the Secretary 

of Labor proceeds in these settlements with an antipathy towards openness and transparency, 

opposed to the need to explain to MSHA or to the miners who are exposed to safety and health 

hazards, of the reasoning for its settlements or decisions to vacate citations and orders, is a basis 

for revisiting that present authority to vacate. 

3

 It should be noted that, prior to ultimately offering up the most minimal justification for 

the penalty reductions, the Secretary begins each settlement with truculence, advising that 

[i]n reaching this settlement, the Secretary has evaluated the value of the 

compromise, the likelihood of obtaining a still better settlement, the prospects of 

coming out better, or worse, after a full trial, and the resources that would need to 

be expended in the attempt. The Secretary has determined that the public interest 

and the effective enforcement and deterrent purposes of the Mine Act are best 

served by settling the citations as indicated above [and that] [c]onsistent with the 

position the Secretary has taken before the Commission in The American Coal 

Company, LAKE 2011-13, the Secretary believes that the pleadings in this case 

and the above summary give the Commission an adequate basis for exercising its 

authority to review and approve the Secretary’s settlement under Section 110(k) 

of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. § 820(k). 

The translation of this is that, despite the clear language of Section 110(k), the Secretary 

does not believe it owes an accounting to anyone to explain its penalty reductions of any size. 

(continued...) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1678
The full text of the rationales for the two citations demonstrates that they merely repeat 

themselves: 

[For Citation No. 8120822: ]The Operator asserts that policies were 

properly in place for any independent contractors working on its property 

regarding the proper examination and maintenance of equipment. Additionally, all 

such independent contractors were required to undergo training before working on 

the mine’s property. Given the steps taken by the mine operator to ensure that 

independent contracting companies on its property work in a safe manner, 

questions exist as to whether the citation was properly issued as highly likely or 

moderate negligence. As a compromise, the Operator agreed to accept a penalty 

reduction with the paper remaining as issued. 

[For Citation No. 8120824: ]The operator asserts that policies properly 

were in place for any independent contractors working on its property regarding 

the proper examination and maintenance of equipment. Additionally, all such 

independent contractors were required to undergo training before working on the 

mine’s property. Given the steps taken by the mine operator to ensure that 

independent contracting companies on its property work in a safe manner, 

questions exist as to whether the citation was properly issued as highly likely or 

moderate negligence. As a compromise, the Operator agreed to accept a penalty 

reduction with the paper remaining as issued. 

The above information was the only support given for the 50% penalty reduction sought 

in the Secretary’s Motion to Approve Settlement. 

The Court, fulfilling its responsibilities under section 110(k) of the Mine Act, denied the 

motion on March 26, 2015. Remington, LLC, 37 FMSHRC 674 (Mar. 2015) (ALJ). In its denial, 

the Court noted: 

Examining the Secretary of Labor’s offered language for Citation No. 

8120822, it may be broken down into 2 asserted justifications: 

1. The Operator’s policies were properly in place for any independent

contractors working on its property regarding the proper examination and 

maintenance of equipment. 

2. All such independent contractors were required to undergo training

before working on the mine’s property. 

From that, the Secretary asserts that “[g]iven the steps taken by the mine operator 

to ensure that independent contracting companies on its property work in a safe 

manner, questions exist as to whether the citation was properly issued as highly 

3

 (...continued) 

Beyond not informing the Commission, the Secretary takes the position that neither its client, the 

Mine Safety and Health Administration, the inspectors who enforce the safety and health 

standards, nor the miners themselves are entitled to any explanation for penalty reductions. 

37 FMSHRC Page 1679
likely or moderate negligence.” (emphasis added). Yet, the Secretary’s motion 

does not contend that the gravity or negligence findings should be modified. The 

only change is the 50% reduction in the penalty. 

Therefore, it becomes necessary to analyze exactly what were “the steps 

taken by the mine operator to ensure that independent contracting companies on 

its property work in a safe manner.” This means, of course, steps taken in advance 

of the alleged violation. However, the motion does not identify at all the policies 

that were in place regarding the proper examination and maintenance of 

equipment, nor are any details provided about the training that “all such 

independent contractors were required to undergo [] before working on the mine’s 

property.” 

Set against the detail-free rationale are the allegations of the citation, 

which relate that an accident occurred with a loaded tractor-trailer coal truck in 

which the driver sustained a lost-time injury. That citation asserts that following 

an accident, it was found that 6 of 10 brakes on a tractor-trailer coal truck were 

not functioning properly. This was especially significant, as the truck lost power, 

began rolling backwards, and turned over and, as noted, with the driver being 

injured. In addition, there was another significant defect beyond the brake defects 

in that the seat belt tether was not connected to the body of the truck cab. As the 

Inspector stated in the citation, those defects should have been observed in the 

pre-operative check of the vehicle. Adding to the seriousness, the citation noted 

that the haul road where the accident occurred “is used by all persons, including 

miners and vendors traveling to and leaving the mine site.” 

The citation concludes with the Inspector’s statement that the operator 

“failed to provide adequate oversight to ensure the safety of persons on the mine 

property.” In abating the violation, the truck was removed from service and 

additional training was provided to truck operators. 

 In the Court’s view, the Secretary’s motion fails to identify the steps taken 

in advance to ensure that there are proper examinations of equipment, nor does 

the motion provide detail about the training provided for independent contractors 

prior to working on the mine’s property. The claim that “policies were properly in 

place” for proper examinations is not supported in the motion and the facts 

alleged in the citation refute that claim. Thus, it is disconcerting for the Secretary 

to tout “the steps taken by the mine operator to ensure that independent 

contracting companies on its property work in a safe manner.” 

The second citation alleges a violation of 30 C.F.R. § 77.404, entitled 

“Machinery and equipment; operation and maintenance,” which requires that 

“[m]obile and stationary machinery and equipment shall be maintained in safe 

operating condition and machinery or equipment in unsafe condition shall be 

removed from service immediately.” The citation involves the same tractor-trailer 

truck and accident identified in Citation No. 8120822. The focus of this alleged 

violation is the requirement for maintaining equipment in safe condition and 

37 FMSHRC Page 1680
removing such equipment when it is not safe. The body of the citation essentially 

provides additional details concerning the statement in Citation No. 8120822, that 

6 of the 10 brakes on the tractor trailer were not working. The post-accident 

investigation revealed that the truck’s brake shoes were not contacting their 

drums, and that this was easily determinable. For the trailer itself, “all four brake 

units [on it] were functionally inoperable,” and those defects were likewise easy 

to detect. The citation also added to the information provided in the first citation 

that the “truck operates in congested areas and travels [a] steep haulroad (sic).” 

For the abatement, the citation relates that “[t]he truck and trailer have been 

removed from service and additional truck inspection and maintenance programs 

have been implemented.” (emphasis added). 

The Motion’s assertion that the operator had proper examination and 

maintenance procedures in place is negated by the statements in the citation that 

show that they were plainly ineffective. Policies claimed to be “properly ... in 

place” cannot support a 50% reduction in a penalty, where those policies, properly 

in place or not, miss obvious defects. The citation makes this point, asserting that 

the operator failed to provide adequate oversight or programs to ensure that 

contractor equipment is being maintained in safe operating condition. In its rawest 

form, the Motion essentially seeks the large reduction for an examination and 

maintenance program which was demonstrably ineffective. Accordingly, merely 

repeating the inadequately supported justification offered for Citation No. 

8120822 does not work for Citation No. 8120824 either. Therefore, the rationale 

for this 50% reduction is also unsupported. It seems obvious that, based on the 

citation’s statement, which was not challenged in the Motion, the equipment was 

not being properly maintained and the defects were, as the citation alleges, easily 

detectable. Further, the Secretary cannot claim as the basis for its penalty 

reduction, that the training, alleged to have been provided for proper examination 

and maintenance, was properly in place where there was a need to implement 

additional truck inspection and maintenance programs. 

In sum, an inspection program to ensure that defects affecting safety are 

detected, a training program to ensure that those who make such inspections are 

competent, and related training to ensure that unsafe equipment is immediately 

removed from service cannot be cited as the basis for a penalty reduction, let 

alone a reduction on the order of 50%, where such programs utterly fail to detect 

obvious defects and patently unsafe equipment. Accordingly, the Secretary’s 

Motion is DENIED. 

The Secretary is directed to either provide the required information to 

support the claims about the nature of the mine operator’s policies that were in 

place and the details of the training provided prior to the accident and to then 

explain how those translate into a justification for a 50% penalty reduction, or to 

prepare for hearing. The Secretary is further directed to advise the Court of his 

intentions within two weeks from the issuance of this decision. The Court also 

directs the Secretary to advise it as to whether the contractor, Powers Trucking 

37 FMSHRC Page 1681
Company, was cited for these alleged violations, and if so, the status of such 

matters. 

Id. at 675-77. 

In a disappointing reaction to this Court’s decision denying the Secretary’s settlement 

motion, the Secretary has, as noted, only filed a motion to dismiss. Whereas the Court identified 

its concerns over the lack of justification for the twin 50% reductions of the two citations 

involved, the Secretary, citing its unreviewable ability to vacate citations/orders per RBK 

Construction, provided none of the supportive information and instead opted to vacate Citation 

No. 8120822. This action occurred four years after the citations were issued and then only after 

the Court required additional supportive information to justify the half-off reduction for each of 

the two citations. Under the new arrangement, Remington, LLC, agreed to pay the original, full 

proposed penalty for the other Citation, No. 8120824. That Respondent would go along with this 

outcome is not surprising; it would now pay approximately the same reduced total dollar amount 

as originally proposed and gain a bonus in the bargain in that now only one, instead of two 

violations, would appear on its history of violations, a manifestly improved outcome. 

Although it is presently true that the Secretary can opt to vacate, the Court still considers 

it useful and enlightening to set forth the circumstances that brought forth that approach in this 

case. This docket originally, and by “originally,” the Court means since June 9, 2011, cited 

Remington for an alleged violation of 30 C.F.R. § 77.1606(a) (citation No. 8120822) and another 

for 30 C.F.R. § 77.404(a), (citation No. 8120824). One needs to appreciate that these two cited 

standards address different safety concerns. In the case of 30 C.F.R. § 77.1606(a), the section 

cited, entitled, “Loading and haulage equipment; inspection and maintenance,” provides: 

“[m]obile loading and haulage equipment shall be inspected by a competent person before such 

equipment is placed in operation [and additionally requires that] [e]quipment defects affecting 

safety shall be recorded and reported to the mine operator.” Thus, the focus of the standard is 

upon the inspection of equipment for defects prior to its use. In contrast, 30 C.F.R. § 77.404(a) 

entitled “Machinery and equipment; operation and maintenance,” requires that “[m]obile and 

stationary machinery and equipment shall be maintained in safe operating condition and 

machinery or equipment in unsafe condition shall be removed from service immediately.” The 

focus of this alleged violation is the requirement for maintaining equipment in safe condition and 

removing such equipment when it is not safe. 

For Citation No. 8120822, the Secretary relates in his motion to dismiss that, “[u]pon 

further review of the facts and available evidence [four years after the citation was issued], the 

Citation shall be vacated,” thereby dropping the charge alleging a violation of the inspection of 

equipment requirement for defects prior to its use. Perforce, dropping this citation means that the 

Secretary no longer had any issue with Respondent’s inspection duties in this instance, a 

troubling invocation of his prosecutorial discretion, as this matter involved an accident in which 

a loaded tractor-trailer haul truck lost power, rolled backwards and overturned, injuring the truck 

driver. That the Secretary “[u]pon further review of the facts and available evidence” would now 

decide that he had no issue with the inspection duty is a curious development, since the citation 

alleged that 6 of 10 brakes on a tractor-trailer coal truck were not functioning properly and, an 

additional defect, the seat belt tether was not connected to the body of the truck cab. Pointedly, 

none of these defects have been withdrawn by the Secretary as being inaccurate — not in the 

37 FMSHRC Page 1682
original settlement motion, nor in his decision to vacate the citation. In his original settlement 

motion for Citation No. 8120822, the Secretary said nothing to contradict the core allegation of 

the alleged violation: a failure to properly inspect loading and haulage equipment. Settlement 

Motion at 3. 

In contrast, the citation stated that the cited conditions, brakes and seat belt problems, 

“should have been observed by the pre-operation examiner and corrected before the truck was 

put into operation.” Significantly, for this now-vacated citation, the MSHA inspector added, 

again without contradiction in this record, that “[t]he brake failure directly led to the accident and 

the lost time injury that the driver sustained.” 

No one has claimed that the two citations were duplicative, either, which is not surprising 

since, as noted above, the focus of 30 C.F.R. 77.404(a) (the standard allegedly violated in the 

non-vacated citation) is upon maintaining mobile equipment in safe condition and removing such 

equipment immediately when it is not safe. 

With his presently unfettered right to vacate, the Secretary has concluded that 

Respondent failed to properly maintain its truck, but that there was no failure to properly inspect 

it, and by that decision that there were no equipment defects affecting safety and therefore, with 

no defects, there was no duty to record them. 

At bottom, the Secretary by his action has concluded that the truck was not being 

properly maintained, but somehow the obvious defective conditions were outside of the 

inspection responsibilities of 30 C.F.R. § 77.1606(a), with that standard’s obligation to inspect

before equipment is placed in operation. Ostensibly, by vacating Citation No. 8120822, he must 

have concluded that all of the defects found by the MSHA investigation occurred after the truck 

was placed in operation. But it is plain what has really transpired here: a recalcitrant Secretary of 

Labor, steadfastly protesting that he need not tell the Commission anything other than that a 

matter has been settled, despite section 110(k) of the Mine Act, rather than explain the basis for 

reducing both violations by 50%, simply collaborated with the mine operator to drop one citation 

entirely and have the other paid fully, as originally assessed. The effect was the Secretary 

reached the same result it sought originally, but now without having to explain the reductions. As 

noted above, this result is a win for the mine operator, as it ends up paying nearly the same total 

penalty as presented in the original motion to approve the settlement and with the bonus in the 

bargain that only one violation, instead of two, will now appear on its history of violations.4

 

                                                             4

 Perhaps embarrassed at the Secretary’s tactic, Respondent felt compelled to speak to the 

turn of events. In its Notice of Withdrawal of its Contest on Citation No. 8120824, Remington 

states: 

Remington has contended throughout this contest that the Secretary’s 

decision to cite Remington for the conduct of Powers Trucking Company was 

duplicative, contrary to MSHA’s own policy regarding the issuance [of] citations 

to both independent contracting companies and production operators, and not in 

furtherance of mine safety or the aims of the Mine Act. 

 (continued...) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1683
It would appear that the Secretary considers himself a victor by taking this approach in 

response to the Court’s reasonable request for additional information to explain the half-off 

reduction in the two citations. However, just because under the present state of case law the 

Secretary can vacate a citation without explaining the basis for the decision, does not mean that 

he should do so.5 In this Court’s view, the practical effect, invoked from the comfy safety of an 

4

 (...continued) 

Moreover, Remington has contended that, even assuming the issuance of 

citations to Remington was appropriate, the gravity and negligence findings on 

both 8120822 and 8120824 were inappropriate given the facts of this situation. 

Powers Trucking Company was an independent contractor responsible for 

complying with MSHA regulations including [performance of] pre-operational 

checks of its equipment and the maintenance of that equipment in safe operating 

condition. Remington provides training to such companies prior to the 

commencement of work, alerting the company to any hazards on the site and 

reinforcing the fact that compliance with MSHA regulations, in addition to being 

required by law, is required as a condition of performing work on Remington’s 

property. There were no issues, accidents, or citations relating to the condition of 

equipment or the preoperational checks of equipment with regards [sic] to this 

independent contracting company which would have alerted Remington that 

greater oversight was warranted. This was another company with no prior 

compliance issues, and the pre-operational check of this truck may have been 

performed by that company at another location. 

Resp’t Notice at 2. The Court would comment that these protestations would be more 

convincing had the defects not been so obvious and extensive. 

5

 Abuse of prosecutorial discretion has been discussed by the Commission. See, e.g.,

Phillips Uranium, 4 FMSHRC 549, 553 (Apr. 1982); Speed Mining, 27 FMSHRC 935, 936-37 

(Dec. 2005) (“[I]t is the Secretary’s position that, based on prosecutorial discretion, her decision 

to cite an operator and/or an independent contractor is not reviewable by the Commission. 

However, in a recent decision, Twentymile Coal, 27 FMSHRC 260 (March, 2005), the 

Commission considered and rejected this position. The Commission took cognizance of the 

Secretary’s reliance upon Heckler v. Chaney, 470 US 821, 830-32 (1985), and its progeny, also 

relied on by the Secretary herein, which preclude review under Section 701, (a)(2) of the 

Administrative Procedure Act. The Commission found such authority to be inapplicable. The 

Commission, 21 FMSHRC supra, at 265-266 set forth its holding as follows: ‘As the 

Commission has previously recognized, Section 507 of the Mine Act expressly provides that 

Section 701 of the APA does not apply to Commission proceedings. Old Ben, 1 FMSHRC at 

1483-84. Thus, we find such authority cited by the Secretary to be inapplicable. Furthermore, the 

Mine Act does not contemplate that the Secretary’s enforcement decisions are unreviewable by 

the Commission. Section 113 of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. § 823, contains no limits on the 

Commission’s review on questions pertaining to the exercise of the Secretary’s enforcement 

discretion. To the contrary, the breadth of the Commission’s review is broad. The Commission, 

(continued...) 

37 FMSHRC Page 1684
office, and not a mine, is to undermine the hard work done by mine inspectors, MSHA’s 

enforcement efforts generally, and, potentially, the future safety of miners. So, while there is a 

winner in one sense, the Secretary of Labor, there are also several losers when an unreviewable 

approach is utilized. The approach taken here can hardly be deemed a plus for MSHA or for 

miners. When asked legitimate questions to defend a half-off penalty imposition, the Secretary, 

rather than being anxious to explain a safety-based explanation, has merely advised that it has 

decided to withdraw one of its citations. Under such an approach, there may be expected 

discouragement on the part of MSHA mine inspectors doing their enforcement job. After all, if 

legitimate citations can simply be vacated, as a natural human reaction, this can be expected to 

adversely affect inspectors in the performance of their jobs. 

It is also noted that the Secretary, rather than vacating as here, has in the past vigorously 

enforced cases where these two standards were cited together. A few examples make this point. 

In Kentucky Fuel Corp., 36 FMSHRC 159 (Jan. 2014) (ALJ), Judge Margaret Miller dealt with 

the same two standards, 77.404 and 77.1606, and both were directed to the same dozer. The 

Judge addressed Kentucky Fuel’s argument that the two alleged violations were duplicative and 

that one should be vacated. Finding no merit to the contention, Judge Miller noted that in 

Cumberland Coal Resources, LP, 28 FMSHRC 545 (Aug. 2006), aff’d, 515 F.3d 247 (3d Cir. 

2008), the Commission explained that “citations are not duplicative so long as the standards 

involved impose separate and distinct duties upon an operator.” Ky. Fuel Corp., 36 FMSHRC at 

167 (quoting 28 FMSHRC at 553 (citing W. Fuels-Utah, Inc., 19 FMSHRC 994, 1003-05 (June 

1997), and Cyprus Tonopah Mining Corp., 15 FMSHRC 367, 378 (Mar. 1993))). The Judge 

went on to observe that “one standard imposes a requirement that defects be repaired or the 

equipment be taken out of service, while the other standard requires that the equipment not be 

operated until they are repaired. These are separate and distinct requirements and require 

different actions from the operator in order to comply.” Id.

 Similarly, in A&R Trucking, 35 FMSHRC 3628 (Dec. 2013) (ALJ), Judge John Lewis 

upheld violations of 30 C.F.R. § 77.404(a) and 30 C.F.R. § 77.1606(a), where both citations 

pertained to the same truck. Even though no accident was involved in A&R Trucking, included 

among the factors considered, the Secretary took into account the road conditions in seeking 

penalties, as enhancing the risk of injury occurring. Id. at 3630-31. Unlike the Secretary’s actions 

here, in A&R Trucking, special assessments were sought in the amount of $110,900.00 and 

$25,800.00 for the violations of §§ 77.1606(c) and 77.404(a), respectively. Id. at 3631. 

Yet another example is Reading Anthracite Co., 32 FMSHRC 399 (Apr. 2010) (ALJ), in 

which the Secretary cited both 30 C.F.R. § 77.1606 and 30 C.F.R. § 77.404 for safety issues 

relating to the same truck. In that instance the failures to comply with the cited standards played 

a role in the death of a miner, the truck’s driver. See generally id.

In the face of the two citations that were issued here, and despite that an accident 

occurred resulting in a lost-time injury to the miner who was operating the defective truck, the 

5

 (...continued) 

in its discretion, may grant review if a “substantial question of law, policy or discretion is 

involved” (30 U.S.C. § 823(d)(2)(A)(ii)(IV)), and the Commission’s review authority extends to 

cases in which no party has filed a petition for review (30 U.S.C. § 823(d)(2)(B)).’”).

37 FMSHRC Page 1685
Secretary has in this instance taken an approach to enforcement at odds with cases such as those 

cited above. 

The Court regrets that the Secretary, more concerned with asserting that he alone can 

compromise penalties, without accounting the reasons for such reductions to the Commission, 

MSHA, or our Nation’s miners, has opted for this shuttered approach to mine safety and health. 

For now, the Court has no recourse to this misguided view. Accordingly, as the Secretary has 

vacated Citation No. 8120822, that citation is dismissed. Given Respondent’s withdrawal of its 

contest of the penalty for Citation No. 8120824 and its agreement to pay the assessed penalty of 

$4,329.00 for that citation, this case is DISMISSED. 

/s/ William B. Moran 

 William B. Moran 

Administrative Law Judge 

Distribution: 

Anh T. LyJordan, Esq., U. S. Department of Labor, MSHA, 201 12th Street South, Arlington, 

VA 22202 

Jonathan R. Ellis, Steptoe & Johnson PLLC, Chase Tower, Eighth Floor, P.O. Box 1588, 

Charleston, WV 25326

37 FMSHRC Page 1686