Revised 09/30/2010

VENTILATION PLAN PART A

(a
)

Date

Mine ID

Company Name

Mine Name

Name of Individual Submitting Plan

(b)

Unintentional Fan Stoppage

The main fan will be maintained in continuous operation except when
approved for new mine developments. In the event that the fan fails or
unintentionally stops and the stoppage exceeds 15 minutes, such fan shall
operate for at least minutes or a time equal to the fan stoppage if less
than minutes, at normal pressure before certified examiners shall enter
the mine to conduct an examination as described in 30 CFR Section 75.360(b).

Intentional Fan Stoppage

Yes
The fan can be intentionally stopped for the first 1500 feet of
mining for a
new mine.
No
(c)

Main Fan Installation

Exhaust
Blowing
15 offset

Other method of protection

Combustible material
such as

, may be
stored
within 100 feet of the main mine fan and intake openings provided with

the
following
precautions:

(d)

Back-up Fan System

No
Yes Persons permitted to enter the mine:

(e)

N/A (anthracite)

(f)

Face Ventilation Systems

Exhaust
Blowing
Drawings of section and face ventilation systems are attached. See
Attachment .
1

Revised 09/30/2010

(l)

Face Ventilation Controls

An exhausting face ventilation system will be used in places where coal is
being cut, mined, loaded, or drilled and a machine mounted scrubber is
not provided.
The line curtain shall extend to within 10 feet of the deepest point of
penetration at the beginning of the loading cycle. When mining or loading
progresses 10 feet, the line curtain will be extended to the last row of
permanent roof supports.
Line brattice will not be maintained during second mining in places where coal
is being cut, mined, drilled or loaded. However, a minimum mean entry air
velocity will be maintained across the continuous mining machine as stated on
the MMU Continuous Mining Machine Dust Suppression System
attachment(s).
In places where coal is being cut, mined, drilled, or loaded and a machine
mounted scrubber is provided the following items marked by X will apply:
Yes

When an exhausting system of face ventilation is used, the

scrubber outlet and the line brattice will be maintained on the
same side of the machine. The end of the line brattice shall be
maintained outby the scrubber discharge port but not farther back
than feet outby the end of the continuous mining machine
boom, until such curtain has been advanced to the last full row of
permanent supports.

Yes

When a blowing system of face ventilation is used, the line

curtain shall be maintained on the opposite side of the working
place as the scrubber discharge. The line curtain shall be
maintained within 10 feet of the deepest penetration at the
beginning of the cycle, as mining or loading progresses ten (10)
feet, the line brattice will be extended to the last row of
permanent supports.

In places where roof bolt installation is being conducted, the line brattice will
be advanced to within ten (10) feet of deepest face penetration when roof
bolting is completed.
In idle faces, the line brattice may be rolled up or removed to allow for
cleaning. The line brattice will remain in place until immediately prior to
scooping and will be reinstalled immediately upon completion of scooping or if
scooping is interrupted.
The line brattice across the last open crosscut of each idle place may be rolled
up or removed.

Revised 09/30/2010

When a minimum quantity of air is required in idle faces and cleanup is

performed with machinery the following items marked by X will apply:
Install a line curtain on the opposite side of the entry prior to
cleaning the curtain side of the entry. See face ventilation
drawing(s) Attachment .
A digital methane detector that will provide an audible alarm at
1.0% will be installed on the last row of permanent roof support
and will be legible to the scoop operator at all times during the
cleaning process.
A certified person will continuously monitor for methane in the
place, and from a safe location until the idle face ventilation is
restored.
Other:
Deep Cuts
(m)

No

Yes, See Attachment - Deep Cut Provisions

See Attachment - Step Cut Sequence

Last Open X-Cut Air Quantity

A minimum of cubic feet per minute (cfm) of air will be maintained in the
last open crosscut of each working section and permanent ventilation controls
(stoppings) will be maintained to and including the third connecting crosscut
outby the working face.
A minimum of cubic feet per minute (cfm) of air will be maintained
reaching the intake end of a pillar line.

(n)

N/A (anthracite)

(o)

Separation of Intake and Return Air Courses

Reference Item (m) above

(p)

Longwalls
Volume of air required at the intake to longwall sections: cubic feet per
minute.
(q)

Longwalls
The minimum air velocity on the face during retreat shall be cubic feet
per minute (cfm). The minimum air velocity of the face during retreat shall be
feet per minute (fpm) as measured to feet from the
headgate, and fpm as measured to to feet from the tailgate.
3

Revised 09/30/2010

(r)

Installation and Removal of Mechanized Mining Equipment

On sections where mechanized mining equipment is being installed or
removed, ventilation controls will be maintained as for an active section. A
minimum of cubic feet per minute (cfm) of air will be maintained in the
last open crosscut in accordance with paragraph (m) of this plan.

(s)

Frequency of Methane Test

N/A Methane tests will be taken in accordance with 30 CFR 75.362(d)(1)(iii).

(v)

Trolley Haulage
N/A There are no trolley haulage entries in this mine.

(w)

Other Line Brattice

N/A Compliance in accordance with 30 CFR 75.333(g).

(x)

Bleeder Systems
Bleeder systems, including their design, will be submitted for approval on
sketches or maps for such purpose or on maps submitted in compliance with
30 CFR 75.372. Wrap around, bleeder equivalents or a combination of both
systems may be used.

(y)

Bleeder System Effectiveness

The effectiveness of bleeder systems will be determined by traveling the
bleeders or by traveling to approved bleeder evaluation points. The
evaluation will include measurements for methane and oxygen concentrations
and measurements to determine the air quantity and direction at strategic
locations along the bleeders and such locations will be shown on the maps
which are submitted in compliance with 30 CFR 75.372. The results of the air
quantity and quality readings will be recorded in a book as required by 30 CFR
75.364 (h) and such readings will be evaluated to determine normal trends. If
such air measurements reflect a significant reduction in the normal ventilation
quantity or a significant change in methane and oxygen concentrations that
deviate from normal concentrations, an investigation will be conducted
immediately to determine if the bleeder is functioning properly. If it is
determined that the bleeder system is not function properly, corrective
action(s) will be implemented.

(z)

Measuring Locations
Bleeder evaluation points, measuring locations, and strategic locations are
shown on Attachment - Evaluation Points and Location for
approved bleeder systems and worked out areas.

(aa) Bleeder System Maintenance

Water in bleeder entries which would adversely affect gob ventilation or safe
travel, will be controlled by pumping and/or drainage. Roof and ribs in the
bleeder entry will be controlled to provide a safe travel-way by installing
supplemental roof support in areas of adverse roof conditions or by leaving
additional coal barrier blocks to protect the bleeder entry from gob pressures.
(bb) Ventilation Controls
4

Revised 09/30/2010

The location of ventilating devices such as regulators, stoppings, and bleeder

connectors used to control air movement through worked out areas will be
shown on the mine ventilation map submitted in accordance with 30 CFR
75.372.

(cc) N/A
(dd) N/A
(ee) N/A
(ff)

Seal Convergence
Seal convergence will be monitored by installing calibrated pogo sticks
near the face of each seal upon completion. Each seal will be monitored for
convergence at least every days. Any measurable convergence will be
recorded in the .

(gg) N/A
(hh) Carbon Monoxide Monitoring
The ambient level for carbon monoxide is (parts per million) where
carbon monoxide sensors are installed. This ambient was determined by
.
(ii)
N/A
(jj)
N/A
(kk) N/A
(ll)
N/A
(mm) N/A
(nn) N/A
(oo) N/A
(pp) N/A
(qq) N/A
(rr) N/A
(ss) N/A
(tt) N/A
(uu) N/A
(vv) N/A
(ww) N/A
(xx) N/A
(yy) N/A

Revised 09/30/2010

VENTILATION PLAN PART B (HEALTH)

Mine ID

Date

Company Name

Mine Name

(f)

Dust Suppression System

A description of dust suppression systems used on equipment is provided on
Attachment .

(g)

Face Ventilation

Exhaust

Blowing

In places where coal is being cut, mined, drilled, or loaded and a machine
mounted scrubber is provided the following items marked by X will apply:
Yes

In working places where exhaust face ventilation is used and

the continuous miner is equipped with an operating scrubber the
minimum volume of air will equal the operating volume of the
scrubber or that volume necessary for a mean entry air velocity as
required, whichever is greater. That volume shall be maintained
at the inby end of the line curtain in places where coal is being
cut, mined, loaded or drilled. The scrubber will remain in
operation at all times when coal is being cut, mined, drilled or
loaded except during development of the first cut in a crosscut or
the first cut from a flush face in a heading where the line curtain,
the scrubber discharge, and the direction of the cut are in the
same direction.

Yes

In working places where blowing face ventilation is used the

continuous miner will be equipped with an operating scrubber.
The quantity of air discharged from the inby end of the blowing
line curtain will be maintained equal to the operating volume of
the scrubber. This quantity may vary + 10% or 500 cfm
(whichever is lower).

The scrubber will not be in operation when measuring air quantity in the
place where an exhaust or blowing line curtain is used in order to ensure that
recirculation will not occur. However, the scrubber will be in operation when
balancing the air quantity behind the line curtain with the operating volume of
the scrubber where a blowing line curtain is used.
The scrubber will not be in operation during retreat mining and air is coursed
across the continuous mining machine into the gob.
All air measurements will be taken with the equipment positioned in the
working place.
6

Revised 09/30/2010

When a machine mounted scrubber is utilized where coal is being cut, mined,
drilled or loaded it will be maintained in accordance with manufacturers
recommendations.

The scrubber inlet, duct work, demister, and all other components will be
cleaned and flushed at least .

The jet pump will be back flushed at least .

The filter screen will be cleaned and flushed or changed at least .

(h)

N/A (anthracite)

(i)

Idle Places
The minimum air quantity maintained in places other than those where coal is
being cut, mine, drilled for blasting or loaded is stated on the MMU
Continuous Mining Machine Dust Suppression System attachment(s).

(j)

Dust Collection
The operating volume of the machine mounted dust collectors is stated on the
MMU Continuous Mining Machine Dust Suppression System
attachment(s).
The dust collection system(s) on all roof bolting machine(s), regardless of
their use in the face or in outby areas, shall be maintained in permissible and
operable condition and in accordance with 30 CFR 72.630.
The dust collected by the permissible dust collector will be disposed of along
the base of the ribs with the disposal person positioned upwind.
The exposure of the roof bolting crew, will be limited to bolting not more than
cuts of the continuous miner, per bolting crew, per shift when the roof
bolting crew is positioned on the return side of the continuous mining
machine.
The exposure of the scoop operator, when positioned on the return side of the
continuous mining machine, will be limited to cleaning and rock dusting not
more than cuts of the continuous miner per operator shift.
Utility workers positioned on the return side of the continuous mining machine
will be isolated with curtains to limit exposure in the work area.
Mining will not penetrate into areas of higher pressure(s). Prior to mining into
an area of higher pressure, a curtain will be installed across the entry or
crosscut immediately prior to intersecting such entry or crosscut to lower the
pressure in this area.

(k)

Mean Entry Air Velocity

The mean entry air velocity where coal is being cut, mined, drilled, or loaded
and exhaust face ventilation is being utilized will be no less than the velocity
7

Revised 09/30/2010

stated on the MMU Continuous Mining Machine Dust Suppression

System attachment(s).
(t)

Designated Area Sampling Points

When a blowing main fan is in operation a designated sampling point will be
established and located in the belt haulage entry not more than fifty (50) feet
inby the belt entry portal and not more than fifty (50) feet outby each forth
dust generation point along the belt haulage system. The sampling
instrument will be positioned at normal breathing level but not less than one
(1) foot from the roof or rib sampling instruments for equipment designated
areas shall be maintained within thirty-six (36) inches of the workstation.
When an exhaust main fan is in operation a designated sampling point will
be established and located not more than fifty (50) feet outby the section
loading point and not more than 50 feet inby each fourth dust generation
point along the belt haulage system. The sampling instrument will be
positioned at normal breathing level but not less than one (1) foot from the
roof or rib sampling instruments for equipment designated areas shall be
maintained within thirty-six (36) inches of the workstation.
Designated area identification and physical location(s) are identified on
Attachment ).

(u)

Methane and Dust Control

Methane at underground dumps, crushers, transfer points, and along haulage
roads and travel-ways will be controlled by directing ventilation through these
areas.
Water will be applied to the top portion of the bottom belt of the conveyor
haulage system.
Discharge points along the conveyor haulage system will be provided with
water sprays and a spray nozzle pressure will be maintained at a
pressure of not less than psi. At least of the discharge point sprays
will be maintained operable at all time.
Dust on haulage roads and travelways will be controlled by the application of
water or water entraining agents to maintain haulage ways damp.
Safety Precautions when cleaning up roof falls or shot rock:

No one will be permitted down-wind, in the direction of air flow while the
material is being cut, mined, or loaded.

A minimum volume of cfm or mean entry air velocity

(whichever is greater) will be coursed across the continuous mining
machine at all times while the material is being cut, mined, or loaded.

Revised 09/30/2010

All ventilation coursed across the continuous mining machine while the
material is being cut, mined, or loaded will be directed to the return air
course.

All dust suppression systems as stated on the MMU Continuous

Mining Machine Dust Suppression System attachment(s) will be
maintained at all times except the operation of a wetted bed scrubber
which will not be operated, while the material is being cut, mined, or
loaded.

ATTACHMENT
DEEP CUT PROVISIONS
Deep cuts are defined as cuts which exceed 20 feet in depth as measured from
the last full row of permanent roof support. When deep cuts are taken the
following shall apply.
1. The maximum depth of cut is limited to feet as measured from the last
full row of permanent roof supports.
2. The continuous mining machine will be equipped with an operating machine
mounted wetted bed scrubber or a fan spray dust suppression system.
3. The methane monitor installed on the continuous mining machine will have a
methane indicating digital readout that will be legible to the continuous
mining machine operator or helper at all times when the machine is being
operated.
4. The methane monitor will be calibrated to de-energize the continuous mining
machine at 1.5 percent of methane.
5. The fire suppression system on the continuous mining machine will be capable
of being activated when the miner is de-energized and without any person
having to be positioned beyond permanently supported roof.
6. If the parameters specified for deep cuts cannot be maintained, but are within
the parameters for a normal cut, the maximum depth of cut will be limited to
twenty (20) feet.
7. Upon notification by MSHA, by citation, of noncompliance with the respirable
dust standard on a mechanized mining unit, deep cuts will be suspended on
that MMU until further notice, and the maximum depth of cut will be limited to
twenty (20) feet as measured from the last full row of permanent roof
supports.