45.1-161.220 - Bleeder systems. - Virginia Statutes

§ 45.1-161.220. Bleeder systems.

A. All mines shall have a system, which has been approved by the Chief, ofbleeder openings of air courses designed to provide positive movement of airthrough or around worked-out areas which is sufficient to prevent a hazardousaccumulation of gas in such areas and to minimize the effect of variations inatmospheric pressure. Operators shall submit bleeder system plans whichcomply with requirements developed by the Chief. The system requirementsdeveloped by the Chief shall, at a minimum, address standards for (i)supplemental roof supports, (ii) water accumulation, (iii) continuousmovement of gases from gob areas, (iv) methane content, (v) the use andoperation of degasification systems, (vi) air flow direction, and content,(vii) ventilation controls. The Chief shall not approve a plan which providesfor a methane content exceeding four and one-half percent in bleeder aircourses. Failure to comply with an approved plan will be a violation of thissection. This section shall not prohibit the sealing of worked-out areas inaccordance with § 45.1-161.228.

B. The mine map requirements of § 45.1-161.64 may be used to depict bleedersystem standards specified in this section.

(Code 1950, § 45-60.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-56; 1968, c. 310;1978, c. 120; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c. 256.)