Program Policy Manual - VOLUME V - Mine Safety and Health ...

MSHA PROGRAM POLICY MANUAL VOLUME V
tunnel. "Equivalent size" means that the smallest dimension in the
escapeway from draw-off tunnels shall be no less than 30 inches.
77.214 Refuse Piles; General
A "safe distance," as used in Paragraph (a) of this section,
should be at least 300 feet. Any proposal to construct a refuse
pile within 300 feet should be reviewed by the District Manger.
"Fenced or otherwise guarded" as used in Paragraph (d) means a
gate or other similar barrier across the entrance or exits to and
from the refuse pile.
77.215 Refuse Piles; Construction Requirements
Paragraph (e) does not prohibit the operator from constructing a
valley-fill type refuse pile, side hill refuse pile, etc.,
provided the operator installs hydraulic structures which will
pass runoff from the affected watershed either around or under the
refuse pile. The 100 year six-hour frequency storm should be used
to determine the size of the hydraulic structure(s) used to
accommodate surface runoff.
Paragraph (g) does not prohibit the operator from storing coal on
a refuse pile in the form of a temporary stockpile.
77.215-1 Refuse Piles; Identification
This section does not specify a minimum or maximum size for the
identification marker, nor for the letters/numbers used on the
identification marker.
77.215-2 Refuse Piles; Reporting Requirements
The USGS topographic map, required by Paragraph (b)(2), should be
legible of sufficient size to indicate the drainage area affecting
the refuse pile. The nearest landmarks or communities should also
be indicated.
Information, required by Paragraph (b)(3), should contain, as a
minimum, the initial starting date of the pile (if known),
foundation preparation (if known), material transport and handling
(aerial tram, conveyor belt, truck haulage, etc.), approximate
size(s) of refuse material, compaction equipment that had been
used or is being used, and the lift thickness of the refuse
material being placed.
Paragraph (b)(6) requires the operator to furnish information
regarding diversion ditch size, decant pipe size, and any other
hydraulic structure being used to pass water around or under a
refuse pile in a permanent manner.
Under paragraph (b)(8), the operator shall submit revised
reporting requirements if there are any significant changes
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