Petitions for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards, 64625-64627 [2014-25774]
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 210 / Thursday, October 30, 2014 / Notices
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(1) The Clover Fork fan can be
monitored for operation at the Huff
Creek Communication Center.
(2) Huff Creek Mine Communication
Center personnel are present at all times
when miners are underground.
(3) If there is an interruption in the
fan operation, a notification from the
Huff Creek Communication Center can
be given to the miners underground at
Clover Fork mine.
(4) Fan alarm signal monitoring by the
Huff Creek Mine Communication Center
is accomplished in two ways, first by
fan signal connection to mine phones,
and by a fiber optic line that is running
from Clover Fork mine to the Huff Creek
mine.
(5) The fiber optic line is connected
to the CO monitoring and tracking
system computer at Clover Fork mine
which receives an input from the fan
alarm signal device. The fiber optic line
terminates at a computer in the
Communication Center and provides
both audible and visual notification if
the Clover Fork fan stops operating.
(6) Voice communication to the
Clover Fork mine is accomplished by
three separate connections and also by
wireless tracking system radios. Primary
communication is by a mine phone line
running through Huff Creek mine along
A-Main entries to the borehole
connection between the mines.
(7) Backup to the mine phone system
is an overland copper pair for the
emergency phone system provided by
the land line telephone company. A
third way of communication to the mine
is by land line telephone to the mine
office. Tracking system radios provide a
fourth means of communication.
(8) In the event that the monitoring
system for the fan should fail at the Huff
Creek Mine Communication Center,
Clover Fork mine management will
provide personnel to monitor the fan
operation at the mine site until repairs
are made to the Huff Creek Mine
Communication Center system.
The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method provides
the same level of protection to all
miners as provided by the existing
standard.
Dated: October 24, 2014.
Sheila McConnell,
Acting Director, Office of Standards,
Regulations and Variances.
[FR Doc. 2014–25773 Filed 10–29–14; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Petitions for Modification of
Application of Existing Mandatory
Safety Standards
Mine Safety and Health
Administration, Labor.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
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
submitted to the Mine Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA) by the parties
listed below to modify the application
of existing mandatory safety standards
codified in Title 30 of the Code of
Federal Regulations.
DATES: All comments on the petitions
must be received by the Office of
Standards, Regulations and Variances
on or before December 1, 2014.
ADDRESSES: You may submit your
comments, identified by ‘‘docket
number’’ on the subject line, by any of
the following methods:
1. Electronic Mail: zzMSHAcomments@dol.gov. Include the docket
number of the petition in the subject
line of the message.
2. Facsimile: 202–693–9441.
3. Regular Mail or Hand Delivery:
MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations
and Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard,
Room 2350, Arlington, Virginia 22209–
3939, Attention: Sheila McConnell,
Acting Director, Office of Standards,
Regulations and Variances. Persons
delivering documents are required to
check in at the receptionist’s desk on
the 21st floor. Individuals may inspect
copies of the petitions and comments
during normal business hours at the
address listed above.
MSHA will consider only comments
postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service or
proof of delivery from another delivery
service such as UPS or Federal Express
on or before the deadline for comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Barbara Barron, Office of Standards,
Regulations and Variances at 202–693–
9447 (Voice), barron.barbara@dol.gov
(Email), or 202–693–9441 (Facsimile).
[These are not toll-free numbers.]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
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
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64625
mandatory safety standard to a coal or
other mine if the Secretary of Labor
determines that:
1. An alternative method of achieving
the result of such standard exists which
will at all times guarantee no less than
the same measure of protection afforded
the miners of such mine by such
standard; or
2. 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 modification.
II. Petitions for Modification
Docket Number: M–2014–029–C.
Petitioner: North American Drillers,
Contractor ID: H2Q, 130 Meadow Ridge
Road, Suite 22, Mount Morris,
Pennsylvania 15349.
Companies and Mines: Tunnel Ridge,
LLC, Tunnel Ridge Mine, MSHA I.D.
No. 46–08864, located in Ohio County,
West Virginia; Mettiki Coal WV, LLC,
Mountain View Mine, MSHA I.D. No.
46–09028, located in Tucker County,
West Virginia; ACI Tygart Valley, Leer
Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46–09192, Taylor
County, West Virginia; Monongalia
County Coal Company, Monongalia
County Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46–01968,
located in Monongalia County, West
Virginia; Ohio County Coal Company,
Ohio County Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46–
01436, located in Ohio County, West
Virginia; Harrison County Coal
Company, Harrison County Mine,
MSHA I.D. No. 46–01318, located in
Harrison County, West Virginia;
Marshall County Coal Company,
Marshall County Mine, MSHA I.D. No.
46–01437, located in Marshall County,
West Virginia; Marion County Coal
Company, Marion County Mine, MSHA
I.D. No. 46–01433, located in Marion
County, West Virginia; The Ohio Valley
Coal Company, Powhatan #6 Mine,
MSHA I.D. No. 33–01159, located in
Belmont County, Ohio; and Eastern
Associated Coal, LLC, Federal #2 Mine,
MSHA I.D. No. 46–01456, located in
Monongalia County, West Virginia.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR
77.1914(a) (Electrical equipment).
Modification Request: The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit the use of 480-volt,
three-phase, alternating current
submersible pumps to dewater
completed ventilation shafts prior to the
shafts being put into service at the
mines referenced in this petition.
The petitioner proposes the following
terms and conditions:
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 210 / Thursday, October 30, 2014 / Notices
(1) The three-phase, 480-volt
alternating current electric power circuit
for the pump will be designed and
installed to:
(a) Contain either a direct or derived
neutral wire, which will be grounded
through a suitable resistor at the source
transformer or power center and
through a grounding circuit originating
at the grounded side of the grounding
resistor, that will extend along with the
power conductors and serve as the
grounding conductor for the frame of
the pump and all associated electric
equipment that may be supplied power
from this circuit.
(b) Contain a grounding resistor that
limits the ground-fault current to not
more than 15 amperes. The grounding
resistors will be rated for the maximum
fault current available and will be
insulated from ground for a voltage
equal to the phase-to-phase voltage of
the system.
(2) The 480-volt pump circuit will be
provided with a suitable circuit
interrupting device of adequate
interrupting capacity, with devices to
provide protection against undervoltage, grounded phase, short-circuit,
and overload.
(3) The under-voltage protection
device will operate on a loss of voltage
to prevent automatic restarting of the
equipment.
(4) The grounded phase protection
device will be set not to exceed 40
percent of the current rating of the
neutral grounding resistor. The 480-volt
circuit will provide the following:
(i) A ‘‘look ahead’’ circuit device to
prevent closing the breaker when a
phase to ground fault condition exists
on the system; and
(ii) A test circuit that will inject a test
current through the grounded phase
current transformer.
(5) The short-circuit protection device
will be set not to exceed the required
short-circuit protection for the power
cable or 75 percent of the minimum
available phase-to-phase short-circuit
current, whichever is less.
(6) The circuit will include a
disconnecting device located on the
surface and installed in conjunction
with the circuit breaker to provide a
means for visual evidence that the
power is disconnected from the pump
circuits and a means to lock and tag-out
the system.
(7) The pump power system will
include a fail-safe ground check circuit
or other, no less effective, device
approved by the Secretary that will
cause the circuit breaker to open when
either the ground or pilot wire is
broken. A manually operated test switch
will be provided to verify the operation
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of the ground check device. The device
will be installed, and maintained
operable, to monitor the ground
continuity from the starter box to the
pump.
(8) The pump(s) electric control
circuit(s) will be designed and installed
so that:
(a) The pump(s) cannot start and/or
run in either the manual or the
automatic mode if the water is below
the low water probe level.
(b) The low water probe will be
positioned to maintain at least 12 inches
above the inlet of the pump and
electrical connections of the pump
motor.
(c) The low water probe will be
suitable for submersible pump control
application.
(d) All probe circuits will be
intrinsically safe.
(e) A motor controller will be
provided and used for pump startup and
shutdown.
(9) The pump installation will be
equipped with a water level indicator at
the pump circuit controls such that a
miner can determine the water level
above the pump inlet and electrical
connector(s).
(10) The surface pump(s) control and
power circuits will be examined as
required by 30 CFR 77.502.
(a) A record of the examination will
be kept in accordance with 30 CFR
77.502.
(b) The examination will include a
functional test of the grounded phase
protective device(s) to determine proper
operation. A record of these functional
tests will be recorded in an electric
equipment record book.
(d) An electrical examination will be
performed prior to placing the pump in
service.
(e) Methane checks will be made at
the collar of the borehole prior to
energizing the pump. The pump will
not be energized if 1.0 percent or greater
of methane is detected.
(11) The power cable to the
submersible pump motor will be
suitable for this application and will
have a current carrying capacity not less
than 125 percent of the full load current
of the submersible pump motor and an
outer jacket suitable for a ‘‘wet
location’’.
(12) Splices and connections made in
submersible pump cable will be made in
a workmanlike manner and will meet
the requirements of 30 CFR 75.604. The
pump installations will comply with all
other applicable 30 CFR requirements.
(13) The District Manager will be
notified prior to dewatering any shaft
using a nonpermissible submersible
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pump. The required shaft plan will
include this notification.
(14) Within 60 days after the Proposed
Decision and Order becomes final, the
petitioner will submit proposed
revisions for its approved part 48
training plan to the District Manager.
The proposed revisions will specify task
training for all qualified electricians
who perform electric work and monthly
electric examinations as required in 30
CFR 77.502, refresher training regarding
the alternative method outlined in the
petition, and the terms and conditions
in the Proposed Decision and Order.
Training will include the following
elements:
(a) The hazards that could exist if the
water level falls below the pump inlet
or the electric connections of the pump
motor.
(b) The safe restart procedures that
will include the miner determining that
the water level is above the pump inlet
and pump motor prior to attempting to
manually restart the pump motor.
(15) Procedures of 30 CFR 48.3 for
approval of proposed revisions to
already approved training plans will
apply.
The petitioner states that:
(1) In the execution of work providing
a blind drilled shaft for the mine
operator the blind drilled shaft remains
full of water and personnel are never
required to go below the collar of the
blind drilled shaft.
(2) Water will be removed from the
blind drilled shaft installations upon
completion of the work and prior to the
mine operator connecting the blind
drilled shaft to the underground mine.
(3) The blind drilled shaft is fully
lined with steel casing and is grouted in
place. This steel casing and grout seal
isolate the completed blind drilled shaft
from any coal seams, mitigating any
possibility for methane to enter the
blind drilled shaft.
(4) The electric motor of any
submersible pump is located below the
pump intake making it impossible for
the motor to ever be above the surface
of the water.
(5) There are no electric submersible
motor/pump assemblies manufactured
that will effectively pump water deeper
than approximately 400 feet that are
permissible as required in 30 CFR
77.1914(a).
(6) The petitioner proposes to use
permissible pumps to dewater blind
drilled shafts where depths are less than
approximately 400 feet.
(7) At depths greater than
approximately 400 feet, the alternative
method outlined in this petition is
consistent with prudent engineering
design pursuant to 30 CFR 77.1900
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 210 / Thursday, October 30, 2014 / Notices
whereas it minimizes the hazards to
those employed in the initial or
subsequent development of the blind
drilled shaft.
The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method will at all
times guarantee no less than the same
measure of protection afforded the
miners by the existing standard.
Docket Number: M–2014–030–C.
Petitioner: M-Class Mining, LLC,
11351 N. Thompsonville Road,
Macedonia, Illinois 62860.
Mine: MC#1 Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 11–
03189, located in Franklin County,
Illinois.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.507–
1(a) (Electric equipment other than
power-connection points; outby the last
open crosscut return air; permissibility
requirements).
Modification Request: The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit the use of
nonpermissible submersible deep well
pumps in bleeder and return air courses.
The petitioner proposes to install lowvoltage alternating current submersible
pumps in return and/or bleeder entries
and sealed area of the MC#1Mine. The
petitioner states that:
(1) These low-voltage submersible
pumps will provide a pumping option
to the existing turbine pumps that are
installed to maintain the bleeder and
return entries from obstructions caused
by water. Water accumulations in these
airways can pose a safety hazard as they
can affect the airflow in the active and
inactive parts of the mine.
(2) The pumps may be installed
between 600 and 1,200 feet below the
surface.
(3) The three-phase low-voltage
alternating current electric power
circuits for the pumps will be designed
and installed to:
(a) Contain either a direct or derived
neutral wire, which must be grounded
through a suitable resistor at the source
transformer or power center and
through a grounding circuit originating
at the grounded side of the grounding
resistor, which must extend along with
the power conductors and serve as the
grounding conductor for the frame of
the pump and all associated electric
equipment that may be supplied power
from this circuit. The borehole casing
will be bonded to the system grounded
medium.
(b) Contain a grounding resistor that
limits the ground-fault current to not
more than 15 amperes. The grounding
resistor will be rated for the maximum
fault current available and will be
insulated from ground for a voltage
equal to the phase-to-phase voltage of
the system.
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(c) Provide protection by a suitable
circuit breaker of adequate interrupting
capacity with devices to protect against
undervoltage, grounded phase, shortcircuit, and overload.
(d) Contain a disconnecting device
installed in conjunction with the circuit
breaker to provide visual evidence that
the power is disconnected.
(e) Include a fail-safe ground check
circuit or other no less effective device
approved by the Secretary as required
by 30 CFR 75.902, that will cause the
circuit breaker to open when either the
ground or pilot wire is broken.
(4) The pump(s) electric control
circuits will be designed and installed
so that:
(a) The pump(s) cannot start and/or
run in either the manual or the
automatic mode if the water is below
the low level indicator (probe or
bubbler) level.
(b) The low level (probe or bubbler)
water level probe will be located at least
three feet above the pump inlet and
motor and electrical connections of the
pump(s).
(c) The high and low water probes
must be suitable for submersible pump
control application.
(d) All water level probe circuits will
be protected with MSHA approved
intrinsically safe barriers.
(e) A remote control and monitoring
system may be used with the pump
system for condition monitoring and for
remote start-up and shutdown control of
the pumps. The remote control and
monitoring system will not allow
remote reset of the pump power system
when fault conditions (e.g., grounded
phase, short circuit, or overload) exist
on the system.
(5) The surface pump(s) control and
power circuits will be examined, tested,
and maintained as required by 30 CFR
77.502.
(6) Splices and connections made in
submersible pump cable will be made in
a workmanlike manner and will meet
the requirements of 30 CFR 75.604. The
pump installations will comply with all
other applicable 30 CFR requirements.
(7) Within 60 days after the Proposed
Decision and Order becomes final, the
petitioner will submit proposed
revisions for its approved part 48
training plan to the District Manager.
The proposed revisions will specify task
training for all qualified electricians
who perform electric work and monthly
electric examinations, testing and
maintenance as required in 30 CFR
77.502, refresher training regarding the
alternative method outlined in the
petition, and the terms and conditions
in the Proposed Decision and Order.
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64627
(8) The procedures of 30 CFR 48.3 for
approval of proposed revisions to
already approved training plans will
apply.
The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method will at all
times guarantee no less than the same
measure of protection afforded the
miners by the existing standard.
Dated: October 24, 2014.
Sheila McConnell,
Acting Director, Office of Standards,
Regulations and Variances.
[FR Doc. 2014–25774 Filed 10–29–14; 8:45 am]
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[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 210 (Thursday, October 30, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64625-64627]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-25774]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Petitions for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory
Safety Standards
AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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 submitted to the Mine Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA) by the parties listed below to modify the
application of existing mandatory safety standards codified in Title 30
of the Code of Federal Regulations.
DATES: All comments on the petitions must be received by the Office of
Standards, Regulations and Variances on or before December 1, 2014.
ADDRESSES: You may submit your comments, identified by ``docket
number'' on the subject line, by any of the following methods:
1. Electronic Mail: zzMSHA-comments@dol.gov. Include the docket
number of the petition in the subject line of the message.
2. Facsimile: 202-693-9441.
3. Regular Mail or Hand Delivery: MSHA, Office of Standards,
Regulations and Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington,
Virginia 22209-3939, Attention: Sheila McConnell, Acting Director,
Office of Standards, Regulations and Variances. Persons delivering
documents are required to check in at the receptionist's desk on the
21st floor. Individuals may inspect copies of the petitions and
comments during normal business hours at the address listed above.
MSHA will consider only comments postmarked by the U.S. Postal
Service or proof of delivery from another delivery service such as UPS
or Federal Express on or before the deadline for comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Barron, Office of Standards,
Regulations and Variances at 202-693-9447 (Voice),
barron.barbara@dol.gov (Email), or 202-693-9441 (Facsimile). [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 of Labor determines that:
1. An alternative method of achieving the result of such standard
exists which will at all times guarantee no less than the same measure
of protection afforded the miners of such mine by such standard; or
2. 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 modification.
II. Petitions for Modification
Docket Number: M-2014-029-C.
Petitioner: North American Drillers, Contractor ID: H2Q, 130 Meadow
Ridge Road, Suite 22, Mount Morris, Pennsylvania 15349.
Companies and Mines: Tunnel Ridge, LLC, Tunnel Ridge Mine, MSHA
I.D. No. 46-08864, located in Ohio County, West Virginia; Mettiki Coal
WV, LLC, Mountain View Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-09028, located in Tucker
County, West Virginia; ACI Tygart Valley, Leer Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-
09192, Taylor County, West Virginia; Monongalia County Coal Company,
Monongalia County Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-01968, located in Monongalia
County, West Virginia; Ohio County Coal Company, Ohio County Mine, MSHA
I.D. No. 46-01436, located in Ohio County, West Virginia; Harrison
County Coal Company, Harrison County Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-01318,
located in Harrison County, West Virginia; Marshall County Coal
Company, Marshall County Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-01437, located in
Marshall County, West Virginia; Marion County Coal Company, Marion
County Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-01433, located in Marion County, West
Virginia; The Ohio Valley Coal Company, Powhatan #6 Mine, MSHA I.D. No.
33-01159, located in Belmont County, Ohio; and Eastern Associated Coal,
LLC, Federal #2 Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-01456, located in Monongalia
County, West Virginia.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 77.1914(a) (Electrical equipment).
Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the
existing standard to permit the use of 480-volt, three-phase,
alternating current submersible pumps to dewater completed ventilation
shafts prior to the shafts being put into service at the mines
referenced in this petition.
The petitioner proposes the following terms and conditions:
[[Page 64626]]
(1) The three-phase, 480-volt alternating current electric power
circuit for the pump will be designed and installed to:
(a) Contain either a direct or derived neutral wire, which will be
grounded through a suitable resistor at the source transformer or power
center and through a grounding circuit originating at the grounded side
of the grounding resistor, that will extend along with the power
conductors and serve as the grounding conductor for the frame of the
pump and all associated electric equipment that may be supplied power
from this circuit.
(b) Contain a grounding resistor that limits the ground-fault
current to not more than 15 amperes. The grounding resistors will be
rated for the maximum fault current available and will be insulated
from ground for a voltage equal to the phase-to-phase voltage of the
system.
(2) The 480-volt pump circuit will be provided with a suitable
circuit interrupting device of adequate interrupting capacity, with
devices to provide protection against under-voltage, grounded phase,
short-circuit, and overload.
(3) The under-voltage protection device will operate on a loss of
voltage to prevent automatic restarting of the equipment.
(4) The grounded phase protection device will be set not to exceed
40 percent of the current rating of the neutral grounding resistor. The
480-volt circuit will provide the following:
(i) A ``look ahead'' circuit device to prevent closing the breaker
when a phase to ground fault condition exists on the system; and
(ii) A test circuit that will inject a test current through the
grounded phase current transformer.
(5) The short-circuit protection device will be set not to exceed
the required short-circuit protection for the power cable or 75 percent
of the minimum available phase-to-phase short-circuit current,
whichever is less.
(6) The circuit will include a disconnecting device located on the
surface and installed in conjunction with the circuit breaker to
provide a means for visual evidence that the power is disconnected from
the pump circuits and a means to lock and tag-out the system.
(7) The pump power system will include a fail-safe ground check
circuit or other, no less effective, device approved by the Secretary
that will cause the circuit breaker to open when either the ground or
pilot wire is broken. A manually operated test switch will be provided
to verify the operation of the ground check device. The device will be
installed, and maintained operable, to monitor the ground continuity
from the starter box to the pump.
(8) The pump(s) electric control circuit(s) will be designed and
installed so that:
(a) The pump(s) cannot start and/or run in either the manual or the
automatic mode if the water is below the low water probe level.
(b) The low water probe will be positioned to maintain at least 12
inches above the inlet of the pump and electrical connections of the
pump motor.
(c) The low water probe will be suitable for submersible pump
control application.
(d) All probe circuits will be intrinsically safe.
(e) A motor controller will be provided and used for pump startup
and shutdown.
(9) The pump installation will be equipped with a water level
indicator at the pump circuit controls such that a miner can determine
the water level above the pump inlet and electrical connector(s).
(10) The surface pump(s) control and power circuits will be
examined as required by 30 CFR 77.502.
(a) A record of the examination will be kept in accordance with 30
CFR 77.502.
(b) The examination will include a functional test of the grounded
phase protective device(s) to determine proper operation. A record of
these functional tests will be recorded in an electric equipment record
book.
(d) An electrical examination will be performed prior to placing
the pump in service.
(e) Methane checks will be made at the collar of the borehole prior
to energizing the pump. The pump will not be energized if 1.0 percent
or greater of methane is detected.
(11) The power cable to the submersible pump motor will be suitable
for this application and will have a current carrying capacity not less
than 125 percent of the full load current of the submersible pump motor
and an outer jacket suitable for a ``wet location''.
(12) Splices and connections made in submersible pump cable will be
made in a workmanlike manner and will meet the requirements of 30 CFR
75.604. The pump installations will comply with all other applicable 30
CFR requirements.
(13) The District Manager will be notified prior to dewatering any
shaft using a nonpermissible submersible pump. The required shaft plan
will include this notification.
(14) Within 60 days after the Proposed Decision and Order becomes
final, the petitioner will submit proposed revisions for its approved
part 48 training plan to the District Manager. The proposed revisions
will specify task training for all qualified electricians who perform
electric work and monthly electric examinations as required in 30 CFR
77.502, refresher training regarding the alternative method outlined in
the petition, and the terms and conditions in the Proposed Decision and
Order. Training will include the following elements:
(a) The hazards that could exist if the water level falls below the
pump inlet or the electric connections of the pump motor.
(b) The safe restart procedures that will include the miner
determining that the water level is above the pump inlet and pump motor
prior to attempting to manually restart the pump motor.
(15) Procedures of 30 CFR 48.3 for approval of proposed revisions
to already approved training plans will apply.
The petitioner states that:
(1) In the execution of work providing a blind drilled shaft for
the mine operator the blind drilled shaft remains full of water and
personnel are never required to go below the collar of the blind
drilled shaft.
(2) Water will be removed from the blind drilled shaft
installations upon completion of the work and prior to the mine
operator connecting the blind drilled shaft to the underground mine.
(3) The blind drilled shaft is fully lined with steel casing and is
grouted in place. This steel casing and grout seal isolate the
completed blind drilled shaft from any coal seams, mitigating any
possibility for methane to enter the blind drilled shaft.
(4) The electric motor of any submersible pump is located below the
pump intake making it impossible for the motor to ever be above the
surface of the water.
(5) There are no electric submersible motor/pump assemblies
manufactured that will effectively pump water deeper than approximately
400 feet that are permissible as required in 30 CFR 77.1914(a).
(6) The petitioner proposes to use permissible pumps to dewater
blind drilled shafts where depths are less than approximately 400 feet.
(7) At depths greater than approximately 400 feet, the alternative
method outlined in this petition is consistent with prudent engineering
design pursuant to 30 CFR 77.1900
[[Page 64627]]
whereas it minimizes the hazards to those employed in the initial or
subsequent development of the blind drilled shaft.
The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method will at
all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection
afforded the miners by the existing standard.
Docket Number: M-2014-030-C.
Petitioner: M-Class Mining, LLC, 11351 N. Thompsonville Road,
Macedonia, Illinois 62860.
Mine: MC#1 Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 11-03189, located in Franklin
County, Illinois.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.507-1(a) (Electric equipment other
than power-connection points; outby the last open crosscut return air;
permissibility requirements).
Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the
existing standard to permit the use of nonpermissible submersible deep
well pumps in bleeder and return air courses. The petitioner proposes
to install low-voltage alternating current submersible pumps in return
and/or bleeder entries and sealed area of the MC#1Mine. The petitioner
states that:
(1) These low-voltage submersible pumps will provide a pumping
option to the existing turbine pumps that are installed to maintain the
bleeder and return entries from obstructions caused by water. Water
accumulations in these airways can pose a safety hazard as they can
affect the airflow in the active and inactive parts of the mine.
(2) The pumps may be installed between 600 and 1,200 feet below the
surface.
(3) The three-phase low-voltage alternating current electric power
circuits for the pumps will be designed and installed to:
(a) Contain either a direct or derived neutral wire, which must be
grounded through a suitable resistor at the source transformer or power
center and through a grounding circuit originating at the grounded side
of the grounding resistor, which must extend along with the power
conductors and serve as the grounding conductor for the frame of the
pump and all associated electric equipment that may be supplied power
from this circuit. The borehole casing will be bonded to the system
grounded medium.
(b) Contain a grounding resistor that limits the ground-fault
current to not more than 15 amperes. The grounding resistor will be
rated for the maximum fault current available and will be insulated
from ground for a voltage equal to the phase-to-phase voltage of the
system.
(c) Provide protection by a suitable circuit breaker of adequate
interrupting capacity with devices to protect against undervoltage,
grounded phase, short-circuit, and overload.
(d) Contain a disconnecting device installed in conjunction with
the circuit breaker to provide visual evidence that the power is
disconnected.
(e) Include a fail-safe ground check circuit or other no less
effective device approved by the Secretary as required by 30 CFR
75.902, that will cause the circuit breaker to open when either the
ground or pilot wire is broken.
(4) The pump(s) electric control circuits will be designed and
installed so that:
(a) The pump(s) cannot start and/or run in either the manual or the
automatic mode if the water is below the low level indicator (probe or
bubbler) level.
(b) The low level (probe or bubbler) water level probe will be
located at least three feet above the pump inlet and motor and
electrical connections of the pump(s).
(c) The high and low water probes must be suitable for submersible
pump control application.
(d) All water level probe circuits will be protected with MSHA
approved intrinsically safe barriers.
(e) A remote control and monitoring system may be used with the
pump system for condition monitoring and for remote start-up and
shutdown control of the pumps. The remote control and monitoring system
will not allow remote reset of the pump power system when fault
conditions (e.g., grounded phase, short circuit, or overload) exist on
the system.
(5) The surface pump(s) control and power circuits will be
examined, tested, and maintained as required by 30 CFR 77.502.
(6) Splices and connections made in submersible pump cable will be
made in a workmanlike manner and will meet the requirements of 30 CFR
75.604. The pump installations will comply with all other applicable 30
CFR requirements.
(7) Within 60 days after the Proposed Decision and Order becomes
final, the petitioner will submit proposed revisions for its approved
part 48 training plan to the District Manager. The proposed revisions
will specify task training for all qualified electricians who perform
electric work and monthly electric examinations, testing and
maintenance as required in 30 CFR 77.502, refresher training regarding
the alternative method outlined in the petition, and the terms and
conditions in the Proposed Decision and Order.
(8) The procedures of 30 CFR 48.3 for approval of proposed
revisions to already approved training plans will apply.
The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method will at
all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection
afforded the miners by the existing standard.
Dated: October 24, 2014.
Sheila McConnell,
Acting Director, Office of Standards, Regulations and Variances.
[FR Doc. 2014-25774 Filed 10-29-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P
