View Rule

View EO 12866 Meetings

Printer-Friendly Version Download RIN Data in XML

DOL/MSHA

RIN: 1219-AA96

Publication ID: Spring 1998

Title: Safety Standard Revisions for Underground Anthracite Mines
Abstract: There are two major types of coal mines -- bituminous and anthracite. The mining methods used and hazards encountered in underground anthracite mines are different from underground bituminous coal mines. Mining methods in anthracite mines include minimal use of mechanized equipment, slow rate of advance into the coal seam, and pitching and undulating seams. Because of these differences, some mine operators find it difficult to comply with existing safety standards at their anthracite mines. These anthracite mine operators must request a variance from existing standards to change the requirements. The variance process costs time and money. Because anthracite mines are usually small operations, this burden can be significant. MSHA has received over 300 variance requests from anthracite mine operators since January 1993. MSHA intends to issue a proposed rule to modify several existing safety standards to address more appropriately the specific conditions of the anthracite mining industry.
Agency: Department of Labor(DOL)	Priority: Other Significant
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage
Major: No	Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: 30 CFR 75
Legal Authority: 30 USC 811

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
NPRM	09/00/1998

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes	Government Levels Affected: None
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No
Agency Contact: Patricia W. Silvey Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration Room 631, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-3939 Phone:202 693-9440 Fax:202 693-9441 Email: silvey.patricia@dol.gov