Bituminous Mine Safety Advisory Committee members present were: Chairman Thomas J. Ward, Jr.; Robert Frantz, The Pennsylvania State University;

Thomas Strong, R & P Coal Company; Jeff Duncan and Bob Scaramozzino, United Mine Workers of America; Thomas Mucho, U. S. Bureau of Mines; and Ewing Bell, MSHA (designated representative for Joseph Garcia). Others present were: Jeff Kravitz, MSHA; Robert Stein, NIOSH; Wayne Duerr and

John Kovac, U. S. Bureau of Mines; Matthew Bertovich and Allison Trader, Bureau of Deep Mine Safety; and Robert C. Dolence, Mineral Resources Management.

Chairman Ward opened the meeting, welcomed Deputy Secretary Dolence, and introductions were made around the room. Matthew Bertovich distributed the meeting agenda.

Overview of the New Department of Environmental Protection

• Explained creation of DEP and DCNR, effective 7/1/95
• Explained Program Plan
• Distributed copies of Governor Ridge's inaugural address and Secretary Seif's January 24, 1995, Confirmation Hearing statements
• Distributed MRM organizational chart and went over DEP deputates
• Passed out ways to obtain the weekly UPDATE - Bob Scaramozzino requested to be put on mailing list for UPDATE and Pennsylvania Bulletin
• Circulated Executive Order 1995-5 on the Money-Back Guarantee Permit Review Program. Deputy Secretary Dolence indicated that additional MRM permits, licenses, and approval would be added to the grid.
• Distributed copy of Regulatory Basics Initiative article from the PA Bulletin, Volume 25, No. 33, dated August 19, 1995. Bob Scaramozzino questioned whether there was a comment period allowed. He said that a new MSHA policy from Davitt McAteer allows for this, but no policy has come out as of the date of the Advisory Committee meeting. Deputy Secretary Dolence explained the Department's Reg-Neg policy and the Department's intention to incorporate all parties at the beginning of the process. He encouraged UMWA to submit comments now, and if others arose, to do likewise.
• Copies of "Thoughtful and Thorough Enforcement" were distributed and a lengthy discussion was held.

New Procedures for the Operation of Advisory Committees

Deputy Secretary Dolence talked about the role of advisory committees to the new DEP. He indicated that the advisory committee should be structured to make it the most effective in providing advice to the Bureau. This committee was the only one where a DEP employee was a member of the committee. He was concerned that this could appear to be self-serving (i.e. the Department giving advice to itself).

The committee discussed this issue later in the meeting. Options concerning the membership and structure of the committee were explored. A motion was made by Tom Strong, seconded by Bob Frantz, and approved to keep the committee as it is with no changes to membership or chairmanship.

Subcommittee Reports

Mine Rescue Subcommittee - Bob Stein passed out a report of the Status of Mine Rescue in Pennsylvania Mines. A lengthy discussion took place on this issue and what would happen if there would be a major mine disaster. Deputy Secretary Dolence asked, that if there were 3 health and safety priorities in the industry in Pennsylvania, would this be one of them? The committee agreed it was. Mr. Dolence suggested that the committee look at recommendations in the subcommittee's report. He also indicated that the committee could make recommendations to him, or even higher in the Department. He instructed Director Ward to prepare an issue paper on mine rescue liability and how it affects teams' availability to assist at neighboring mining operations during an emergency. He committed to discuss the liability issue with Chief Counsel for DEP.

The committee will prepare a letter to Director Ward to document their concerns about the state of emergency response/mine rescue in Pennsylvania. This letter will be finalized at the December meeting.

Diesel Subcommittee - It was agreed that there is ongoing work being done by the subcommittee. They were not yet ready to discuss the results of their efforts. It was agreed that it would be discussed at the December meeting.

UMWA Issues

The UMWA representatives had requested several items for the meeting. These issues were all related to the changing of technology and mining methods and their effects upon safety. Several mining accidents related to remote-controlled equipment were noted. The committee agreed to define the issue as "Hazards Associated with Remote-Controlled Mining Methods".

Meeting Schedule for 1996

It was agreed that the Advisory Committee should continue its work and meet bi-monthly as outlined in the by-laws. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 13, 1995, at 10:00 a.m. in the Fayette County Health Center in Uniontown, PA.

Meetings for 1996 will be held on the 2nd Wednesday of the even-numbered months. These dates are:

• February 14, 1996
• April 10, 1996
• June 12, 1996
• August 14, 1996
• October 9, 1996
• December 11, 1996

Proposed Agenda Items for December 13 Meeting

The proposed agenda items for the next meeting are:

1. Mine Rescue Report to MRM Deputy
2. Diesel Subcommittee Report
3. Hazards Associated with Remote Controlled Mining Methods

The meeting adjourned at 1:40 p.m.