Notice2022-18618
Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
August 30, 2022
Issuing agencies
Labor DepartmentMine Safety and Health Administration
Abstract
This notice is a summary of a petition for modification submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) by the party listed below.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 167 (Tuesday, August 30, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 167 (Tuesday, August 30, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53016-53020]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-18618]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory
Safety Standards
AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: This notice is a summary of a petition for modification
submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) by the
party listed below.
DATES: All comments on the petition must be received by MSHA's Office
of Standards, Regulations, and Variances on or before September 29,
2022.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by Docket No. MSHA-2022-
0039 by any of the following methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments for MSHA-2022-0039.
2. Fax: 202-693-9441.
3. Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cbbbaebfa2bfa2a4a5a8a4a6a6aea5bfb88bafa4a7e5aca4bd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="68180d1c011c0107060b0705050d061c1b280c0704460f071e">[email protected]</span></a>.
4. Regular Mail or Hand Delivery: MSHA, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Street South, Suite 4E401,
Arlington, Virginia 22202-5452.
Attention: S. Aromie Noe, Director, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances. Persons delivering documents are required
to check in at the receptionist's desk in Suite 4E401. Individuals may
inspect copies of the petition and comments during normal business
hours at the address listed above. Before visiting MSHA in person, call
202-693-9455 to make an appointment, in keeping with the Department of
Labor's COVID-19 policy. Special health precautions may be required.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: S. Aromie Noe, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances at 202-693-9440 (voice),
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#134376677a677a7c7d60757c617e7c777a757a7072677a7c7d53777c7f3d747c65"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fbab9e8f928f929495889d948996949f929d92989a8f929495bb9f9497d59c948d">[email protected]</span></a> (email), or 202-693-9441 (fax). [These
are not toll-free numbers.]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety
and Health Act of 1977 and title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) part 44 govern the application, processing, and disposition of
petitions for modification.
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. The application of such standard to such mine will result in a
diminution of safety to the miners in such mine.
In addition, sections 44.10 and 44.11 of 30 CFR establish the
requirements for filing petitions for modification.
II. Petition for Modification
Docket Number: M-2022-013-C.
Petitioner: Harrison County Coal Resources, Inc., 464 North Portal
Road, Wallace, West Virginia 26448.
Mine: Harrison County Mine, MSHA ID No. 46-01318, located in
Harrison County, West Virginia.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1700, Oil and gas wells.
Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of 30
CFR 75.1700 to permit mining within a 300 feet barrier of slant
directionally drilled (SDD) wells and through coalbed methane (CBM) gas
wells.
The petitioner states that:
(a) The proposed alternative method has been successfully used to
prepare CBM wells for safe intersection by using one or more of the
following methods: cement plug, polymer gel, bentonite gel, active
pressure management and water infusion, and remedial work.
(b) The proposed alternative method will prevent the CBM well
methane from entering the underground mine.
(c) An existing Petition for Modification (Docket No. M-2016-019-C
granted on June 30, 2017) allows the plugging methods outlined in the
proposed alternative method to be used at the Harrison County Mine for
vertical oil and gas wells.
The petitioner proposes the following alternative method:
(a) District Manager approval required:
(1) A minimum working barrier of 300 feet in diameter shall be
maintained around all SDD wells until approval to proceed with mining
has been obtained from the District Manager. This barrier extends
around all vertical and horizontal branches drilled in the coal seam.
This barrier also extends around all vertical and horizontal branches
within overlying coal seams subject to caving or subsidence from the
coal seam being mined when methane leakage through the subsidence zone
is possible.
(2) The District Manager may choose to approve each well or a group
of wells as applicable to the conditions. To prepare the SDD wells for
intersection, the District Manager may require a certified review by a
professional engineer to assess the applicability of the proposed
system(s) to the mine-specific conditions.
(b) Mandatory computations and administrative procedures prior to
plugging or replugging SDD wells after District Manager approval has
been obtained:
(1) Probable Error of Location--Directional drilling systems rely
on sophisticated angular measurement systems and computer models to
calculate the estimated location of the well bore. This estimated hole
location is subject to cumulative measurement errors so that the
distance between actual and estimated location of the well bore
increases with the depth of the hole. Modern directional drilling
systems are typically accurate within one or two degrees depending on
the specific equipment and techniques.
(i) The Probable Error of Location (EE[rho][rho]) is defined by a
cone described by the average accuracy of angular measurement
([alpha][alpha]) around the length of the hole (LLHH), calculated by
the following equation: EE[rho][rho] = LLHH x sin [alpha][alpha]. For
example, mining projected to intersect a well at a point 4,000 feet
from the collar, measured along the well path, would consider a
probable error radius of 69.8 feet about the projected point of
intersection. EE[rho][rho] = 4,000 x sin(1[deg]) = 69.8.
(ii) In addition to the Probable Error of Location, the true point
of intersection may be affected by underground survey errors, surface
survey errors, and survey errors.
(2) Minimum Working Barrier Around Well--The minimum working
barrier around any CBM well or branches of a CBM well in the coal seam
is 50 feet greater than the calculated Probable Error of Location.
(i) For example, mining projected to intersect a well at a point
4,000 feet from the collar, measured along the well path, would
consider a probable error radius of 69.8 feet about the projected point
of intersection. Therefore, the minimum working barrier around this
point of the well bore is 120 feet. The additional 50 feet is a
reasonable
[[Page 53017]]
separation between the probable location of the well and mining
operations.
(ii) When mining is within the minimum working barrier distance
from a CBM well or branch, the operator must comply with the provisions
of the Proposed Decision and Order.
(iii) The District Manager may require a greater minimum working
barrier around CBM wells where geologic conditions, historical location
errors, or other factors warrant a greater barrier.
(3) Ventilation Plan Requirements--The Ventilation Plan shall
identify SDD CBM wells within the active mining area and any projected
mining area as specified in 30 CFR 75.372(b)(14) and, where
intersection is projected, note the well casing type, diameter, and
preparation method for the defined working barrier. If the well has not
been prepared for intersection, the techniques which the operator plans
to implement shall also be included. Actions necessary to implement
such techniques, as well as required operational precautions for mining
within the minimum working barrier shall also be included. Further
operational precautions to be taken when mining within the minimum
working barrier may be required by the District Manager.
(4) Ventilation Map--The ventilation map specified in 30 CFR 75.372
shall contain the following information:
(i) The surface location of all CBM wells in the active mining area
and any projected mining area as specified in 30 CFR 75.372(b)(14);
(ii) Identifying information of CBM wells (American Petroleum
Institute or equivalent);
(iii) The coal seam intersection of all CBM wells;
(iv) The horizontal extents in the coal seam of all CBM wells and
branches;
(v) If intersected, the date of mine intersection and the location
of such intersection relative to the expected point.
(c) Mandatory procedures for plugging or replugging SDD wells:
(1) The operator shall include in the mine ventilation plan one or
more of the following methods specified in sections (c)(3) through
(c)(7) to prepare SDD wells for safe intersection.
(2) The methods approved in the ventilation plan must be completed
on each SDD well before mining encroaches on the minimum working
barrier around the well or branch of the well in the coal seam being
mined. If methane leakage through subsidence cracks is a problem when
retreat mining, the minimum working barrier must be maintained around
wells and branches in overlying coal seams or the wells and branches
must be prepared for safe intersection as specified in the mine
ventilation plan.
(3) Cement Plug--Cement may be used to fill the entire SDD hole
system.
(i) Squeeze cementing techniques are necessary for SDD plugging due
to the lack of tubing in the hole. Cement should fill void spaces and
eliminate methane leakage along the hole. Once the cement has cured,
the SDD system may be intersected multiple times without further hole
preparation.
(ii) Gas cutting occurs if the placement pressure of the cement is
less than the methane pressure in the coal seam. Under these
conditions, gas will bubble out of the coal seam and into the unset
cement creating a pressurized void or a series of interconnected
pressurized voids. Water cutting occurs when formation water and
standing water in the hole invades or displaces the unset cement.
Standing water must be bailed out of the hole or driven into the
formation with compressed gas to minimize water cutting. The cement
pressure must be maintained higher than the formation pressure until
the cement sets to minimize both gas and water cutting. The cementing
program in the ventilation plan must address both gas and water
cutting.
(iii) Due to the large volume to be cemented and potential problems
with cement setting prior to filling the entire SDD system, adequately
sized pumping units with back-up capacity must be used. Various
additives such as retarders, lightweight extenders, viscosity
modifiers, thixotropic modifiers, and fly ash may be used in the cement
mix. The volume of cement pumped should exceed the estimated hole
volume to ensure the complete filling of all voids.
(iv) The complete cementing program, including hole dewatering,
cement, additives, pressures, pumping times and equipment must be
specified in the ventilation plan. The safety data sheets (SDSs) for
all cements, additives, and components and details regarding personal
protective equipment and techniques to protect workers from the
potentially harmful effects of the cement and cement components shall
be included in the ventilation plan.
(v) Records of cement mixes, cement quantities, pump pressures, and
flow rates and times should be retained for each hole plugged. SDD
holes may be plugged with cement years in advance of mining. The
District Manager shall require suitable documentation of the cement
plugging to approve mining within the minimum working barrier around
CBM wells.
(4) Polymer Gel--Polymer gels start out as low viscosity, water-
based mixtures of organic polymers that are crosslinked using time-
delayed activators to form a water-insoluble, high-viscosity gel after
being pumped into the SDD system.
(i) Although polymer gel systems never solidify, the activated gel
should develop sufficient strength to resist gas flow. A gel that is
suitable for treating SDD wells for mine intersection will reliably
fill the SDD system and prevent gas-filled voids. Any gel chemistry
used for plugging SDD wells should be resistant to bacterial and
chemical degradation and remain stable for the duration of mining
through a SDD system.
(ii) Water may dilute the gel mixture to the point where it will
not set to the required strength. Thus, water in the holes must be
removed before injecting the gel mixture. Water removal can be
accomplished by conventional bailing and then injecting compressed gas
to squeeze the water that accumulates in low spots back into the
formation. Gas pressurization should be continued until the hole is
dry.
(iii) Dissolved salts in the formation waters may interfere with
the cross-linking reactions. Any proposed gel mixtures must be tested
with actual formation waters.
(iv) Equipment to mix and pump gels should have adequate capacity
to fill the hole before the gel sets. Back-up units should be available
while pumping.
(v) The volume of gel pumped should exceed the estimated hole
volume to ensure the complete filling of all voids and allow for gel to
infiltrate the joints in the coal seam surrounding the hole. Gel
injection and setting pressures should be specified in the ventilation
plan.
(vi) To reduce the potential for an inundation of gel, the final
level of gel should be close to the level of the coal seam and the
remainder of the hole should remain open to the atmosphere until mining
in the vicinity of the SDD system is completed. Packers may be used to
isolate portions of the SDD system.
(vii) The complete polymer gel program, including the advance
testing of the gel with formation water, dewatering systems, gel
specifications, gel quantities, gel placement, pressures, and pumping
equipment must be specified in the ventilation plan. The SDSs for all
gel components and details regarding personal protective equipment and
techniques to protect workers from the potentially harmful effects of
the gel and gel components shall be included in the ventilation plan. A
record of the
[[Page 53018]]
calculated hole volume, gel quantities, gel formulation, pump
pressures, and flow rates and times should be retained for each hole
that is treated with gel. Other gel chemistries other than organic
polymers may be included in the ventilation plan with appropriate
methods, parameters, and safety precautions.
(5) Bentonite Gel--High-pressure injection of bentonite gel into
the SDD system will infiltrate the cleat and butt joints of the coal
seam near the well bore and effectively seal these conduits against the
flow of methane.
(i) Bentonite gel is a thixotropic fluid that sets when it stops
moving. Bentonite gel has a significantly lower setting viscosity than
polymer gel. While the polymer gel fills and seals the borehole, the
lower strength bentonite gel must penetrate the fractures and jointing
in the coal seam to be effective in reducing formation permeability
around the hole. The use of bentonite gel is restricted to depleted CBM
applications with low abandonment pressures and limited recharge
potential. In general, these applications will be in mature CBM fields
with long production histories.
(ii) A slug of water should be injected prior to the bentonite gel
to minimize moisture-loss bridging near the well bore. The volume of
gel pumped should exceed the estimated hole volume to ensure that the
gel infiltrates the joints in the coal seam for several feet
surrounding the hole. Due to the large gel volume and potential
problems with premature thixotropic setting, adequately sized pumping
units with back-up capacity are required.
(iii) Additives to the gel may be required to modify viscosity,
reduce filtrates, reduce surface tension, and promote sealing of the
cracks and joints around the hole. To reduce the potential for an
inundation of bentonite gel, the final level of gel should be
approximately the elevation of the coal seam and the remainder of the
hole should remain open to the atmosphere until mining in the vicinity
of the SDD system is completed. If a water column is used to pressurize
the gel, it must be bailed down to the coal seam elevation prior to
intersection.
(iv) The complete bentonite gel program, including formation
infiltration and permeability reduction data, hole pretreatment, gel
specifications, additives, gel quantities, flow rates, injection
pressures, and infiltration times, must be specified in the ventilation
plan. The ventilation plan should list the equipment used to prepare
and pump the gel. The SDSs for all gel components and details regarding
personal protective equipment and techniques to protect workers from
the potentially harmful effects of the gel and additives shall be
included in the ventilation plan. A record of hole preparation, gel
quantities, gel formulation, pump pressures, and flow rates and times
should be retained for each hole that is treated with bentonite gel.
(6) Active Pressure Management and Water Infusion--Reducing the
pressure in the hole to less than atmospheric pressure by operating a
vacuum blower connected to the wellhead may facilitate safe
intersection of the hole by a coal mine. The negative pressure in the
hole will limit the quantity of methane released into the higher
pressure mine atmosphere. If the mine intersection is near the end of a
horizontal branch of the SDD system, air will flow from the mine into
the upstream side of the hole and be exhausted through the blower on
the surface. On the downstream side of the intersection, if the open
hole length is short, the methane emitted from this side of the hole
may be diluted to safe levels with ventilation air. Conversely, safely
intersecting this system near the bottom of the vertical hole may not
be possible because the methane emissions from the multiple downstream
branches may be too great to dilute with ventilation air. The methane
emission rate is directly proportional to the length of the open hole.
(i) Successful application of vacuum systems may be limited by
caving of the hole or water collected in dips in the SDD system.
Another important factor in the success of vacuum systems is the
methane liberation rate of the coal formation around the well; older,
more depleted wells that have lower methane emission rates are more
amenable to this technique. The remaining methane content and the
formation permeability shall be addressed in the ventilation plan.
(ii) Packers may be used to reduce methane inflow into the coal
mine after intersection. All packers on the downstream side of the hole
must be equipped with a center pipe so that the inby methane pressure
may be measured or so that water may be injected. Subsequent
intersections shall not take place if pressure in a packer-sealed hole
is excessive.
(iii) Alternatively, methane produced by the downstream hole may be
piped to an in-mine degas system to safely transport the methane out of
the mine or may be piped to the return air course for dilution. In-mine
methane piping shall be protected as stipulated in ``Piping Methane in
Underground Coal Mines,'' MSHA IR1094 (1978). Protected methane
diffusion zones may be established in return air courses if needed.
(iv) Detailed sketches and safety precautions for methane
collection, piping, and diffusion systems must be included in the
ventilation plan per 30 CFR75.371(ee).
(v) Water infusion prior to intersecting the well will temporarily
limit methane flow. Water infusion may also help control coal dust
levels during mining. High water infusion pressures may be obtained
prior to the initial intersection by the hydraulic head resulting from
the hole depth or by pumping. Water infusion pressures for subsequent
intersections are limited by leakage around in-mine packers and
limitations of the mine water distribution system. If water is infused
prior to the initial intersection, the water level in the hole must be
lowered to the coal seam elevation before the intersection.
(vi) The ventilation plan should include/address the following:
(A) The complete pressure management strategy including negative
pressure application, wellhead equipment, use of packers, in-mine
piping, methane dilution, and water infusion.
(B) Procedures for controlling methane in the downstream hole.
(C) Remaining methane content and formation permeability.
(D) Potential for the coal seam to cave into the well.
(E) Dewatering methods.
(F) Record of the negative pressures applied to the system, methane
liberation, use of packers, any water infusion pressures, and
application time should be retained for each intersection.
(7) Remedial work--If problems are encountered in preparing the
holes for safe intersection, remedial measures must be taken to protect
the miners. For example, if only one-half of the calculated hole volume
of cement could be placed into a SDD well due to hole blockage, holes
should be drilled near each branch that will be intersected and squeeze
cemented using pressures sufficient to fracture into the potentially
empty SDD holes. The District Manager approval of the ventilation plan
for remedial +work shall be obtained on a case-by-case basis.
(d) Mandatory procedures after District Manager approval to mine
within the minimum working barrier around the well or branch of the
well:
(1) The operator, the District Manager, the miners' representative,
or the State may request a conference prior to any intersection or
after any intersection to discuss issues or concerns. Upon receipt
[[Page 53019]]
of any such request, the District Manager shall schedule a conference.
The party requesting the conference shall notify all other parties
listed above within a reasonable time prior to the conference to
provide opportunity for participation.
(2) The operator must notify the District Manager, the State, and
the miners' representative at least 48 hours prior to the intended
intersection of any CBM well.
(3) The initial intersection of a well or branch of a well
typically has a higher risk than subsequent intersections and indicates
if the well preparation is sufficient to prevent the inundation of
methane. For the initial intersection of a well or branch, the
following procedures are mandatory:
(i) Entries that will intersect either vertical segments or
branches of a well shall be noted with a readily visible marking that
notes the distance to the well. Such marking shall be located in the
last open crosscut when mining is within 100 feet of the well.
(ii) When a segment of a well will be intersected by a longwall,
drivage sights shall be installed on 10 feet centers starting 50 feet
in advance of the anticipated intersection. Drivage sights shall be
installed in the headgate entry of the longwall and note the shield
number at which the anticipated intersection is expected to occur or
begin in the case of a horizontal branch.
(iii) The operator shall ensure that fire-fighting equipment,
including fire extinguishers, rock dust, and sufficient fire hose to
reach the working face area of the mine-through (when either the
conventional or the continuous mining method is used), is available and
operable during all well mine-throughs. The fire hose shall be located
in the last open crosscut of the entry or room. The operator shall
maintain the water line to the belt conveyor tailpiece along with a
sufficient amount of fire hose to reach the farthest point of
penetration on the section. When the longwall mining method is used, a
hose to the longwall water supply is sufficient. All fire hoses shall
be connected and ready for use, but do not have to be charged with
water, during the cut-through.
(iv) The operator shall ensure that sufficient supplies of roof
support and ventilation materials are available at the working section.
In addition, emergency plugs, packers, and setting tools to seal both
sides of the well or branch shall be available in the immediate area of
the cut-through.
(v) When mining advances within the minimum working barrier
distance from the well or branch of the well, the operator shall
service all equipment and check for permissibility at least once daily.
Daily permissibility examinations must continue until the well or
branch is intersected or until mining exits the minimum working barrier
around the well or branch.
(vi) When mining advances within the minimum working barrier
distance from the well or branch of the well, the operator shall
calibrate the methane monitor(s) on the longwall, continuous mining
machine, or cutting machine and loading machine at least once daily.
Daily methane monitor calibration must continue until the well or
branch is intersected or until mining exits the minimum working barrier
around the well or branch.
(vii) When mining is in progress, the operator shall perform tests
for methane with a handheld methane detector at least every 10 minutes
from when the mining with the continuous mining machine or longwall
face is within the minimum working barrier around the well or branch.
During the cutting process, no individual shall be allowed on the
return side until the mine-through has been completed and the area has
been examined and declared safe. The shearer must be idle when any
miners are inby the tail drum.
(viii) When using continuous or conventional mining methods, the
working place shall be free from accumulations of coal dust and coal
spillages, and rock dust shall be placed on the roof, rib, and floor
within 20 feet of the face when mining through the well or branch. On
longwall sections, rock dust shall be applied on the roof, rib, and
floor up to both the headgate and tailgate pillared area.
(ix) Immediately after the well or branch is intersected, the
operator shall de-energize all equipment, and the certified person
shall thoroughly examine and determine the working place safe before
mining is resumed.
(x) After a well or branch has been intersected and the working
place determined safe, mining shall continue in by the well at a
sufficient distance to permit adequate ventilation around the area of
the well or branch.
(xi) No open flame shall be permitted in the area until adequate
ventilation has been established around the well bore or branch. Any
casing, tubing, or stuck tools will be removed using the methods
approved in the ventilation plan.
(xii) No person except those directly engaged in the operation
shall be permitted in the working place of the mine-through operation
during active mining.
(xiii) The operator shall warn all personnel directly engaged in
the operation of the planned intersection of the well or branch prior
to going underground if the intersection is to occur during their
shift.
(xiv) The mine-through operation shall be under the direct
supervision of a certified person. Instructions concerning the mine-
through operation shall be issued only by the certified person in
charge.
(xv) All miners shall be in known locations and stay in
communication with the responsible person, in accordance with the site-
specific approved Emergency Response Plan, when active mining occurs
within the minimum working barrier of the well or branch.
(xvi) The responsible person required under 30 CFR 75.1501 is
responsible for well intersection emergencies. The well intersection
procedures must be reviewed by the responsible person prior to any
planned intersection.
(xvii) A copy of the Decision and Order shall be maintained at the
mine and be available to the miners.
(xviii) The provisions of the Decision and Order do not impair the
authority of representatives of MSHA to interrupt or halt the mine
through operation and to issue a withdrawal order when they deem it
necessary for the safety of the miners. MSHA may order an interruption
or cessation of the mine-through operation and/or a withdrawal of
personnel by issuing either an oral or a written order to a
representative of the operator, which shall include the basis for the
order. Operations in the affected area of the mine may not resume until
a representative of MSHA permits resumption of mine-through operations.
The operator and miners shall comply with verbal or written MSHA orders
immediately. All oral orders shall be committed to writing within a
reasonable time as conditions permit.
(xix) For subsequent intersections of branches of a well,
appropriate procedures to protect the miners shall be specified in the
ventilation plan.
(e) Mandatory procedures after SDD intersections:
(1) All intersections with SDD wells and branches that are in
intake air courses shall be examined as part of the pre-shift
examinations required under 30 CFR 75.360.
(2) All other intersections with SDD wells and branches shall be
examined as part of the weekly examinations required under 30 CFR
75.364.
(f) Other requirements:
(1) A minimum working barrier of 300 feet in diameter shall be
maintained around all SDD wells until the operator submits proposed
revisions for its approved 30 CFR part 48 training plan
[[Page 53020]]
to the District Manager. These proposed revisions shall include initial
and refresher training regarding compliance with the terms and
conditions stated in the Decision and Order. The operator shall provide
all miners involved in the mine-through of a well or branch with
training regarding the requirements of the Decision and Order prior to
mining within the minimum working barrier of the next well or branch
intended to be mined through.
(2) A minimum working barrier of 300 feet in diameter shall be
maintained around all SDD wells until the operator has submitted
proposed revisions for its approved mine emergency evacuation and
firefighting program of instruction required by 30 CFR 75.1502. The
operator shall revise the program to include the hazards and evacuation
procedures to be used for well intersections. All underground miners
shall be trained in this revised program according to the revised mine
emergency evacuation and firefighting program of instruction prior to
mining within the minimum working barrier.
The petitioner asserts that the alternative method proposed will at
all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection
afforded the miners under the mandatory standard.
Song-ae Aromie Noe,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 2022-18618 Filed 8-29-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4520-43-P
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.