Fed mine-safety boss calls for better standards for deep coal operations
The Salt Lake Tribune
October 12, 2007
the aftermath of the Crandall Canyon mine disaster, the head of the federal mine-safety agency said Thursday that he would like to see better standards to gauge the potential risk of mining deep coal seams, like those common in Utah, and a policy to encourage the sharing of mine safety information.
Assistant Secretary of Labor Richard Stickler said he would like to see the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) moving toward targets for mine stability, although it's too soon to set those standards.
"I don't think we know enough to put the parameters on it, but I think that's where I'd like to see us head," Stickler said.
In his wide-ranging interview with The Salt Lake Tribune, Stickler also said he is working on a policy to encourage the sharing of information on mine safety, assured MSHA would hold itself accountable for any shortcomings and supported a state role in mine inspections.
Stickler would not discuss the adequacy of MSHA's review of the Crandall Canyon mine plan or the engineering work behind the mine's design, saying those are issues that need to be addressed by the agency's accident investigation.
He said he was shaken by the Aug. 6 collapse that entombed six miners, and a subsequent cave-in on Aug. 16 that killed three rescuers. It is easy to say, in hindsight, that the rescuers should not have been in the mine, he said, but experts told MSHA the safety precautions would protect the people.
"Anyone who was there and part of that and wasn't traumatized in some way, I don't know, they're a lot stronger than I am," he said.
Stickler was in Salt Lake City to meet with investigators and the families of the victims of the Crandall Canyon collapse.
While the investigation is ongoing, Stickler said he has asked MSHA's technical experts to begin looking for common threads in mines that are prone to "bumps" - a frequent phenomenon in Utah's deep coal mines that occurs when the pressure from the mountain bearing down overwhelms the coal pillars supporting the mine, jolting the structure and shooting coal from the walls.
"There's no engineering methods to guarantee there won't be mountain bumps tomorrow or the next day," Stickler said. "There are some guidelines you can put in that will reduce the risk, and that's what I hope, that we'd move in the direction of reducing the risk."
He said he would eventually like to see data crunched on all working mines, so MSHA can develop guidelines for the approval of mines. Now, he said, designing coal mines is "a little bit of science, but you've got a lot of art," allowing for debate over whether a specific plan would work.
"At some point in time, you've got to say, look folks, the arguing is over. You pick something that gives you a high enough margin of safety and you mandate it. That may be one way to deal with it."
Stickler said MSHA is crafting a formal agreement to encourage the sharing of safety information with the Bureau of Land Management.
A BLM inspector who was in Crandall Canyon months before the collapse raised questions about the safety of mining being done, but the information never got to MSHA. At a hearing last week, Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., likened the communication breakdown to the failure of intelligence agencies to share information prior to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Stickler said the release of an engineering study of the mine last week was "unfortunate," because the engineering firm that designed the mine subsequently said it would not participate in the mine collapse investigation. Agapito Associates, the engineering firm, said Thursday it only sought to reschedule its meeting with MSHA investigators and would cooperate with investigators. The former director of coal mine safety in Pennsylvania, Stickler said having state inspectors working in Utah coal mines could improve safety. A Utah Mine Safety Commission, appointed by Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., is reviewing whether the state should take a more active role in regulating mines in the future.
"The answer to the question is pretty obvious: Two eyes are better than one, two people checking is better than one, two agencies is better than one," Stickler said.
Friday, October 12, 2007
THE MISTAKES IVE MADE
THE MISTAKES IVE MADE
I sit and ponder my life everyday, I think of the things I've done, seen, and lived through. I get down alot, when I think back at how some have judged me, and the decesions in life I have made. When I drive to work every morning now, I dont get down anymore.
I've been to Iraq twice, I was a firefighter, I've seen live lived, and how quick it gets taken from you. So unlike those who throw stones, I dont. Everyone makes mistakes.
Before you talk about someone or judge them, look into thier eyes, think of where they have been or been through.
I cant even get mad at those who judge me anymore, or throw stones at me, for now I know and understand, they arent or will ever be half the man I am.
I was raised dirt poor, worked for everything I ever had. Ive looked in the coal stained face of my grandaddy and my dad, and wondered why they would do what they do. Of course, it was good money, the best around here, but also a pride thing. They were Miners, Underground Miners. Not many men would ever think of doing what they do. Now I am following in thier footsteps, and I realize now, after everything ive been through, the meaning of life.
When I drive to work every morning, and see the morning dew sparkling in the moonlight, and deer grazing in the fields, I understand life, gods creations, peace and happiness.
When I come out of the mines everyday,. and see the sunlight once again, and feel the feeling of racing home to see my family, all the while thanking the lord for letting me see it all one more time, I realize the true meaning of life. It aint money, it aint talking about someone elses mistakes, its about being the best you can, doing the best you can, not only for you, but your family. Its about the smile on your little boys face, or the look of relief in your wifes eyes that you made it home again. Its about that all day fishing trip with your wife and son on the lake, taking pictures of your son with his frst fish, or petting a grey squrill.
Life to me, is much more than listening to you ridicule or down me for what ive done wrong, for i know you could never do what i do everyday, for your family, or for yourself. Those who throw stones at others have problems theirselves, and downing someone else is just your way of makng yourself feel like a man. I feel sorry for your kids, for if your thier picture of a man, your son will never be much.
I sit and ponder my life everyday, I think of the things I've done, seen, and lived through. I get down alot, when I think back at how some have judged me, and the decesions in life I have made. When I drive to work every morning now, I dont get down anymore.
I've been to Iraq twice, I was a firefighter, I've seen live lived, and how quick it gets taken from you. So unlike those who throw stones, I dont. Everyone makes mistakes.
Before you talk about someone or judge them, look into thier eyes, think of where they have been or been through.
I cant even get mad at those who judge me anymore, or throw stones at me, for now I know and understand, they arent or will ever be half the man I am.
I was raised dirt poor, worked for everything I ever had. Ive looked in the coal stained face of my grandaddy and my dad, and wondered why they would do what they do. Of course, it was good money, the best around here, but also a pride thing. They were Miners, Underground Miners. Not many men would ever think of doing what they do. Now I am following in thier footsteps, and I realize now, after everything ive been through, the meaning of life.
When I drive to work every morning, and see the morning dew sparkling in the moonlight, and deer grazing in the fields, I understand life, gods creations, peace and happiness.
When I come out of the mines everyday,. and see the sunlight once again, and feel the feeling of racing home to see my family, all the while thanking the lord for letting me see it all one more time, I realize the true meaning of life. It aint money, it aint talking about someone elses mistakes, its about being the best you can, doing the best you can, not only for you, but your family. Its about the smile on your little boys face, or the look of relief in your wifes eyes that you made it home again. Its about that all day fishing trip with your wife and son on the lake, taking pictures of your son with his frst fish, or petting a grey squrill.
Life to me, is much more than listening to you ridicule or down me for what ive done wrong, for i know you could never do what i do everyday, for your family, or for yourself. Those who throw stones at others have problems theirselves, and downing someone else is just your way of makng yourself feel like a man. I feel sorry for your kids, for if your thier picture of a man, your son will never be much.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Church group opposes Bush mine rule change
Church group opposes Bush mine rule change
October 11, 2007 3:09 PM
CHARLESTON, W.Va.
The West Virginia Council of Churches is slamming the Bush administration and its proposed revision of federal mining rules covering mining near waterways.The group says exempting valley fills from a so-called buffer zone requirement defaces creation and abuses God's gift to humanity.
The council announced its stance today at a press conference outside the state Capitol.
The press conference preceded hearings scheduled for October 24th in Charleston; Hazard, Kentucky; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Washington, Pennsylvania; for comment on the proposed rule change.
The U.S. Office of Surface Mining wants to exempt valley fills from a 20-year-old rule that prohibits any mining activity within 100 feet of a stream.
The new regulations would allow mining that would alter a stream's flow as long as any damage to the environment is repaired later.
While the proposal would apply nationwide, valley fills generally refer to mountaintop removal mining sites. During such mining, excess rock and dirt is dumped in fills that often bury streams.
On the Net: Office of Surface Mining: http://www.osmre.gov/
October 11, 2007 3:09 PM
CHARLESTON, W.Va.
The West Virginia Council of Churches is slamming the Bush administration and its proposed revision of federal mining rules covering mining near waterways.The group says exempting valley fills from a so-called buffer zone requirement defaces creation and abuses God's gift to humanity.
The council announced its stance today at a press conference outside the state Capitol.
The press conference preceded hearings scheduled for October 24th in Charleston; Hazard, Kentucky; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Washington, Pennsylvania; for comment on the proposed rule change.
The U.S. Office of Surface Mining wants to exempt valley fills from a 20-year-old rule that prohibits any mining activity within 100 feet of a stream.
The new regulations would allow mining that would alter a stream's flow as long as any damage to the environment is repaired later.
While the proposal would apply nationwide, valley fills generally refer to mountaintop removal mining sites. During such mining, excess rock and dirt is dumped in fills that often bury streams.
On the Net: Office of Surface Mining: http://www.osmre.gov/
Hearings set on proposed revision of mining rule
Hearings set on proposed revision of mining rule
October 11, 2007 5:35 AM
CHARLESTON, W.Va.
Public hearings will be held the same day in four coal states on a proposed revision of federal mining rules that would exempt valley fills from a buffer zone requirement.The U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement said Wednesday that the hearings are set for Oct. 24 in Charleston, Hazard, Ky., Knoxville, Tenn., and Washington, Pa.
The agency wants to exempt valley fills from a 20-year-old rule that prohibits any mining activity within 100 feet of streams.
Valley fills are waste dirt and rock from mountaintop removal mining, which involves shearing off the tops of ridges to expose a coal seam.
Information from: The Charleston Gazette, http://www.wvgazette.com
October 11, 2007 5:35 AM
CHARLESTON, W.Va.
Public hearings will be held the same day in four coal states on a proposed revision of federal mining rules that would exempt valley fills from a buffer zone requirement.The U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement said Wednesday that the hearings are set for Oct. 24 in Charleston, Hazard, Ky., Knoxville, Tenn., and Washington, Pa.
The agency wants to exempt valley fills from a 20-year-old rule that prohibits any mining activity within 100 feet of streams.
Valley fills are waste dirt and rock from mountaintop removal mining, which involves shearing off the tops of ridges to expose a coal seam.
Information from: The Charleston Gazette, http://www.wvgazette.com
Mine disaster drills address safety, family and media
Mine disaster drills address safety, family and media
October 10, 2007 4:23 PM
HOLMES MILL, Ky.
Rescue drills have always been a practice of U.S. coal companies.But high-profile mine disasters over the past two years have forced the industry to practice something else: dealing with victims' families and the media.
That was part of the focus of a mock disaster drill today at Lone Mountain Processing Company's Clover Fork Mine in Holmes Mill, Kentucky.
Nearly 100 federal and state officials, miners and other personnel role-played not only as first-responders and investigators, but also as reporters and panicked family members.
Company President and General Manager Thurmond Holcomb says the drill was in response to recent disasters.
The mock disaster took place less than a mile from the Kentucky Darby Mine, which lost five men to a May 2006 underground explosion.
Those deaths, plus the 12 at West Virginia's Sago Mine last year and the recent cave-in that killed six more in Utah, drew criticism about how victims' relatives were treated. Mine companies also took hits for how information was released to the public.
October 10, 2007 4:23 PM
HOLMES MILL, Ky.
Rescue drills have always been a practice of U.S. coal companies.But high-profile mine disasters over the past two years have forced the industry to practice something else: dealing with victims' families and the media.
That was part of the focus of a mock disaster drill today at Lone Mountain Processing Company's Clover Fork Mine in Holmes Mill, Kentucky.
Nearly 100 federal and state officials, miners and other personnel role-played not only as first-responders and investigators, but also as reporters and panicked family members.
Company President and General Manager Thurmond Holcomb says the drill was in response to recent disasters.
The mock disaster took place less than a mile from the Kentucky Darby Mine, which lost five men to a May 2006 underground explosion.
Those deaths, plus the 12 at West Virginia's Sago Mine last year and the recent cave-in that killed six more in Utah, drew criticism about how victims' relatives were treated. Mine companies also took hits for how information was released to the public.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Bush administration ‘weak link,’ Byrd says
Bush administration ‘weak link,’
Byrd says
Mine safety mission diluted, senator says
Charleston Gazette - WV,
;
October 9, 2007
The Bush administration has been the “weak link” that has eroded mine safety protections in the coal industry, Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., said Monday.
Byrd continued his criticism of the administration’s mine safety policies during a visit to the federal Mine Safety and Health Academy near Beckley.
In a prepared statement, Byrd said that coal miners rely on a “chain of command” — elected officials, federal Mine Safety and Health Administration inspectors and the administration — to protect their health and safety.
“This chain of responsibility is only as strong as its weakest link,” Byrd said. “And I am here today to draw attention to the fact that this administration has been the weak link.
“They have allowed the capacity of MSHA to grow weaker,” Byrd said. “We don’t have enough inspections, or inspectors.
“They have allowed the core mission of safety to be diluted by a preoccupation with compliance consulting,” Byrd added. “They have not realized that weakening mine safety ultimately weakens the whole mining industry.”
Byrd continued his criticism after last week’s disclosure by MSHA that it is behind on completing required inspections at coal mines across the country.
New MSHA data show that the inspection problems started during the 2006 federal financial year, which ran from Oct. 1, 2005, through Sept. 30, 2006.
That year, MSHA’s inspection completion rate dropped from 99 percent nationwide in financial year 2005, to 95 percent nationwide, the lowest in more than a decade.
In MSHA District 4, which covers Southern West Virginia, the completion rate dropped from 98 percent in the 2005 financial year to 82 percent in 2006, the new agency data show.
MSHA has been under fire from Byrd and Rep. Nick J. Rahall, D-W.Va., over inspection lapses at mines in Southern West Virginia. Last month, the Gazette reported that MSHA was behind schedule to complete inspections at two Southern West Virginia mines where workers were killed. The agency is behind schedule to complete required quarterly inspections at 60 percent of the active underground mines in Southern West Virginia, MSHA records show.
Since 1969, federal regulators have been required to inspect all underground mines in their entirety at least four times per year. For years, MSHA’s written policies have interpreted that as a requirement to complete regular inspections of all underground mines each quarter.
By law, strip mines must be inspected in their entirety twice a year.
Last week, MSHA chief Richard Stickler announced a “100 Percent Plan” for the agency to catch up on required inspections.
Stickler has ordered inspectors to be temporarily reassigned and for MSHA managers to authorize 46,000 hours of overtime nationwide to correct missed inspections across the country’s coalfields.
In a statement, Stickler blamed the inspection problems on “the large number of inspector-trainees replacing retired or departing inspectors.”
But those trainees were hired to fill inspection slots that were eliminated by budget and staffing cuts initiated by the Bush administration, Byrd and Rahall have noted.
“I am here today to remind all West Virginians that there is an ideological struggle taking place between the administration and those with genuine concern for the safety of America’s coal miners and their families,” Byrd said Monday
Byrd says
Mine safety mission diluted, senator says
Charleston Gazette - WV,
;
October 9, 2007
The Bush administration has been the “weak link” that has eroded mine safety protections in the coal industry, Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., said Monday.
Byrd continued his criticism of the administration’s mine safety policies during a visit to the federal Mine Safety and Health Academy near Beckley.
In a prepared statement, Byrd said that coal miners rely on a “chain of command” — elected officials, federal Mine Safety and Health Administration inspectors and the administration — to protect their health and safety.
“This chain of responsibility is only as strong as its weakest link,” Byrd said. “And I am here today to draw attention to the fact that this administration has been the weak link.
“They have allowed the capacity of MSHA to grow weaker,” Byrd said. “We don’t have enough inspections, or inspectors.
“They have allowed the core mission of safety to be diluted by a preoccupation with compliance consulting,” Byrd added. “They have not realized that weakening mine safety ultimately weakens the whole mining industry.”
Byrd continued his criticism after last week’s disclosure by MSHA that it is behind on completing required inspections at coal mines across the country.
New MSHA data show that the inspection problems started during the 2006 federal financial year, which ran from Oct. 1, 2005, through Sept. 30, 2006.
That year, MSHA’s inspection completion rate dropped from 99 percent nationwide in financial year 2005, to 95 percent nationwide, the lowest in more than a decade.
In MSHA District 4, which covers Southern West Virginia, the completion rate dropped from 98 percent in the 2005 financial year to 82 percent in 2006, the new agency data show.
MSHA has been under fire from Byrd and Rep. Nick J. Rahall, D-W.Va., over inspection lapses at mines in Southern West Virginia. Last month, the Gazette reported that MSHA was behind schedule to complete inspections at two Southern West Virginia mines where workers were killed. The agency is behind schedule to complete required quarterly inspections at 60 percent of the active underground mines in Southern West Virginia, MSHA records show.
Since 1969, federal regulators have been required to inspect all underground mines in their entirety at least four times per year. For years, MSHA’s written policies have interpreted that as a requirement to complete regular inspections of all underground mines each quarter.
By law, strip mines must be inspected in their entirety twice a year.
Last week, MSHA chief Richard Stickler announced a “100 Percent Plan” for the agency to catch up on required inspections.
Stickler has ordered inspectors to be temporarily reassigned and for MSHA managers to authorize 46,000 hours of overtime nationwide to correct missed inspections across the country’s coalfields.
In a statement, Stickler blamed the inspection problems on “the large number of inspector-trainees replacing retired or departing inspectors.”
But those trainees were hired to fill inspection slots that were eliminated by budget and staffing cuts initiated by the Bush administration, Byrd and Rahall have noted.
“I am here today to remind all West Virginians that there is an ideological struggle taking place between the administration and those with genuine concern for the safety of America’s coal miners and their families,” Byrd said Monday
Monday, October 8, 2007
MineTheft.com is Helping to Eliminate Mining Related Thefts.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
:CONTACT
:James NagleMineTheft.com
304-855-7080 x1 –
Phone888-396-0418 –
FaxEmail:
info@...http://www.minetheft.com
MineTheft.com is Helping to Eliminate Mining Related Thefts.
Chapmanville, WV
– October 08, 2007.
MineTheft.com is a website whose mission is to put an end to miningrelated thefts. Since launch of the website on August 15th, 2007numerous mining operations have signed up for this free service andmany thefts have been reported online. "This website gives theentire mining community a portal to share information concerningthefts. As of today, there have been 60 mining operations sign upfor this service. But most alarming, a total of 74 SCSR's have beenreported stolen from these various mining operations." said JamesNagle of MineTheft.com.SCSR's, or Self-Contain Self-Rescuers, are a breathing apparatusdesigned to aid a miners escape during an event in which theatmosphere becomes toxic.A West Virginia legislator, Del. Virginia Mahan, D-Summers, issuggesting that the law be altered to provide enhanced felonypenalties for such acts. "We applaud Delegate Mahan," said JamesNagle. "Anyone who would steal an item designed to save someone'slife should get the maximum possible penalty." he added.Mr. Nagle has reported that the website is working to help curb someof these thefts.
One such incident involved an undisclosed miningcontractor whose employees were stealing from an operation. Oncethey were fired, they went to work for another mining company. But their reputation soon caught up to them once an anonymous tip waspassed along.MineTheft.com has reported that it is currently working to build anationwide database of rescuers to aid in the tracking of stolenSCSR's. Even though the SCSR's are stamped with a serial number andunder new laws have to be reported to MSHA as well as the state ofWV, no federal or state database exists to cross-reference theseserial numbers and find out where a stolen rescuer will end up.MineTheft.com currently has a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act)request into the US Department of Labor, MSHA, for copies of all SCSRreports which have been filed so as to build this database.MineTheft.com is a totally free service provided to all miningoperations nationwide. For continued support the organization issoliciting sponsorship from interested mining vendors. Vendors whosponsor the website pledge not to buy or sell any suspiciousmerchandise and to report any suspicious activities. Sponsorshipgets the vendor's name to the nations top mining companies andaffords the benefit of being associated with an organization such as MineTheft.com.
Mining operations are encouraged to ask that theirvendors become MineTheft.com certified.
For additional information, contact James Nagle @ 304-855-7080 x1
- END -
:CONTACT
:James NagleMineTheft.com
304-855-7080 x1 –
Phone888-396-0418 –
FaxEmail:
info@...http://www.minetheft.com
MineTheft.com is Helping to Eliminate Mining Related Thefts.
Chapmanville, WV
– October 08, 2007.
MineTheft.com is a website whose mission is to put an end to miningrelated thefts. Since launch of the website on August 15th, 2007numerous mining operations have signed up for this free service andmany thefts have been reported online. "This website gives theentire mining community a portal to share information concerningthefts. As of today, there have been 60 mining operations sign upfor this service. But most alarming, a total of 74 SCSR's have beenreported stolen from these various mining operations." said JamesNagle of MineTheft.com.SCSR's, or Self-Contain Self-Rescuers, are a breathing apparatusdesigned to aid a miners escape during an event in which theatmosphere becomes toxic.A West Virginia legislator, Del. Virginia Mahan, D-Summers, issuggesting that the law be altered to provide enhanced felonypenalties for such acts. "We applaud Delegate Mahan," said JamesNagle. "Anyone who would steal an item designed to save someone'slife should get the maximum possible penalty." he added.Mr. Nagle has reported that the website is working to help curb someof these thefts.
One such incident involved an undisclosed miningcontractor whose employees were stealing from an operation. Oncethey were fired, they went to work for another mining company. But their reputation soon caught up to them once an anonymous tip waspassed along.MineTheft.com has reported that it is currently working to build anationwide database of rescuers to aid in the tracking of stolenSCSR's. Even though the SCSR's are stamped with a serial number andunder new laws have to be reported to MSHA as well as the state ofWV, no federal or state database exists to cross-reference theseserial numbers and find out where a stolen rescuer will end up.MineTheft.com currently has a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act)request into the US Department of Labor, MSHA, for copies of all SCSRreports which have been filed so as to build this database.MineTheft.com is a totally free service provided to all miningoperations nationwide. For continued support the organization issoliciting sponsorship from interested mining vendors. Vendors whosponsor the website pledge not to buy or sell any suspiciousmerchandise and to report any suspicious activities. Sponsorshipgets the vendor's name to the nations top mining companies andaffords the benefit of being associated with an organization such as MineTheft.com.
Mining operations are encouraged to ask that theirvendors become MineTheft.com certified.
For additional information, contact James Nagle @ 304-855-7080 x1
- END -
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