Petitions for Modification, 39464-39466 [E7-13921]
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39464
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 18, 2007 / Notices
Worker Adjustment Assistance and
Alternative Trade Adjustment
Assistance. The Department is issuing a
restructured paragraph for clarification
purposes.
Correction
This is to correct the ‘‘text’’ caption in
the Federal Register of July 9, 2007, in
FR Doc. E7–13173, on page 37265, in
the third column, under the heading
Negative Determinations for Alternative
Trade Adjustment Assistance, to read:
The Department has determined that
criterion (1) of Section 246 has not been met.
The firm does not have a significant number
of workers 50 years of age or older.
Signed in Washington DC this 11th day of
July 2007.
Ralph Dibattista,
Director, Division of Trade Adjustment
Assistance.
[FR Doc. E7–13875 Filed 7–17–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510–FN–P
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Petitions for Modification
Mine Safety and Health
Administration, Labor.
ACTION: Notice of petitions for
modification of existing mandatory
safety standards.
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: Section 101(c) of the Federal
Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 and
30 CFR part 44 govern the application,
processing, and disposition of petitions
for modification. This notice is a
summary of petitions for modification
filed by the parties listed below to
modify the application of existing
mandatory safety standards published
in Title 30 of the Code of Federal
Regulations.
DATES: Comments on the petitions must
be received by the Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances on or before
August 17, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may submit your
comments, identified by ‘‘docket
number’’ on the subject line, by any of
the following methods:
1. E-Mail: StandardsPetitions@dol.gov.
2. Telefax: 1–202–693–9441.
3. Hand-Delivery or Regular Mail:
Submit comments to the Mine Safety
and Health Administration (MSHA),
Office of Standards, Regulations, and
Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard,
Room 2349, Arlington, Virginia 22209,
Attention: Patricia W. Silvey, Director,
Office of Standards, Regulations, and
Variances.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:02 Jul 17, 2007
Jkt 211001
extinguishers on each Mescher Jeep
used at the Mine. If two extinguishers
are used, one five pound extinguisher
will be mounted in the operators’ deck
with the other mounted on the jeep
accessible to the operator. If one
extinguisher is used, it will be mounted
in the operators’ deck. In either case, the
petitioner proposes to use a total of ten
pounds of fire extinguisher capability
on each Mescher Jeep, which will be
readily accessible to the operator. The
petitioner states that: (1) The equipment
operator will inspect each fire
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
extinguisher daily before entering the
Edward Sexauer, Chief, Regulatory
Development Division at 202–693–9444 primary escapeway; and (2) a record of
the inspections will be maintained; and
(Voice), sexauer.edward@dol.gov (E(3) defective fire extinguishers will be
mail), or 202–693–9441 (Telefax), or
contact Barbara Barron at 202–693–9447 replaced prior to entering the mine. The
petitioner further states that: (1) The
(Voice), barron.barbara@dol.gov (Emain travelway of the mine is also the
mail), or 202–693–9441 (Telefax).
primary escapeway; (2) the amount of
[These are not toll-free numbers].
time each Mescher Jeep is in the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
primary escapeway is limited to the
travel time to the face at the start of the
I. Background
shift, and at mid-shift, to change
Section 101(c) of the Federal Mine
batteries, and travel out at the end of the
Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine
shift during which time the drag bucket
Act) allows the mine operator or
is empty and the tractor is not
representative of miners to file a
petition to modify the application of any transporting coal; (3) employees who
operate the Mescher Jeeps in the
mandatory safety standard to a coal or
primary escapeway have been properly
other mine if the Secretary determines
trained in the daily inspection of fire
that: (1) An alternative method of
extinguishers installed on the
achieving the result of such standard
equipment they operate; and (4) the
exists which will at all times guarantee
employees have been trained to
no less than the same measure of
properly operate the fire extinguishers
protection afforded the miners of such
should it become necessary to
mine by such standard; or (2) that the
extinguish a fire on the equipment they
application of such standard to such
operate. The petitioner also states that it
mine will result in a diminution of
is likely that the application of the
safety to the miners in such mine. In
existing standard would reduce the
addition, the regulations at 30 CFR
safety of the affected miners, since fire
44.10 and 44.11 establish the
suppression equipment is not presently
requirements and procedures for filing
available for this type of equipment, and
petitions for modifications.
currently, technology does not provide
II. Petitions for Modification
fire suppression equipment for the type
of machinery used at the Mine No. 7.
Docket Number: M–2007–037–C.
Petitioner: Mallie Coal Company, Inc., The petitioner asserts that the proposed
alternative method would provide at
8442 Hwy. 6, Corbin, Kentucky 40701.
Mine: Mine No. 7, (MSHA I.D. No. 15– least the same measure of protection as
the existing standard.
19007), located in Knox County,
Docket Number: M–2007–038–C.
Kentucky.
Petitioner: Mallie Coal Company, Inc.,
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR
75.380(f)(4)(i) (Escapeways; bituminous 8442 Hwy. 6, Corbin, Kentucky 40701.
Mine: Mine No. 7, (MSHA I.D. No. 15–
and lignite mines).
19007), located in Knox County,
Modification Request: The petitioner
Kentucky.
requests a modification of the existing
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.342
standard to permit an alternative
method for the use of mobile equipment (Methane monitors).
Modification Request: The petitioner
traveling in the primary escapeway. The
requests a modification of the existing
petitioner asserts that technology has
not developed a fire suppression system standard to permit the use of hand-held
continuous-duty methane and oxygen
that will fit on the type of equipment
used in this mine, which has an average indicators in lieu of machine-mounted
methane monitors on three-wheel
coal seam of 28 inches. The petitioner
tractors with drag bottom buckets. The
proposes to use one ten pound or two
petitioner states that: (1) The operator
five pound portable chemical fire
We will consider only comments
postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service or
proof of delivery from another delivery
service such as UPS or Federal Express
on or before the deadline for comments.
Individuals who submit comments by
hand-delivery are required to check in
at the receptionist desk on the 21st
floor.
Individuals may inspect copies of the
petitions and comments during normal
business hours at the address listed
above.
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 18, 2007 / Notices
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES
will be qualified to use the hand-held
detectors; (2) a gas test will be taken to
determine if any methane concentration
is present in the atmosphere prior to
allowing the coal-loading tractor in the
face area; (3) if one percent (1%) of
methane is detected, the operator will
manually de-energize his/her battery
operated tractor immediately,
production will immediately cease,
work will be performed to eliminate the
elevated methane levels, and production
will resume when the methane has been
lowered to less than one percent; (4) a
spare continuous-duty hand-held
methane and oxygen detector will be
available to ensure that all coal hauling
tractors are equipped with a working
detector; and (5) the monitors will be
inspected daily and fully charged,
calibrated at least every 30 days, and
will not be changed from manufacturer’s
specifications unless by a person
qualified to do so. The petitioner asserts
that application of the existing standard
reduces protection and the proposed
alternative method would greatly
increase the safety and well being of
miners.
Docket Number: M–2007–039–C.
Petitioner: Mountain Coal Company,
LLC, 5174 Highway 133, Somerset,
Colorado 81434.
Mine: West Elk Mine, (MSHA I.D. No.
05–03672), located in Gunnison County,
Colorado.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR
75.380(d)(4) (Escapeway; bituminous
and lignite mines).
Modification Request: The petitioner
requests an amendment to its previous
petition for modification, docket
number M–94–023–C, to increase the
affected distance in the belt entry from
1,050 feet to 2,300 feet with the same
terms and conditions as its previously
approved petition. The petitioner asserts
that application of the existing standard
will result in a diminution of safety to
the miners and that application of the
approved terms and conditions of the
previous petition will at all times
provide a safe work environment to the
miners. In addition, the petitioner
asserts that the requested amendment
will provide at least as much protection
as the previously granted petition.
Docket Number: M–2007–040–C.
Petitioner: UAE CoalCorp Associates,
One Harmony Road, P.O. Box 0306,
Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania.
Mine: Harmony Mine, (MSHA I.D. No.
36–07838), located in Columbia County,
Pennsylvania.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1400
(Hoisting equipment; general).
Modification Request: The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:02 Jul 17, 2007
Jkt 211001
standard for its anthracite coal mine to
permit the use of the slope (gunboat) to
transport persons in shafts and slopes
using an increased rope strength/safety
factor and secondary safety rope
connection instead of using safety
catches or other no less effective
devices. The petitioner asserts that: (1)
A functional safety catch capable of
working in slopes with knuckles or
curves is not commercially available; (2)
a makeshift device would be activated
on or by knuckles or curves when no
emergency exists; and (3) activation of
a safety catch can or will damage the
haulage system and subject persons
being transported to hazards from
dislodged timbering, roof material or
guide rails, and being battered about
within the conveyance. The petitioner
asserts that the proposed alternative
method would provide at least the same
measure of protection as the existing
standard.
Docket Number: M–2007–041–C.
Petitioner: Brooks Run Mining
Company, LLC, 25 Little Birch Road,
Sutton, West Virginia 25601.
Mine: Cucumber Mine, (MSHA I.D.
No. 46–09066), located in McDowell
County, West Virginia.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503
(Permissible electric face equipment;
maintenance).
Modification Request: The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit mining on a
complete line of pillars without having
to tram the Mine Roof Supports (MRS)
units around the pillars. The petitioner
states that: (1) This petition will apply
only to trailing cables that are at least a
No. 6 American Wire Gauge and have a
90 degree insulation rating to supply
575-volt three-phase alternating current
to mobile roof supports; (2) the size of
the trailing cable will be according to
the equipment approval documentation
and the maximum cable length will not
exceed 800 feet; (3) all circuit breakers
used to protect the trailing cables
exceeding 600 feet in length will have
instantaneous trip units calibrated to
trip at 300 amperes; (4) each trip setting
of the circuit breakers will be sealed and
the circuit breakers will have
permanent, legible labels to identify the
circuit breaker as being suitable for
protecting the cables; (5) during each
production day, a person designated by
the operator will visually examine the
trailing cables to ensure that the cables
are in safe operating condition and
visually examine the instantaneous
settings of the specially calibrated
breakers to ensure that the seals have
not been removed or tampered with or
do not exceed the settings; (6) warning
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39465
labels will be installed and properly
maintained permanently on the cover(s)
of the power center or distribution box
identifying the location of each sealed
short circuit protective device; (7) backspooling and temporary discharging
points shall be limited; and (8) Part 48
training plan will be revised to include
additional training. The petitioner
further states that labels will warn
miners not to change or alter the sealed
short circuit settings. The petitioner
asserts that the proposed alternative
method would provide at least the same
measure of protection as the existing
standard.
Docket Number: M–2007–042–C.
Petitioner: Blue Diamond Coal
Company, P.O. Box 47, Slemp,
Kentucky 41763.
Mine: Mine # 75, MSHA I.D. No. 15–
17478, located in Perry County,
Kentucky.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR
75.364(b)(2) (Weekly examination).
Modification Request: The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit check points
(examination points) for air volume and
quality to be established in two
locations of the Return Mains due to
water accumulations in these areas that
prevent foot travel. The petitioner
proposes to establish examination
points at certain points to evaluate
airflow entering the 2nd Return Mains
and exiting the 2nd Return Mains. The
petitioner also proposes to establish
ventilation check points between certain
breaks of the 2nd Return Mains near the
installed man doors and in the cutthrough of certain breaks in the 2nd
Return Mains. The petitioner states that
due to water accumulations and the
distance from active works, it is
impractical to expose personnel to
traveling the affected area. The
petitioner describes additional safety
precautions, such as, signage and
establishing and monitoring air
measurement stations, at locations that
would allow a certified person to
effectively evaluate ventilation in the
affected areas of the mine. The
petitioner has listed specific additional
procedures in this petition that will be
used to comply with the proposed
alternative method. Individuals may
review a complete description of the
procedures at the MSHA address listed
in this notice. The petitioner asserts that
this petition for modification will
provide no less protection than the
existing standard.
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39466
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 18, 2007 / Notices
Dated: July 12, 2007.
Jack Powasnik,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. E7–13921 Filed 7–17–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510–43–P
THE NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE
ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES
Meetings of Humanities Panel
The National Endowment for
the Humanities.
ACTION: Notice of meetings.
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the provisions of
the Federal Advisory Committee Act
(Pub. L. 92–463, as amended), notice is
hereby given that the following
meetings of Humanities Panels will be
held at the Old Post Office, 1100
Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.,
Washington, DC 20506.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Heather C. Gottry, Acting Advisory
Committee Management Officer,
National Endowment for the
Humanities, Washington, DC 20506;
telephone (202) 606–8322. Hearingimpaired individuals are advised that
information on this matter may be
obtained by contacting the
Endowment’s TDD terminal on (202)
606–8282.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
proposed meetings are for the purpose
of panel review, discussion, evaluation
and recommendation on applications
for financial assistance under the
National Foundation on the Arts and the
Humanities Act of 1965, as amended,
including discussion of information
given in confidence to the agency by the
grant applicants. Because the proposed
meetings will consider information that
is likely to disclose trade secrets and
commercial or financial information
obtained from a person and privileged
or confidential and/or information of a
personal nature the disclosure of which
would constitute a clearly unwarranted
invasion of personal privacy, pursuant
to authority granted me by the
Chairman’s Delegation of Authority to
Close Advisory Committee meetings,
dated July 19, 1993, I have determined
that these meetings will be closed to the
public pursuant to subsections (c)(4),
and (6) of section 552b of Title 5, United
States Code.
1. Date: August 1, 2007.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Room: 315.
Program: This meeting will review
applications for Philosophy I in
Fellowships, submitted to the Division
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:02 Jul 17, 2007
Jkt 211001
of Research Programs, at the May 1,
2007 deadline.
2. Date: August 1, 2007.
Time: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Room: 421.
Program: This meeting, which will be
by teleconference, will review
applications for Public Libraries,
submitted to the Office of Challenge
Grants, at the May 1, 2007 deadline.
3. Date: August 2, 2007.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Room: 415.
Program: This meeting will review
applications for Romance Studies in
Fellowships, submitted to the Division
of Research Programs, at the May 1,
2007 deadline.
4. Date: August 2, 2007.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Room: 315.
Program: This meeting will review
applications for Music History and
Theory in Fellowships, submitted to the
Division of Research Programs, at the
May 1, 2007 deadline.
5. Date: August 6, 2007.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Room: 315.
Program: This meeting will review
applications for American Literature I in
Fellowships, submitted to the Division
of Research Programs, at the May 1,
2007 deadline.
6. Date: August 6, 2007.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Room: 415.
Program: This meeting will review
applications for American Literature II
in Fellowships, submitted to the
Division of Research Programs, at the
May 1, 2007 deadline.
7. Date: August 7, 2007.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Room: 415.
Program: This meeting will review
applications for Ancient and Classical
Studies in Fellowships, submitted to the
Division of Research Programs, at the
May 1, 2007 deadline.
8. Date: August 7, 2007.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Room: 315.
Program: This meeting will review
applications for Medieval and
Renaissance Studies in Fellowships,
submitted to the Division of Research
Programs, at the May 1, 2007 deadline.
9. Date: August 8, 2007.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Room: 415.
Program: This meeting will review
applications for Germanic and Slavic
Studies in Fellowships, submitted to the
Division of Research Programs, at the
May 1, 2007 deadline.
10. Date: August 8, 2007.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Room: 315.
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Program: This meeting will review
applications for Political Science and
Jurisprudence in Fellowships,
submitted to the Division of Research
Programs, at the May 1, 2007 deadline.
11. Date: August 9, 2007.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Room: 315.
Program: This meeting will review
applications for American History I in
Fellowships, submitted to the Division
of Research Programs, at the May 1,
2007 deadline.
12. Date: August 9, 2007.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Room: 415.
Program: This meeting will review
applications for Advanced Research
Fellowships on Japan in Fellowships for
Advanced Research on Japan, submitted
to the Division of Research Programs, at
the May 1, 2007 deadline.
13. Date: August 10, 2007.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Room: 315.
Program: This meeting will review
applications for Sociology,
Anthropology, and Psychology in
Fellowships, submitted to the Division
of Research Programs, at the May 1,
2007 deadline.
14. Date: August 13, 2007.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Room: 315.
Program: This meeting will review
applications for Comparative Literature
and Literary Criticism in Fellowships,
submitted to the Division of Research
Programs, at the May 1, 2007 deadline.
15. Date: August 13, 2007.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Room: 315.
Program: This meeting will review
applications for Humanities II in
Faculty Research Awards, submitted to
the Division of Research Programs, at
the May 1, 2007 deadline.
16. Date: August 14, 2007.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Room: 415.
Program: This meeting will review
applications for Digital Humanities
Fellowships III in Digital Humanities
Fellowships, submitted to the Division
of Research Programs, at the May 1,
2007 deadline.
17. Date: August 14, 2007.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Room: 315.
Program: This meeting will review
applications for Philosophy II in
Fellowships, submitted to the Division
of Research Programs, at the May 1,
2007 deadline.
18. Date: August 15, 2007.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Room: 315.
Program: This meeting will review
applications for Religious Studies in
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 137 (Wednesday, July 18, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39464-39466]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-13921]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Petitions for Modification
AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.
ACTION: Notice of petitions for modification of existing mandatory
safety standards.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Section 101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of
1977 and 30 CFR part 44 govern the application, processing, and
disposition of petitions for modification. This notice is a summary of
petitions for modification filed by the parties listed below to modify
the application of existing mandatory safety standards published in
Title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
DATES: Comments on the petitions must be received by the Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances on or before August 17, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may submit your comments, identified by ``docket
number'' on the subject line, by any of the following methods:
1. E-Mail: Standards-Petitions@dol.gov.
2. Telefax: 1-202-693-9441.
3. Hand-Delivery or Regular Mail: Submit comments to the Mine
Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2349,
Arlington, Virginia 22209, Attention: Patricia W. Silvey, Director,
Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
We will consider only comments postmarked by the U.S. Postal
Service or proof of delivery from another delivery service such as UPS
or Federal Express on or before the deadline for comments. Individuals
who submit comments by hand-delivery are required to check in at the
receptionist desk on the 21st floor.
Individuals may inspect copies of the petitions and comments during
normal business hours at the address listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Edward Sexauer, Chief, Regulatory
Development Division at 202-693-9444 (Voice), sexauer.edward@dol.gov
(E-mail), or 202-693-9441 (Telefax), or contact Barbara Barron at 202-
693-9447 (Voice), barron.barbara@dol.gov (E-mail), or 202-693-9441
(Telefax). [These are not toll-free numbers].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
Section 101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977
(Mine Act) allows the mine operator or representative of miners to file
a petition to modify the application of any mandatory safety standard
to a coal or other mine if the Secretary determines that: (1) An
alternative method of achieving the result of such standard exists
which will at all times guarantee no less than the same measure of
protection afforded the miners of such mine by such standard; or (2)
that the application of such standard to such mine will result in a
diminution of safety to the miners in such mine. In addition, the
regulations at 30 CFR 44.10 and 44.11 establish the requirements and
procedures for filing petitions for modifications.
II. Petitions for Modification
Docket Number: M-2007-037-C.
Petitioner: Mallie Coal Company, Inc., 8442 Hwy. 6, Corbin,
Kentucky 40701.
Mine: Mine No. 7, (MSHA I.D. No. 15-19007), located in Knox County,
Kentucky.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.380(f)(4)(i) (Escapeways; bituminous
and lignite mines).
Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the
existing standard to permit an alternative method for the use of mobile
equipment traveling in the primary escapeway. The petitioner asserts
that technology has not developed a fire suppression system that will
fit on the type of equipment used in this mine, which has an average
coal seam of 28 inches. The petitioner proposes to use one ten pound or
two five pound portable chemical fire extinguishers on each Mescher
Jeep used at the Mine. If two extinguishers are used, one five pound
extinguisher will be mounted in the operators' deck with the other
mounted on the jeep accessible to the operator. If one extinguisher is
used, it will be mounted in the operators' deck. In either case, the
petitioner proposes to use a total of ten pounds of fire extinguisher
capability on each Mescher Jeep, which will be readily accessible to
the operator. The petitioner states that: (1) The equipment operator
will inspect each fire extinguisher daily before entering the primary
escapeway; and (2) a record of the inspections will be maintained; and
(3) defective fire extinguishers will be replaced prior to entering the
mine. The petitioner further states that: (1) The main travelway of the
mine is also the primary escapeway; (2) the amount of time each Mescher
Jeep is in the primary escapeway is limited to the travel time to the
face at the start of the shift, and at mid-shift, to change batteries,
and travel out at the end of the shift during which time the drag
bucket is empty and the tractor is not transporting coal; (3) employees
who operate the Mescher Jeeps in the primary escapeway have been
properly trained in the daily inspection of fire extinguishers
installed on the equipment they operate; and (4) the employees have
been trained to properly operate the fire extinguishers should it
become necessary to extinguish a fire on the equipment they operate.
The petitioner also states that it is likely that the application of
the existing standard would reduce the safety of the affected miners,
since fire suppression equipment is not presently available for this
type of equipment, and currently, technology does not provide fire
suppression equipment for the type of machinery used at the Mine No. 7.
The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would
provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing
standard.
Docket Number: M-2007-038-C.
Petitioner: Mallie Coal Company, Inc., 8442 Hwy. 6, Corbin,
Kentucky 40701.
Mine: Mine No. 7, (MSHA I.D. No. 15-19007), located in Knox County,
Kentucky.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.342 (Methane monitors).
Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the
existing standard to permit the use of hand-held continuous-duty
methane and oxygen indicators in lieu of machine-mounted methane
monitors on three-wheel tractors with drag bottom buckets. The
petitioner states that: (1) The operator
[[Page 39465]]
will be qualified to use the hand-held detectors; (2) a gas test will
be taken to determine if any methane concentration is present in the
atmosphere prior to allowing the coal-loading tractor in the face area;
(3) if one percent (1%) of methane is detected, the operator will
manually de-energize his/her battery operated tractor immediately,
production will immediately cease, work will be performed to eliminate
the elevated methane levels, and production will resume when the
methane has been lowered to less than one percent; (4) a spare
continuous-duty hand-held methane and oxygen detector will be available
to ensure that all coal hauling tractors are equipped with a working
detector; and (5) the monitors will be inspected daily and fully
charged, calibrated at least every 30 days, and will not be changed
from manufacturer's specifications unless by a person qualified to do
so. The petitioner asserts that application of the existing standard
reduces protection and the proposed alternative method would greatly
increase the safety and well being of miners.
Docket Number: M-2007-039-C.
Petitioner: Mountain Coal Company, LLC, 5174 Highway 133, Somerset,
Colorado 81434.
Mine: West Elk Mine, (MSHA I.D. No. 05-03672), located in Gunnison
County, Colorado.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.380(d)(4) (Escapeway; bituminous and
lignite mines).
Modification Request: The petitioner requests an amendment to its
previous petition for modification, docket number M-94-023-C, to
increase the affected distance in the belt entry from 1,050 feet to
2,300 feet with the same terms and conditions as its previously
approved petition. The petitioner asserts that application of the
existing standard will result in a diminution of safety to the miners
and that application of the approved terms and conditions of the
previous petition will at all times provide a safe work environment to
the miners. In addition, the petitioner asserts that the requested
amendment will provide at least as much protection as the previously
granted petition.
Docket Number: M-2007-040-C.
Petitioner: UAE CoalCorp Associates, One Harmony Road, P.O. Box
0306, Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania.
Mine: Harmony Mine, (MSHA I.D. No. 36-07838), located in Columbia
County, Pennsylvania.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1400 (Hoisting equipment; general).
Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the
existing standard for its anthracite coal mine to permit the use of the
slope (gunboat) to transport persons in shafts and slopes using an
increased rope strength/safety factor and secondary safety rope
connection instead of using safety catches or other no less effective
devices. The petitioner asserts that: (1) A functional safety catch
capable of working in slopes with knuckles or curves is not
commercially available; (2) a makeshift device would be activated on or
by knuckles or curves when no emergency exists; and (3) activation of a
safety catch can or will damage the haulage system and subject persons
being transported to hazards from dislodged timbering, roof material or
guide rails, and being battered about within the conveyance. The
petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide
at least the same measure of protection as the existing standard.
Docket Number: M-2007-041-C.
Petitioner: Brooks Run Mining Company, LLC, 25 Little Birch Road,
Sutton, West Virginia 25601.
Mine: Cucumber Mine, (MSHA I.D. No. 46-09066), located in McDowell
County, West Virginia.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503 (Permissible electric face
equipment; maintenance).
Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the
existing standard to permit mining on a complete line of pillars
without having to tram the Mine Roof Supports (MRS) units around the
pillars. The petitioner states that: (1) This petition will apply only
to trailing cables that are at least a No. 6 American Wire Gauge and
have a 90 degree insulation rating to supply 575-volt three-phase
alternating current to mobile roof supports; (2) the size of the
trailing cable will be according to the equipment approval
documentation and the maximum cable length will not exceed 800 feet;
(3) all circuit breakers used to protect the trailing cables exceeding
600 feet in length will have instantaneous trip units calibrated to
trip at 300 amperes; (4) each trip setting of the circuit breakers will
be sealed and the circuit breakers will have permanent, legible labels
to identify the circuit breaker as being suitable for protecting the
cables; (5) during each production day, a person designated by the
operator will visually examine the trailing cables to ensure that the
cables are in safe operating condition and visually examine the
instantaneous settings of the specially calibrated breakers to ensure
that the seals have not been removed or tampered with or do not exceed
the settings; (6) warning labels will be installed and properly
maintained permanently on the cover(s) of the power center or
distribution box identifying the location of each sealed short circuit
protective device; (7) back-spooling and temporary discharging points
shall be limited; and (8) Part 48 training plan will be revised to
include additional training. The petitioner further states that labels
will warn miners not to change or alter the sealed short circuit
settings. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method
would provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing
standard.
Docket Number: M-2007-042-C.
Petitioner: Blue Diamond Coal Company, P.O. Box 47, Slemp, Kentucky
41763.
Mine: Mine 75, MSHA I.D. No. 15-17478, located in Perry
County, Kentucky.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.364(b)(2) (Weekly examination).
Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the
existing standard to permit check points (examination points) for air
volume and quality to be established in two locations of the Return
Mains due to water accumulations in these areas that prevent foot
travel. The petitioner proposes to establish examination points at
certain points to evaluate airflow entering the 2nd Return Mains and
exiting the 2nd Return Mains. The petitioner also proposes to establish
ventilation check points between certain breaks of the 2nd Return Mains
near the installed man doors and in the cut-through of certain breaks
in the 2nd Return Mains. The petitioner states that due to water
accumulations and the distance from active works, it is impractical to
expose personnel to traveling the affected area. The petitioner
describes additional safety precautions, such as, signage and
establishing and monitoring air measurement stations, at locations that
would allow a certified person to effectively evaluate ventilation in
the affected areas of the mine. The petitioner has listed specific
additional procedures in this petition that will be used to comply with
the proposed alternative method. Individuals may review a complete
description of the procedures at the MSHA address listed in this
notice. The petitioner asserts that this petition for modification will
provide no less protection than the existing standard.
[[Page 39466]]
Dated: July 12, 2007.
Jack Powasnik,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and
Variances.
[FR Doc. E7-13921 Filed 7-17-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P
