Safety standard petitions: Independence Coal Co. et al.,

[Federal Register: September 22, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 183)]

[Notices]

[Page 50603]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr22se98-111]

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

Petitions for Modification

The following parties have filedpetitions to modify the application of mandatory safety standards under section 101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.

1. Independence Coal Company

   [Docket No. M-98-79-C]

   Independence Coal Company, HC 78 Box 1800, Madison, West Virginia 25130 has fileda petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1002 (location of trolley wires, trolley feeder wires, high-voltage cables and transformers) to its Justice No. 1 Mine (I.D. No. 46-07273) located in Boone County, West Virginia. The petitioner proposes to use high- voltage longwall mining equipment. The petitioner asserts that the nominal voltage of the longwall power circuit(s) would not exceed 4,160 volts. In addition, the petitioner asserts that the specific terms and conditions listed in this petition would be followed and proposed revisions that specify initial and refresher training regarding these terms and conditions for its approved Part 48 training plan would be submitted to the District Manager within 60 days after the proposed decision and order becomes final. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.

2. Mettiki Coal Corporation

   [Docket No. M-98-80-C]

   Mettiki Coal Corporation, 293 Table Rock Road, Oakland, Maryland 21550 has fileda petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1002- 1 (location of other electric equipment; requirements for permissibility) to its Mettiki Mine (I.D. No. 18-00621) located in Garrett County, Maryland. The petitioner proposes to use nonpermissible low horsepower testing and diagnostic equipment within 150 feet from pillar workings. The petitioner asserts that application of the standard would result in a diminution of safety to the miners. In addition, the petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.

   Request for Comments

   Persons interested in these petitions are encouraged to submit comments via e-mail to ``comments@msha.gov'', or on a computer disk along with an original hard copy to the Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 627, Arlington, Virginia 22203. All comments must be postmarked or received in that office on or before October 22, 1998. Copies of these petitions are available for inspection at that address.

   Dated: September 17, 1998. Patricia W. Silvey, Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.

   [FR Doc. 98-25309Filed9-21-98; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 4510-13-P