Petitions for Modification, 56175-56177 [06-8246]
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 186 / Tuesday, September 26, 2006 / Notices
(OWCP) may be represented by an
attorney or other representative. The
representative is entitled to request a fee
for services under the Federal
Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA)
and under the Longshore and Harbor
Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).
The fee must be approved by the OWCP
before any demand for payment can be
made by the representative. This
information collection request sets forth
the criteria for the information, which
must be presented by the respondent in
order to have the fee approved by the
OWCP. The information collection does
not have a particular form or format; the
respondent must present the
information in any format which is
convenient and which meets all the
required information criteria. This
information collection is currently
approved for use through March 31,
2007.
II. Review Focus: The Department of
Labor is particularly interested in
comments which:
• Evaluate whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary
for the proper performance of the
functions of the agency, including
whether the information will have
practical utility;
• Evaluate the accuracy of the
agency’s estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information,
including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used;
• Enhance the quality, utility and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and
• Minimize the burden of the
collection of information on those who
are to respond, including through the
use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other
technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology,
e.g., permitting electronic submissions
of responses.
III. Current Actions: The Department
of Labor seeks the extension of approval
to collect this information in order to
carry out its responsibility to approve
representative fees under the two Acts.
Type of Review: Extension.
Agency: Employment Standards
Administration.
Title: Representative Fee Requests.
OMB Number: 1215–0078.
Affected Public: Business or other forprofit; individuals or households.
Total Respondents: 12,340.
Total Responses: 12,340.
Frequency: On occasion.
Estimated Total Burden Hours: 7,670.
Total Burden Cost (capital/startup):
$0.
Total Burden Cost (operating/
maintenance): $17,363.
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Comments submitted in response to
this notice will be summarized and/or
included in the request for Office of
Management and Budget approval of the
information collection request; they will
also become a matter of public record.
Dated: September 21, 2006.
Ruben Wiley,
Chief, Branch of Management Review and
Internal Control, Division of Financial
Management, Office of Management,
Administration and Planning, Employment
Standards Administration.
[FR Doc. E6–15740 Filed 9–25–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510–CR–P
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Petitions for Modification
The following parties have filed
petitions to modify the application of
existing safety standards under section
101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and
Health Act of 1977 and 30 CFR part 44.
1. Wabash Mine Holding Company
[Docket No. M–2006–043–C]
Wabash Mine Holding Company,
Three Gateway Center, Suite 1340, 401
Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania 15222 has filed a petition
to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.364(b)(2) (Weekly examination) to its
Wabash Mine, Old B–1/Fault Crossing
Area of the Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 11–
00877) located in Wabash County,
Illinois. The petitioner requests a
modification of the existing standard to
permit an alternative method of
complying with the examination
requirement due to deteriorating roof
conditions in the abandoned old B1
panel area. The petitioner proposes to:
(1) Establish an inlet evaluation point in
the affected area of the mine as ‘‘Intake
EP,’’ which will be evaluated by a
certified person on a weekly basis; (2)
establish an outlet evaluation point in
the affected area as ‘‘Outlet EP,’’ which
will be evaluated by a certified person
on a weekly basis; and (3) within 60
days submit revisions of its Part 48
training plan to the District Manager
that includes initial and refresher
training to comply with the final order.
The petitioner states that the proposed
alternative method of compliance
provides a measure of protection equal
to that of the standard. The petitioner
also states that traveling the affected
area of the air courses in their entirety
would present a hazard to the miners
because of exposure to the deteriorating
roof conditions and limited access and
result in a diminution of safety.
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2. Wabash Mine Holding Company
[Docket No. M–2006–044–C]
Wabash Mine Holding Company,
Three Gateway Center, Suite 1340, 401
Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania 15222 has filed a petition
to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.364(b)(2) (Weekly examination) to its
Wabash Mine, 1N/3W Area of the Mine
(MSHA I.D. No. 11–00877) located in
Wabash County, Illinois. The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit an alternative
method of compliance for examination
of the 1N/3W Area of the Mine due to
roof falls shortly after mining at the
entrance of the abandoned 1N/3W panel
area petitioner avers that this activity
has made sealing the panel virtually
impossible, and to construct seals to
close off the entire area from the 1W3B
tail area to the mouth of the 1N/3W
would expose workers to hazardous
conditions. The petitioner states that to
examine the 1N/3W air course from the
1W3B tail area to the west side of the
existing 1N/3W seals would be
hazardous. The petitioner proposes to:
(1) Establish an inlet evaluation point in
the affected area of the mine as ‘‘Intake
EP,’’ which will be evaluated by a
certified person on a weekly basis; (2)
establish two (2) outlet evaluation
points in the affected area as
‘‘Permanent Outlet EP,’’ which will be
evaluated by a certified person on a
weekly basis; and (3) within 60 days
submit revisions of its Part 48 training
plan to the District Manager that
includes initial and refresher training to
comply with the final order. The
petitioner states that the proposed
alternative method of compliance
provides a measure of protection equal
to that of the standard. The petitioner
also states that traveling the affected
area of the air courses in their entirety
would present a hazard to the miners
because of exposure to the deteriorating
roof conditions and limited access and
result in a diminution of safety.
3. Wabash Mine Holding Company
[Docket No. M–2006–045–C]
Wabash Mine Holding Company,
Three Gateway Center, Suite 1340, 401
Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania 15222 has filed a petition
to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.364(b)(1) and (b)(4) (Weekly
examination) to its Wabash Mine, Main
East Seals Area of the Mine (MSHA I.D.
No. 11–00877) located in Wabash
County, Illinois. The petitioner requests
a modification of the existing standard
to permit an alternative method of
compliance for examination of the
certain areas of the Mine that have been
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 186 / Tuesday, September 26, 2006 / Notices
sealed off, known as the Main East
Seals, due to roof falls. The petitioner
states that the air that passes by these
seals do not ventilate any working
section but rather it flows to a nearby
return air shaft. Further, petitioner
states that roof falls have occurred in
several of the airways that formerly
provided access to the seals, and the
remaining entries that provided access
to the seals have deteriorating roof
conditions and hinders safe access to
the seals. The petitioner proposes to: (1)
Establish a permanent monitoring
station to permit monitoring of the air
for oxygen and methane after it passes
through the hazardous roof areas at the
Main East. The monitoring stations will
be linked to the mine’s approved minewide monitoring system and located in
the area of the ‘‘Permanent Outby EP’’;
(2) evaluate the air that passes the seals
by a certified person on a weekly basis
before it reaches the seals in the area of
the location shown as ‘‘Intake EP’’ on
the attached map; and (3) within 60
days submit revisions of its Part 48
training plan to the District Manager
that includes initial and refresher
training to comply with the final order.
The petitioner asserts that inspection of
the air course would result in a
diminution of safety to the miners and
that the proposed alternative method of
compliance provides a measure of
protection equal to that of the standard.
final order. The petitioner asserts that
the proposed alternative method of
compliance provides a measure of
protection equal to that of the standard
and application of the standard results
in a diminution of safety.
5. FKZ Coal Company
[Docket No. M–2006–047–C]
FKZ Coal Company, P.O. Box 62,
Locust Gap, Pennsylvania 17840 has
filed a petition to modify the
application of 30 CFR 75.1714–2(c)
(Self-rescue devices; use requirements)
to its No. 1 Slope Mine (MSHA I.D. No.
36–08637) located in Northumberland
County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit self-contained selfrescue (SCSR) devices to be stored
within 200 feet of the working face. The
petitioner states that in steeply pitching,
conventional anthracite mines, entries
are advanced as far as 200 feet
vertically, which exposes the miner to
trip and fall hazards. The petitioner
further states that the necessity of
carrying supplies up narrow entries
while wearing the SCSRs, may result in
damage to the SCSR and also may result
in a diminution of safety to the miner.
The petitioner also states that the
method proposed would in no way
provide less than the same measure of
protection than that afforded miners
under the existing standard.
6. FKZ Coal Company
[Docket No. M–2006–046–C]
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4. Wabash Mine Holding Company
[Docket No. M–2006–049–C]
Wabash Mine Holding Company,
Three Gateway Center, Suite 1340, 401
Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania 15222 has filed a petition
to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.364(b)(2) (Weekly examination) to its
Wabash Mine, Main West and 2 South/
3 West Areas of the Mine (MSHA I.D.
No. 11–00877) located in Wabash
County, Illinois. The petitioner requests
a modification of the existing standard
to permit an alternative method of
compliance for examination of the Main
West Returns and 2 South/3 West
Returns. The petitioner states that roof
falls in conjunction with deteriorating
roof conditions have made examining
the air courses known as the Main West
Returns and 2 South/3 West Returns a
hazard to travel in their entirety due to
the deteriorated roof conditions and
limited access. The petitioner proposes
to: (1) Establish evaluation points in the
affected area which will be evaluated by
a certified person on a weekly basis, and
(2) within 60 days submit revisions of
its Part 48 training plan to the District
Manager that includes initial and
refresher training to comply with the
FKZ Coal Company, P.O. Box 62,
Locust Gap, Pennsylvania 17840 has
filed a petition to modify the
application of 30 CFR 75.381(c)(5)
(Escapeways; anthracite mines) to its
No. 1 Slope Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 36–
08637) located in Northumberland
County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
standard to eliminate the requirement to
use a continuous directional lifeline at
the Orchard Slope Mine. The petitioner
states that: (1) The pitching seams in the
anthracite coal mines are inherently
directional; (2) the entries are either
driven horizontal in one direction or
vertical with the pitching geology; (3)
when entering the mine if the mine roof
is on your right side, it is basic
knowledge to know that when leaving
the mine, the mine roof is on your left
side; and (4) even if vision is impaired,
it is impossible to lose your sense of
direction, simply by the location of the
roof and rib. The petitioner asserts that
application of the existing standard
would cause a diminution of safety to
the miners because to stretch any type
of line across the opening of a vertical
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entry could result in a tripping hazard
with a fall potential in excess of 30 to
60 feet.
7. Tito Coal Company
[Docket No. M–2005–050–C]
Tito Coal Company, 118 Fairview
Lane, Williamstown, Pennsylvania
17098 has filed a petition to modify the
application of 30 CFR 75.381(c)(5)
(Escapeways; anthracite mines) to its
No. 2 Slope Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 36–
06815) located in Schuylkill County,
Pennsylvania. The petitioner requests a
modification of the existing standard to
eliminate the requirement to use a
continuous directional lifeline at the
No. 2 Slope Mine. The petitioner states
that: (1) The pitching seams in the
anthracite coal mines are inherently
directional; (2) the entries are either
driven horizontal in one direction or
vertical with the pitching geology; (3)
when entering the mine if the mine roof
is on your right side, it is basic
knowledge to know that when leaving
the mine, the mine roof is on your left
side; and (4) even if vision is impaired,
it is impossible to lose your sense of
direction, simply by the location of the
roof and rib. The petitioner asserts that
application of the existing standard
would cause a diminution of safety to
the miners because to stretch any type
of line across the opening of a vertical
entry could result in a tripping hazard
with a fall potential in excess of 30 to
60 feet.
8. Tito Coal Company
[Docket No. M–2006–051–C]
Tito Coal Company, 118 Fairview
Lane, Williamstown, Pennsylvania
17098 has filed a petition to modify the
application of 30 CFR 75.1714–2(c)
(Self-rescue devices; use requirements)
to its No. 2 Slope Mine (MSHA I.D. No.
36–06815) located in Schuylkill County,
Pennsylvania. The petitioner requests a
modification of the existing standard to
permit self-contained self-rescue (SCSR)
devices to be stored within 200 feet of
the working face. The petitioner states
that in steeply pitching, conventional
anthracite mines, entries are advanced
as far as 200 feet vertically. The
petitioner states that the miner is
exposed to trip and fall hazards and the
necessity of carrying supplies up these
narrow entries while wearing the
SCSRs, may result in damage to the
SCSR and in a diminution of safety to
the miner.
9. D & D Coal Company
[Docket No. M–2006–053–C]
D & D Coal Company, 409 W. Centre
Street, Donaldson, Pennsylvania 17981
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has filed a petition to modify the
application of 30 CFR 75.381(c)(5)
(Escapeways; anthracite mines) to its
Primrose Slope Mine (MSHA I.D. No.
36–08341) located in Schuylkill County,
Pennsylvania. The petitioner requests a
modification of the existing standard to
eliminate the requirement to use a
continuous directional lifeline at the
Primrose Slope Mine. The petitioner
states that: (1) The pitching seams in the
anthracite coal mines are inherently
directional; (2) the entries are either
driven horizontal in one direction or
vertical with the pitching geology; (3)
when entering the mine if the mine roof
is on your right side, it is basic
knowledge to know that when leaving
the mine, the mine roof is on your left
side; and (4) even if vision is impaired,
it is impossible to lose your sense of
direction, simply by the location of the
roof and rib. The petitioner asserts that
application of the existing standard
would cause a diminution of safety to
the miners because to stretch any type
of line across the opening of a vertical
entry could result in a tripping hazard
with a fall potential in excess of 30 to
60 feet.
10. D & D Coal Company
[Docket No. M–2006–054–C]
D & D Coal Company, 409 W. Centre
Street, Donaldson, Pennsylvania 17981
has filed a petition to modify the
application of 30 CFR 75.1714–2(c)
(Self-rescue devices; use requirements)
to its Primrose Slope Mine (MSHA I.D.
No. 36–08341) located in Schuylkill
County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit self-contained selfrescue (SCSR) devices to be stored
within 200 feet of the working face. The
petitioner states that in steeply pitching,
conventional anthracite mines, entries
are advanced as far as 200 feet
vertically. The petitioner states that the
miner is exposed to trip and fall hazards
and the necessity of carrying supplies
up these narrow entries while wearing
the SCSRs, may result in damage to the
SCSR and in a diminution of safety to
the miner.
11. Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc.
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[Docket No. M–2006–056–C]
Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc., P.O. Box
1000, Healy, Alaska 99743 has filed a
petition to modify the application of 30
CFR 77.803 (Fail safe ground check
circuits on high-voltage resistance
grounded systems) to its Usibelli Mine
(MSHA I.D. No. 50–00030) located in
Yukon-Koyukuk County, Alaska. The
petitioner requests a modification of the
existing standard to permit an
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alternative method of compliance when
the boom/mast is raised or lowered
during construction and repairs/
maintenance on a Bucyrus 1300W
dragline machine. The petitioner
proposes to disable the ground
monitoring while lowering and raising
the boom as a safer alternative in case
it loses power which would cause the
boom to fall. The petitioner proposes to
use the boom raising/lowering the boom
procedures during construction and
maintenance while the machine is not
in mining operations. The petitioner
states that major maintenance requiring
the raising/lowering of the boom/mast
would only be performed as needed.
Petitioner further avers that it will
provide review, training, and retraining
of the procedures to all persons
involved before the boom is raised or
lowered because boom lowering/raising
is done infrequently with long intervals
of time between each occurrence. The
petitioner proposes to use the following
guidelines to minimize the potential for
electrical power loss during the boom
lowering/raising procedure: (1) A
written procedure will be developed
and implemented by the mine operator/
contractor that will: (a) Limit the
number of persons needed on board the
machine during the boom-mast raising/
lowering, and only those persons
critical to performing necessary
functions will be permitted on board the
machine; (b) rope off or guard the area
around the machine and explain the
methods that will be used to prevent offboard persons from contacting the frame
or cable of the machine; and (c) prohibit
other work activities in close proximity
to the machine during the boom/mast
operation. The petitioner would
establish a responsible person at the
work site, and provide enumerated
electrical safety precautions. The
petitioner asserts that these procedures
for raising/lowering the boom will not
result in a diminution of safety to the
miners.
12. Lane Mountain Silica Company
[Docket No. M–2006–004–M]
Lane Mountain Silica Company, 500
Union Street, Suite 847, Seattle,
Washington 98101 has filed a petition to
modify the application of 30 CFR
56.9300 (Berms and guardrails) to its
Lane Mountain Silica Mine (MSHA I.D.
No. 45–00983) located in Stevens
County, Washington. The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
standard for berms on elevated
roadways to and from quarries of the
Lane Mountain Silica Mine where dropoffs of sufficient grad exist to cause a
vehicle to overturn or endanger
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56177
individuals operating equipment. The
petitioner proposes to enhance its
longstanding safety program as an
alternate method. The petitioner states
that mining and hauling operations are
seasonal and no hauling occurs from
approximately November through April
when the weather conditions are severe.
Petitioner also asserts that the roadway
is typically clear and dry from May
through October when hauling occurs
and the equipment operator by the
petitioner is street legal and inspected
on a daily basis. Petitioner states that it
enhanced its safety program by: (1)
Installing delineates at approximately
100 feet intervals along the outboard
side of the entire roadway; (2)
establishing reduced speed limits; and
(3) updated its driver safety program.
Petitioner states that the existing and
enhanced safety requirements for use of
the roadway equals or surpasses the
existing standard. The petitioner further
states that erection of berms would
narrow the roadway to a point where
safety is detrimentally impacted. The
petitioner asserts that the proposed
alternative method would provide at
least the same measure of protection as
the existing standard and that
application of the standard would result
in a diminution of safety to the miners.
Request for Comments
Persons interested in these petitions
are encouraged to submit comments via
E-mail to Standards-Petitions@dol.gov
Include ‘‘petitions for modification’’ in
the subject line of the e-mail. Comments
can also be submitted by fax, regular
mail, or hand-delivery. If faxing your
comments, include ‘‘petitions for
modification’’ on the subject line of the
fax. Comments by regular mail or handdelivery should be submitted to the
Mine Safety and Health Administration,
Office of Standards, Regulations, and
Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard,
Room 2350, Arlington, Virginia 22209.
If hand-delivered, you are required to
stop by the 21st floor to check in with
the receptionist. All comments must be
postmarked or received by the Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances
on or before October 26, 2006. Copies of
the petitions are available for inspection
at that address.
Dated at Arlington, Virginia this 19th day
of September 2006.
Ria Moore Benedict,
Deputy Director, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 06–8246 Filed 9–25–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510–43–P
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 186 (Tuesday, September 26, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56175-56177]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-8246]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Petitions for Modification
The following parties have filed petitions to modify the
application of existing safety standards under section 101(c) of the
Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 and 30 CFR part 44.
1. Wabash Mine Holding Company
[Docket No. M-2006-043-C]
Wabash Mine Holding Company, Three Gateway Center, Suite 1340, 401
Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222 has filed a petition to
modify the application of 30 CFR 75.364(b)(2) (Weekly examination) to
its Wabash Mine, Old B-1/Fault Crossing Area of the Mine (MSHA I.D. No.
11-00877) located in Wabash County, Illinois. The petitioner requests a
modification of the existing standard to permit an alternative method
of complying with the examination requirement due to deteriorating roof
conditions in the abandoned old B1 panel area. The petitioner proposes
to: (1) Establish an inlet evaluation point in the affected area of the
mine as ``Intake EP,'' which will be evaluated by a certified person on
a weekly basis; (2) establish an outlet evaluation point in the
affected area as ``Outlet EP,'' which will be evaluated by a certified
person on a weekly basis; and (3) within 60 days submit revisions of
its Part 48 training plan to the District Manager that includes initial
and refresher training to comply with the final order. The petitioner
states that the proposed alternative method of compliance provides a
measure of protection equal to that of the standard. The petitioner
also states that traveling the affected area of the air courses in
their entirety would present a hazard to the miners because of exposure
to the deteriorating roof conditions and limited access and result in a
diminution of safety.
2. Wabash Mine Holding Company
[Docket No. M-2006-044-C]
Wabash Mine Holding Company, Three Gateway Center, Suite 1340, 401
Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222 has filed a petition to
modify the application of 30 CFR 75.364(b)(2) (Weekly examination) to
its Wabash Mine, 1N/3W Area of the Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 11-00877)
located in Wabash County, Illinois. The petitioner requests a
modification of the existing standard to permit an alternative method
of compliance for examination of the 1N/3W Area of the Mine due to roof
falls shortly after mining at the entrance of the abandoned 1N/3W panel
area petitioner avers that this activity has made sealing the panel
virtually impossible, and to construct seals to close off the entire
area from the 1W3B tail area to the mouth of the 1N/3W would expose
workers to hazardous conditions. The petitioner states that to examine
the 1N/3W air course from the 1W3B tail area to the west side of the
existing 1N/3W seals would be hazardous. The petitioner proposes to:
(1) Establish an inlet evaluation point in the affected area of the
mine as ``Intake EP,'' which will be evaluated by a certified person on
a weekly basis; (2) establish two (2) outlet evaluation points in the
affected area as ``Permanent Outlet EP,'' which will be evaluated by a
certified person on a weekly basis; and (3) within 60 days submit
revisions of its Part 48 training plan to the District Manager that
includes initial and refresher training to comply with the final order.
The petitioner states that the proposed alternative method of
compliance provides a measure of protection equal to that of the
standard. The petitioner also states that traveling the affected area
of the air courses in their entirety would present a hazard to the
miners because of exposure to the deteriorating roof conditions and
limited access and result in a diminution of safety.
3. Wabash Mine Holding Company
[Docket No. M-2006-045-C]
Wabash Mine Holding Company, Three Gateway Center, Suite 1340, 401
Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222 has filed a petition to
modify the application of 30 CFR 75.364(b)(1) and (b)(4) (Weekly
examination) to its Wabash Mine, Main East Seals Area of the Mine (MSHA
I.D. No. 11-00877) located in Wabash County, Illinois. The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing standard to permit an
alternative method of compliance for examination of the certain areas
of the Mine that have been
[[Page 56176]]
sealed off, known as the Main East Seals, due to roof falls. The
petitioner states that the air that passes by these seals do not
ventilate any working section but rather it flows to a nearby return
air shaft. Further, petitioner states that roof falls have occurred in
several of the airways that formerly provided access to the seals, and
the remaining entries that provided access to the seals have
deteriorating roof conditions and hinders safe access to the seals. The
petitioner proposes to: (1) Establish a permanent monitoring station to
permit monitoring of the air for oxygen and methane after it passes
through the hazardous roof areas at the Main East. The monitoring
stations will be linked to the mine's approved mine-wide monitoring
system and located in the area of the ``Permanent Outby EP''; (2)
evaluate the air that passes the seals by a certified person on a
weekly basis before it reaches the seals in the area of the location
shown as ``Intake EP'' on the attached map; and (3) within 60 days
submit revisions of its Part 48 training plan to the District Manager
that includes initial and refresher training to comply with the final
order. The petitioner asserts that inspection of the air course would
result in a diminution of safety to the miners and that the proposed
alternative method of compliance provides a measure of protection equal
to that of the standard.
4. Wabash Mine Holding Company
[Docket No. M-2006-046-C]
Wabash Mine Holding Company, Three Gateway Center, Suite 1340, 401
Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222 has filed a petition to
modify the application of 30 CFR 75.364(b)(2) (Weekly examination) to
its Wabash Mine, Main West and 2 South/3 West Areas of the Mine (MSHA
I.D. No. 11-00877) located in Wabash County, Illinois. The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing standard to permit an
alternative method of compliance for examination of the Main West
Returns and 2 South/3 West Returns. The petitioner states that roof
falls in conjunction with deteriorating roof conditions have made
examining the air courses known as the Main West Returns and 2 South/3
West Returns a hazard to travel in their entirety due to the
deteriorated roof conditions and limited access. The petitioner
proposes to: (1) Establish evaluation points in the affected area which
will be evaluated by a certified person on a weekly basis, and (2)
within 60 days submit revisions of its Part 48 training plan to the
District Manager that includes initial and refresher training to comply
with the final order. The petitioner asserts that the proposed
alternative method of compliance provides a measure of protection equal
to that of the standard and application of the standard results in a
diminution of safety.
5. FKZ Coal Company
[Docket No. M-2006-047-C]
FKZ Coal Company, P.O. Box 62, Locust Gap, Pennsylvania 17840 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1714-2(c)
(Self-rescue devices; use requirements) to its No. 1 Slope Mine (MSHA
I.D. No. 36-08637) located in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. The
petitioner requests a modification of the existing standard to permit
self-contained self-rescue (SCSR) devices to be stored within 200 feet
of the working face. The petitioner states that in steeply pitching,
conventional anthracite mines, entries are advanced as far as 200 feet
vertically, which exposes the miner to trip and fall hazards. The
petitioner further states that the necessity of carrying supplies up
narrow entries while wearing the SCSRs, may result in damage to the
SCSR and also may result in a diminution of safety to the miner. The
petitioner also states that the method proposed would in no way provide
less than the same measure of protection than that afforded miners
under the existing standard.
6. FKZ Coal Company
[Docket No. M-2006-049-C]
FKZ Coal Company, P.O. Box 62, Locust Gap, Pennsylvania 17840 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.381(c)(5)
(Escapeways; anthracite mines) to its No. 1 Slope Mine (MSHA I.D. No.
36-08637) located in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. The
petitioner requests a modification of the existing standard to
eliminate the requirement to use a continuous directional lifeline at
the Orchard Slope Mine. The petitioner states that: (1) The pitching
seams in the anthracite coal mines are inherently directional; (2) the
entries are either driven horizontal in one direction or vertical with
the pitching geology; (3) when entering the mine if the mine roof is on
your right side, it is basic knowledge to know that when leaving the
mine, the mine roof is on your left side; and (4) even if vision is
impaired, it is impossible to lose your sense of direction, simply by
the location of the roof and rib. The petitioner asserts that
application of the existing standard would cause a diminution of safety
to the miners because to stretch any type of line across the opening of
a vertical entry could result in a tripping hazard with a fall
potential in excess of 30 to 60 feet.
7. Tito Coal Company
[Docket No. M-2005-050-C]
Tito Coal Company, 118 Fairview Lane, Williamstown, Pennsylvania
17098 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.381(c)(5) (Escapeways; anthracite mines) to its No. 2 Slope Mine
(MSHA I.D. No. 36-06815) located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.
The petitioner requests a modification of the existing standard to
eliminate the requirement to use a continuous directional lifeline at
the No. 2 Slope Mine. The petitioner states that: (1) The pitching
seams in the anthracite coal mines are inherently directional; (2) the
entries are either driven horizontal in one direction or vertical with
the pitching geology; (3) when entering the mine if the mine roof is on
your right side, it is basic knowledge to know that when leaving the
mine, the mine roof is on your left side; and (4) even if vision is
impaired, it is impossible to lose your sense of direction, simply by
the location of the roof and rib. The petitioner asserts that
application of the existing standard would cause a diminution of safety
to the miners because to stretch any type of line across the opening of
a vertical entry could result in a tripping hazard with a fall
potential in excess of 30 to 60 feet.
8. Tito Coal Company
[Docket No. M-2006-051-C]
Tito Coal Company, 118 Fairview Lane, Williamstown, Pennsylvania
17098 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1714-
2(c) (Self-rescue devices; use requirements) to its No. 2 Slope Mine
(MSHA I.D. No. 36-06815) located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.
The petitioner requests a modification of the existing standard to
permit self-contained self-rescue (SCSR) devices to be stored within
200 feet of the working face. The petitioner states that in steeply
pitching, conventional anthracite mines, entries are advanced as far as
200 feet vertically. The petitioner states that the miner is exposed to
trip and fall hazards and the necessity of carrying supplies up these
narrow entries while wearing the SCSRs, may result in damage to the
SCSR and in a diminution of safety to the miner.
9. D & D Coal Company
[Docket No. M-2006-053-C]
D & D Coal Company, 409 W. Centre Street, Donaldson, Pennsylvania
17981
[[Page 56177]]
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.381(c)(5)
(Escapeways; anthracite mines) to its Primrose Slope Mine (MSHA I.D.
No. 36-08341) located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. The
petitioner requests a modification of the existing standard to
eliminate the requirement to use a continuous directional lifeline at
the Primrose Slope Mine. The petitioner states that: (1) The pitching
seams in the anthracite coal mines are inherently directional; (2) the
entries are either driven horizontal in one direction or vertical with
the pitching geology; (3) when entering the mine if the mine roof is on
your right side, it is basic knowledge to know that when leaving the
mine, the mine roof is on your left side; and (4) even if vision is
impaired, it is impossible to lose your sense of direction, simply by
the location of the roof and rib. The petitioner asserts that
application of the existing standard would cause a diminution of safety
to the miners because to stretch any type of line across the opening of
a vertical entry could result in a tripping hazard with a fall
potential in excess of 30 to 60 feet.
10. D & D Coal Company
[Docket No. M-2006-054-C]
D & D Coal Company, 409 W. Centre Street, Donaldson, Pennsylvania
17981 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1714-
2(c) (Self-rescue devices; use requirements) to its Primrose Slope Mine
(MSHA I.D. No. 36-08341) located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.
The petitioner requests a modification of the existing standard to
permit self-contained self-rescue (SCSR) devices to be stored within
200 feet of the working face. The petitioner states that in steeply
pitching, conventional anthracite mines, entries are advanced as far as
200 feet vertically. The petitioner states that the miner is exposed to
trip and fall hazards and the necessity of carrying supplies up these
narrow entries while wearing the SCSRs, may result in damage to the
SCSR and in a diminution of safety to the miner.
11. Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc.
[Docket No. M-2006-056-C]
Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc., P.O. Box 1000, Healy, Alaska 99743 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 77.803 (Fail safe
ground check circuits on high-voltage resistance grounded systems) to
its Usibelli Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 50-00030) located in Yukon-Koyukuk
County, Alaska. The petitioner requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit an alternative method of compliance when the boom/
mast is raised or lowered during construction and repairs/maintenance
on a Bucyrus 1300W dragline machine. The petitioner proposes to disable
the ground monitoring while lowering and raising the boom as a safer
alternative in case it loses power which would cause the boom to fall.
The petitioner proposes to use the boom raising/lowering the boom
procedures during construction and maintenance while the machine is not
in mining operations. The petitioner states that major maintenance
requiring the raising/lowering of the boom/mast would only be performed
as needed. Petitioner further avers that it will provide review,
training, and retraining of the procedures to all persons involved
before the boom is raised or lowered because boom lowering/raising is
done infrequently with long intervals of time between each occurrence.
The petitioner proposes to use the following guidelines to minimize the
potential for electrical power loss during the boom lowering/raising
procedure: (1) A written procedure will be developed and implemented by
the mine operator/contractor that will: (a) Limit the number of persons
needed on board the machine during the boom-mast raising/lowering, and
only those persons critical to performing necessary functions will be
permitted on board the machine; (b) rope off or guard the area around
the machine and explain the methods that will be used to prevent off-
board persons from contacting the frame or cable of the machine; and
(c) prohibit other work activities in close proximity to the machine
during the boom/mast operation. The petitioner would establish a
responsible person at the work site, and provide enumerated electrical
safety precautions. The petitioner asserts that these procedures for
raising/lowering the boom will not result in a diminution of safety to
the miners.
12. Lane Mountain Silica Company
[Docket No. M-2006-004-M]
Lane Mountain Silica Company, 500 Union Street, Suite 847, Seattle,
Washington 98101 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30
CFR 56.9300 (Berms and guardrails) to its Lane Mountain Silica Mine
(MSHA I.D. No. 45-00983) located in Stevens County, Washington. The
petitioner requests a modification of the existing standard for berms
on elevated roadways to and from quarries of the Lane Mountain Silica
Mine where drop-offs of sufficient grad exist to cause a vehicle to
overturn or endanger individuals operating equipment. The petitioner
proposes to enhance its longstanding safety program as an alternate
method. The petitioner states that mining and hauling operations are
seasonal and no hauling occurs from approximately November through
April when the weather conditions are severe. Petitioner also asserts
that the roadway is typically clear and dry from May through October
when hauling occurs and the equipment operator by the petitioner is
street legal and inspected on a daily basis. Petitioner states that it
enhanced its safety program by: (1) Installing delineates at
approximately 100 feet intervals along the outboard side of the entire
roadway; (2) establishing reduced speed limits; and (3) updated its
driver safety program. Petitioner states that the existing and enhanced
safety requirements for use of the roadway equals or surpasses the
existing standard. The petitioner further states that erection of berms
would narrow the roadway to a point where safety is detrimentally
impacted. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method
would provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing
standard and that application of the standard would result in a
diminution of safety to the miners.
Request for Comments
Persons interested in these petitions are encouraged to submit
comments via E-mail to Standards-Petitions@dol.gov Include ``petitions
for modification'' in the subject line of the e-mail. Comments can also
be submitted by fax, regular mail, or hand-delivery. If faxing your
comments, include ``petitions for modification'' on the subject line of
the fax. Comments by regular mail or hand-delivery should be submitted
to the Mine Safety and Health Administration, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350,
Arlington, Virginia 22209. If hand-delivered, you are required to stop
by the 21st floor to check in with the receptionist. All comments must
be postmarked or received by the Office of Standards, Regulations, and
Variances on or before October 26, 2006. Copies of the petitions are
available for inspection at that address.
Dated at Arlington, Virginia this 19th day of September 2006.
Ria Moore Benedict,
Deputy Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 06-8246 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P
