Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Notification of Methane Detected in Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mine Atmospheres, 23943-23944 [2018-11038]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 23, 2018 / Notices
(11) The #3 Coal Branch Fan will be
installed to meet Ventilation Plan
requirements as set forth in petitioner’s
Ventilation Plan.
(12) There is no Three-Phase Utility
Power of any voltage available within
9.5 miles.
(13) The borehole location is very
remote, approximately 2.2 miles from
the substation location, thus would be
considered a security risk for damage
should the substation be placed there.
Mine personnel can be at the borehole
location in approximately 45 minutes
vs. 5 minutes travel to the current
location that is located behind the
Preparation Plant of the Main
Substation.
(14) Mining is being conducted by
another mining company which
intersects with Greenbrier Minerals
property line. Petitioner states that it
could get right of way to build across
the other company property line but in
subsequent years would have to move
two sections of power line, and our
substation would be in a blasting area
that could lead to damage from flying
debris, air-shock, and ground vibrations.
(15) The petitioner requests that the
Powellton #1 Mine be allowed to feed
both mine power systems and
petitioner’s #3 Coal Branch Fan
Installation on one system where such
occurrences of a fault trip on the main
feed would be kept to a minimum by
utilizing the dual series vacuum breaker
configuration. In those rare instances
where the dual vacuum breaker
configuration should fail, petitioner has
included a fully automatic system with
a transfer switch and generator that will
restore power to the #3 Coal Branch Fan
in less than one minute.
(16) The proposed modification
would not only ensure operable
ventilation, it would also ensure
through weekly functional testing that
the alternate power supply would
function as intended and adequately
maintain mine ventilation.
The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method will
achieve the purpose of the existing
standard and will always guarantee no
less than the same measure of protection
afforded by the standard.
Docket Number: M–2018–005–M.
Petitioner: Solvay Chemicals, Inc.,
P.O. Box 1167, 400 County Road 85,
Green River, Wyoming 82935.
Mine: Solvay Chemicals, Inc. Mine,
MSHA I.D. No. 48–01295, located in
Sweetwater County, Wyoming.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR
57.4760(a) (Shaft mines).
Modification Request: The petitioner
states that the fire control doors located
near the #3 shaft in this Class III Gassy
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17:33 May 22, 2018
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Mine presents a diminution of safety to
the miners because the installation of
control doors or the reversal of
mechanical ventilation would affect the
main air currents and splits, thus
adversely impacting the ventilation
system’s ability to render and dilute
concentrations of toxic gases or methane
gas. Additionally, the installation of
control doors or the reversal of
mechanical ventilation can only be
achieved by shutting down the mine’s
main exhaust fans. Due to the expanse
of the mine, evacuation of all personnel
underground to the surface in ten
minutes or less is not an alternative
means of compliance with the standard.
The petitioner seeks to remove the fire
control doors and requests a
modification of the existing standard to
permit the use of alternative controls in
lieu of the installation of control doors.
The petitioner states that:
(1) It requests a modification of 30
CFR 57.4760(a), that authorizes the
petitioner to establish an alternative
method in lieu of the mandatory safety
standard. The petitioner considers the
following alternatives to the installation
of control doors as acceptable means to
control the spread of fire, smoke, and
toxic gases underground in the event of
a fire specific to the petitioner’s mine:
(a) The petitioner currently has four
shafts constructed of non-combustible
materials. All four existing shafts will be
provided with a means of hoisting mine
personnel. At all times, two properly
maintained escapeways to the surface
from the lowest levels will be
maintained.
(b) Conveyor belting used
underground will be 2G compliant or
meet the equivalent flame spread rating.
The petitioner asserts that application
of the existing standard will result in a
diminution of safety to the miners and
that the proposed alternative method
will provide the same measure of
protection afforded by the standard.
Sheila McConnell,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations,
and Variances.
[FR Doc. 2018–11037 Filed 5–22–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4520–43–P
ACTION:
23943
Request for public comments.
The Department of Labor, as
part of its continuing effort to reduce
paperwork and respondent burden,
conducts a pre-clearance consultation
program to provide the general public
and Federal agencies with an
opportunity to comment on proposed
collections of information in accordance
with the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995. This program helps to ensure that
requested data can be provided in the
desired format, reporting burden (time
and financial resources) is minimized,
collection instruments are clearly
understood, and the impact of collection
requirements on respondents can be
properly assessed. Currently, the Mine
Safety and Health Administration
(MSHA) is soliciting comments on the
information collection for Notification
of Methane Detected in Underground
Metal and Nonmetal Mine Atmospheres.
DATES: All comments must be received
on or before July 23, 2018.
ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the
information collection requirements of
this notice may be sent by any of the
methods listed below.
• Federal E-Rulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
on-line instructions for submitting
comments for docket number MSHA–
2018–0005.
• Regular Mail: Send comments to
USDOL–MSHA, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th
Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington,
VA 22202–5452.
• Hand Delivery: USDOL-Mine Safety
and Health Administration, 201 12th
Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington,
VA 22202–5452. Sign in at the
receptionist’s desk on the 4th floor via
the East elevator.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sheila McConnell, Director, Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances,
MSHA, at MSHA.information.
collections@dol.gov (email); (202) 693–
9440 (voice); or (202) 693–9441
(facsimile).
SUMMARY:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
[OMB Control No. 1219–0103]
Proposed Extension of Information
Collection; Notification of Methane
Detected in Underground Metal and
Nonmetal Mine Atmospheres
Mine Safety and Health
Administration, Labor.
AGENCY:
PO 00000
Frm 00060
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine
Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine
Act), 30 U.S.C. 813(h), authorizes
MSHA to collect information necessary
to carry out its duty in protecting the
safety and health of miners. Further,
section 101(a) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C.
811, authorizes the Secretary of Labor
(Secretary) to develop, promulgate, and
revise as may be appropriate, improved
mandatory health or safety standards for
E:\FR\FM\23MYN1.SGM
23MYN1
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES
23944
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 23, 2018 / Notices
the protection of life and prevention of
injuries in coal or other mines.
Methane is a flammable gas found in
underground mines in the United
States. Although methane is often
associated with underground coal
mines, it also occurs in some metal and
nonmetal mines. Underground metal
and nonmetal mines are categorized
according to the potential to liberate
methane (30 CFR 57.22003—Mine
category or subcategory). Methane is a
colorless, odorless, tasteless gas, and it
tends to rise to the roof of a mine
because it is lighter than air. Although
methane itself is nontoxic, its presence
reduces the oxygen content by dilution
when mixed with air and, consequently,
can act as an asphyxiant when present
in large quantities.
Methane may enter the mining
environment from a variety of sources
including fractures, faults, or shear
zones overlying or underlying the strata
that surround the ore body, or from the
ore body itself. It may occur as an
occluded gas within the ore body.
Methane mixed with air is explosive in
the range of 5 to 15 percent, provided
that 12 percent or more oxygen is
present. The presence of dust containing
volatile matter in the mine atmosphere
may further enhance the explosion
potential of methane in a mine. Section
103(i) of Mine Act requires additional
inspections be conducted at mines
depending on the amount of methane
liberated from a mine.
Title 30 CFR 57.22004(c) requires
operators of underground metal and
nonmetal mines to notify MSHA as soon
as possible if any of the following events
occur: (a) There is an outburst that
results in 0.25 percent or more methane
in the mine atmosphere, (b) there is a
blowout that results in 0.25 percent or
more methane in the mine atmosphere,
(c) there is an ignition of methane, or (d)
air sample results indicate 0.25 percent
or more methane in the mine
atmosphere of a I–B, I–C, II–B, V–B, or
Category VI mine. Under sections
57.22239 and 57.22231, if methane
reaches 2.0 percent in a Category IV
mine or if methane reaches 0.25 percent
in the mine atmosphere of a
Subcategory I–B, II–B, V–B, or VI mine,
MSHA shall be notified immediately.
Although the standards do not specify
how MSHA is to be notified, MSHA
anticipates that the notifications would
be made by telephone.
Title 30 CFR 57.22229 and 57.22230
require that the mine atmosphere be
tested for methane and/or carbon
dioxide at least once every seven days
by a competent person or atmospheric
monitoring system or a combination of
both. Section 57.2229 applies to
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:33 May 22, 2018
Jkt 244001
underground metal and nonmetal mines
categorized as I–A, III, and V–A mines
where the atmosphere is tested for both
methane and carbon dioxide. Section
57.22230 applies to underground metal
and nonmetal mines categorized as II–
A mines where the atmosphere is tested
for methane. Where examinations
disclose hazardous conditions, affected
miners must be informed. Title 30 CFR
57.22229(d) and 57.22230(c) require that
the person performing the tests certify
by signature and date that the tests have
been conducted. Certifications of
examinations shall be kept for at least
one year and made available to
authorized representatives of the
Secretary of Labor.
II. Desired Focus of Comments
MSHA is soliciting comments
concerning the proposed information
collection related to Notification of
Methane Detected in Underground
Metal and Nonmetal Mine Atmospheres.
MSHA is particularly interested in
comments that:
• Evaluate whether the collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
agency, including whether the
information has practical utility;
• Evaluate the accuracy of MSHA’s
estimate of the burden of the collection
of information, including the validity of
the methodology and assumptions used;
• Suggest methods to 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 submission of
responses.
The information collection request
will be available on https://
www.regulations.gov. MSHA cautions
the commenter against providing any
information in the submission that
should not be publicly disclosed. Full
comments, including personal
information provided, will be made
available on www.regulations.gov and
www.reginfo.gov.
The public may also examine publicly
available documents at USDOL-Mine
Safety and Health Administration, 201
12th South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA
22202–5452. Sign in at the receptionist’s
desk on the 4th floor via the East
elevator.
Questions about the information
collection requirements may be directed
to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION section of this notice.
PO 00000
Frm 00061
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
III. Current Actions
This request for collection of
information contains provisions for
Notification of Methane Detected in
Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mine
Atmospheres. MSHA has updated the
data with respect to the number of
respondents, responses, burden hours,
and burden costs supporting this
information collection request.
Type of Review: Extension, without
change, of a currently approved
collection.
Agency: Mine Safety and Health
Administration.
OMB Number: 1219–0103.
Affected Public: Business or other forprofit.
Number of Respondents: 4.
Frequency: On occasion.
Number of Responses: 213.
Annual Burden Hours: 19 hours.
Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper
Cost: $0.
Comments submitted in response to
this notice will be summarized and
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.
Sheila McConnell,
Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2018–11038 Filed 5–22–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510–43–P
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
[OMB Control No. 1219–0119]
Proposed Extension of Information
Collection; [Diesel-Powered Equipment
in Underground Coal Mines
Mine Safety and Health
Administration, Labor.
ACTION: Request for public comments.
AGENCY:
The Department of Labor, as
part of its continuing effort to reduce
paperwork and respondent burden,
conducts a pre-clearance consultation
program to provide the general public
and Federal agencies with an
opportunity to comment on proposed
collections of information in accordance
with the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995. This program helps to ensure that
requested data can be provided in the
desired format, reporting burden (time
and financial resources) is minimized,
collection instruments are clearly
understood, and the impact of collection
requirements on respondents can be
properly assessed. Currently, the Mine
Safety and Health Administration
(MSHA) is soliciting comments on the
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\23MYN1.SGM
23MYN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 100 (Wednesday, May 23, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23943-23944]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11038]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
[OMB Control No. 1219-0103]
Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Notification of
Methane Detected in Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mine Atmospheres
AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.
ACTION: Request for public comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to
reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance
consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies
with an opportunity to comment on proposed collections of information
in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This program
helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired
format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized,
collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of
collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed.
Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is
soliciting comments on the information collection for Notification of
Methane Detected in Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mine Atmospheres.
DATES: All comments must be received on or before July 23, 2018.
ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the information collection requirements
of this notice may be sent by any of the methods listed below.
Federal E-Rulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments for docket
number MSHA-2018-0005.
Regular Mail: Send comments to USDOL-MSHA, Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Street South, Suite
4E401, Arlington, VA 22202-5452.
Hand Delivery: USDOL-Mine Safety and Health
Administration, 201 12th Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA
22202-5452. Sign in at the receptionist's desk on the 4th floor via the
East elevator.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sheila McConnell, Director, Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at
[email protected] (email); (202) 693-9440 (voice);
or (202) 693-9441 (facsimile).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977
(Mine Act), 30 U.S.C. 813(h), authorizes MSHA to collect information
necessary to carry out its duty in protecting the safety and health of
miners. Further, section 101(a) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. 811,
authorizes the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to develop, promulgate,
and revise as may be appropriate, improved mandatory health or safety
standards for
[[Page 23944]]
the protection of life and prevention of injuries in coal or other
mines.
Methane is a flammable gas found in underground mines in the United
States. Although methane is often associated with underground coal
mines, it also occurs in some metal and nonmetal mines. Underground
metal and nonmetal mines are categorized according to the potential to
liberate methane (30 CFR 57.22003--Mine category or subcategory).
Methane is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas, and it tends to rise
to the roof of a mine because it is lighter than air. Although methane
itself is nontoxic, its presence reduces the oxygen content by dilution
when mixed with air and, consequently, can act as an asphyxiant when
present in large quantities.
Methane may enter the mining environment from a variety of sources
including fractures, faults, or shear zones overlying or underlying the
strata that surround the ore body, or from the ore body itself. It may
occur as an occluded gas within the ore body. Methane mixed with air is
explosive in the range of 5 to 15 percent, provided that 12 percent or
more oxygen is present. The presence of dust containing volatile matter
in the mine atmosphere may further enhance the explosion potential of
methane in a mine. Section 103(i) of Mine Act requires additional
inspections be conducted at mines depending on the amount of methane
liberated from a mine.
Title 30 CFR 57.22004(c) requires operators of underground metal
and nonmetal mines to notify MSHA as soon as possible if any of the
following events occur: (a) There is an outburst that results in 0.25
percent or more methane in the mine atmosphere, (b) there is a blowout
that results in 0.25 percent or more methane in the mine atmosphere,
(c) there is an ignition of methane, or (d) air sample results indicate
0.25 percent or more methane in the mine atmosphere of a I-B, I-C, II-
B, V-B, or Category VI mine. Under sections 57.22239 and 57.22231, if
methane reaches 2.0 percent in a Category IV mine or if methane reaches
0.25 percent in the mine atmosphere of a Subcategory I-B, II-B, V-B, or
VI mine, MSHA shall be notified immediately. Although the standards do
not specify how MSHA is to be notified, MSHA anticipates that the
notifications would be made by telephone.
Title 30 CFR 57.22229 and 57.22230 require that the mine atmosphere
be tested for methane and/or carbon dioxide at least once every seven
days by a competent person or atmospheric monitoring system or a
combination of both. Section 57.2229 applies to underground metal and
nonmetal mines categorized as I-A, III, and V-A mines where the
atmosphere is tested for both methane and carbon dioxide. Section
57.22230 applies to underground metal and nonmetal mines categorized as
II-A mines where the atmosphere is tested for methane. Where
examinations disclose hazardous conditions, affected miners must be
informed. Title 30 CFR 57.22229(d) and 57.22230(c) require that the
person performing the tests certify by signature and date that the
tests have been conducted. Certifications of examinations shall be kept
for at least one year and made available to authorized representatives
of the Secretary of Labor.
II. Desired Focus of Comments
MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information
collection related to Notification of Methane Detected in Underground
Metal and Nonmetal Mine Atmospheres. MSHA is particularly interested in
comments that:
Evaluate whether the collection of information is
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency,
including whether the information has practical utility;
Evaluate the accuracy of MSHA's estimate of the burden of
the collection of information, including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used;
Suggest methods to 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 submission of responses.
The information collection request will be available on https://www.regulations.gov. MSHA cautions the commenter against providing any
information in the submission that should not be publicly disclosed.
Full comments, including personal information provided, will be made
available on www.regulations.gov and www.reginfo.gov.
The public may also examine publicly available documents at USDOL-
Mine Safety and Health Administration, 201 12th South, Suite 4E401,
Arlington, VA 22202-5452. Sign in at the receptionist's desk on the 4th
floor via the East elevator.
Questions about the information collection requirements may be
directed to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION section of
this notice.
III. Current Actions
This request for collection of information contains provisions for
Notification of Methane Detected in Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mine
Atmospheres. MSHA has updated the data with respect to the number of
respondents, responses, burden hours, and burden costs supporting this
information collection request.
Type of Review: Extension, without change, of a currently approved
collection.
Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
OMB Number: 1219-0103.
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
Number of Respondents: 4.
Frequency: On occasion.
Number of Responses: 213.
Annual Burden Hours: 19 hours.
Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $0.
Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized
and 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.
Sheila McConnell,
Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2018-11038 Filed 5-22-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P
