Pa. inspecting underground coal mines |
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Thu, 08 Feb 2007 21:49
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HARRISBURG, Pa. (AFX) - State regulators are conducting 'enhanced inspections' of all 14 of Pennsylvania's underground anthracite mines in the wake of a fatal accident three months ago, Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen McGinty said Thursday.The environmental agency revoked the operating permit of a Schuylkill County mine following a methane explosion in October that killed Dale Reightler, 43.'During the investigation, our mine inspectors found several violations of Pennsylvania's anthracite underground mine safety law, and I have directed the Bureau of Mine Safety to ensure that similar violations are not occurring at other mines,' McGinty said in a statement.The agency's underground mine safety inspectors are visiting each mine to make sure operators are storing and using explosives properly, conducting methane and ventilation checks and complying with other safety regulations, according to a news release.The DEP ordered R&D Coal Co. to seal the Buck Mountain Slope Mine in Tremont Township after an investigation revealed similarities between the Oct. 23 blast that killed Reightler and a 2004 accident at the same mine that injured four workers.Investigators have alleged that a cover-up of the 2004 blast might have contributed to Reightler's death.Adele Abrams, the attorney for R&D, has said the company plans to challenge the state's revocation of its mining permit.Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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