Opinion ID: 170445
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Citation

Text: The citation alleges that Plateau violated § 75.334(b)(1). The first paragraph mostly paraphrases the regulation but adds and distribute to the regulatory language: During pillar recovery of the D-3 longwall panel, the bleeder system being used did not control and distribute air passing through the worked-out area in a manner which continuously diluted and moved methane-air mixtures and other gases, dusts, and fumes from the worked-out area away from active workings and into a return air course or to the surface of the mine. Plateau Mining Corp., 25 FMSHRC 738, 743 (Dec.2003) (emphasis added). The next paragraph provides a bit more detail but is still rather vague: The following factors impaired the bleeder system's effectiveness at controlling and diluting the air passing through the worked-out area: a limited mine ventilating potential; the configuration and distribution of airflow in the bleeder system and worked-out area; and temporary controls installed within the worked-out area which restricted airflow through the pillared area. As production increased and pillared area expanded, methane liberation increased and airflow paths changed within the worked-out area. These changing conditions resulted in reduced airflow and elevated methane concentrations within the worked-out area at locations containing potential ignition sources and within close proximity to the active longwall face. Id. The citation further alleges that the accident occurred upon ignition of an explosive mixture that had accumulated in the worked-out area.