The Technical Advisory committee on Diesel-Powered Equipment (TAC) held a regularly scheduled meeting on October 19 at 9 a.m. at the Fayette County Health Center in Uniontown.

Attendance:

Members Present:

Eugene Davis
Robert DuBreucq

Others Present:

Richard E. Stickler, DEP, Bureau of Deep Mine Safety
Matthew A. Bertovich, DEP, Bureau of Deep Mine Safety
Joseph A. Sbaffoni, DEP, Bureau of Deep Mine Safety
Alan L. Martin, DEP, Bureau of Deep Mine Safety
Larry Saver, Brookville Mining Equipment

Minutes of the April 15 meeting were approved.

Old Business:

The committee members commented on the training seminar that was conducted by Deep Mine Safety on June 9. The feedback on the training and materials was favorable.

New Business:

Committee members commended on the ASME International Conference that they attended on September 28 and 29. Of particular note was the panel discussion on the proposed diesel regulations by the Mine Safety and Health Administration. The new regulations will have some impact on Pennsylvania’s use of diesel due to changes in equipment ventilation quantities.

Mr. Davis outlined a visit to West Virginia University’s diesel testing laboratory. Previous filter efficiency testing done on an engine using high sulfur fuel cannot be verified as accurate for low sulfur fuel. Additional testing would be requested to verify filter efficiency.

Diesel-Powered Equipment Package (DPEP) – The application by PennAmerican Coal, L.P. has gone through the first technical review. Additional information is needed on the Brookville equipment before the DPEP can be approved.

Brookville Mining Company representative Larry Saver advised the committee that they were planning to retest the engine/emission control devices in November. Committee members will be invited to witness these tests as well as an alternate emission test under Sections 217 and 218.

The committee set the following dates for 1999. All meetings will be in Uniontown and will begin at 10 a.m.

The meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.