45.1-161.254 - Regulations governing conditions and practices at surface coal mines. - Virginia Statutes

§ 45.1-161.254. Regulations governing conditions and practices at surfacecoal mines.

A. The Chief shall have authority, after consultation with the Virginia CoalMine Safety Board and in accordance with the provisions of the AdministrativeProcess Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.), to promulgate rules and regulationsnecessary to ensure safe and healthy working conditions in surface coal minesin the Commonwealth. Such rules and regulations governing surface coal minesshall relate to:

1. Safety and health standards for the protection of the life, health andproperty of, and the prevention of injuries to persons involved in or likelyto be affected by any surface coal mining operations which shall include butnot be limited to the control of dust concentration levels; installation,maintenance and use of electrical devices, equipment, cables and wires; fireprotection; the use and storage of explosives; hoistings; drilling; loadingand haulage areas; training of surface miners; preparation of responses toemergencies; examinations of conditions at a surface mine site; and reportingrequirements;

2. The storage or disposal of any matter or materials extracted or disturbedas the result of a surface coal mining operation or operations or used in themining operation or for the refinement or preparation of the materialsextracted from the coal mining operation so that such matter or material doesnot threaten the health or safety of the miners or the general public; and

3. The operation, inspection, operating condition and movement of drillingequipment and machines to protect the health, safety and property of minersand the general public.

B. The Chief shall not promulgate any rule or regulation establishingrequirements for the operation of, or conditions at, a surface coal minewhich are inconsistent with requirements established by this Act.

(Code 1950, §§ 45-8, 45-84; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-104; 1972, c.784; 1974, c. 323; 1975, c. 520; 1978, c. 120; 1982, c. 118; 1990, c. 963;1994, c. 28.)