Secretary of Labor v. Signal Peak Energy, LLC

Plain-English summary

Signal Peak Energy contested five enforcement actions at its Bull Mountain Mine No. 1. Judge Richard W. Manning upheld a weekly-examination order because longstanding roof hazards were not corrected immediately, but reduced the likelihood finding from highly likely to reasonably likely and assessed $15,000. He vacated four other citations because MSHA did not prove that the cited entry was the designated tailgate travelway, that the operator impeded an investigation, that nonhazardous seal conditions had to be recorded as hazards, or that the operator's roof-control response was unreasonable. The decision also noted earlier settlements covering 15 citations. Signal Peak was ordered to pay $15,000 for the single modified order adjudicated in the decision.

Decision snapshot

• Cited standards: 30 C.F.R. §§ 75.202(a), 75.364(d), 75.364(h), and 75.384(a)
• Outcome: Four citations were vacated, one order was modified, and a $15,000 penalty was assessed.
• Key point: MSHA must prove each cited standard applies to the actual condition, while longstanding uncorrected roof hazards can support an S&S and unwarrantable-failure order.

Full text (FMSHRC public release)

Clean
Clean
false

false
false
false

EN-US
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MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

FEDERAL MINE SAFETY
AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

Office of
Administrative Law Judges

721 19th Street, Suite
443

Denver, CO 80202-2536

303-844-3577 FAX
303-844-5268

April 3, 2014

SIGNAL PEAK ENERGY, LLC,

Contestant

v.

SECRETARY OF LABOR

MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH

ADMINISTRATION (MSHA),

Respondent

SECRETARY OF LABOR

MINE SAFETY AND
HEALTH   

ADMINISTRATION (MSHA),

Petitioner

v.

SIGNAL PEAK ENERGY, LLC,

Respondent

CONTEST PROCEEDING

Docket No. WEST 2012-1063-R

Order No. 8475786; 06/13/2012

Bull Mountain Mine No. 1

ID No. 24-01950

CIVIL PENALTY PROCEEDINGS

Docket No. WEST 2012-1325

A.C. No. 24-01950-295463-01

Docket No. WEST 2012-1326

A.C. No. 24-01950-295463-02

Docket No. WEST 2013-0034

A.C. No. 24-01950-3000928-02

Docket No. WEST 2013-0046

A.C. No. 24-01950-301628-01

Docket No. WEST 2013-0048

A.C. No. 24-01950-301672

Mine: Bull Mountain Mine No. 1

DECISION

Appearances:              
Jessica Allen, Esq., with Timothy J. Turner on brief, Office of the Solicitor,
U.S. Department of Labor, Denver, Colorado, for Petitioner;

R. Henry Moore, Jackson Kelly, PLLC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Christopher
G. Peterson, Esq., Jackson Kelly, PLLC, Denver, Colorado, for Respondent.

Before:                       
Judge Manning

These cases are before me upon a notice of contest and petitions for assessment
of civil penalty filed by the Secretary of Labor, acting through the Mine
Safety and Health Administration (�MSHA�), against Signal Peak Energy, LLC,
pursuant to sections 105 and 110 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of
1977, 30 U.S.C. �� 815 and 820 (the �Act� or �Mine Act�). The parties
introduced testimony and documentary evidence at a hearing held in Billings,
Montana, and filed post-hearing briefs.

Signal Peak operates the Bull Mountains Mine No. 1 (the �Mine�) in Musselshell
County, Montana. A total of four section 104(a) citations and one 104(d)(2) order in these dockets were adjudicated at the hearing.[1] The parties settled 15 citations in these
dockets.

I. DISCUSSION
WITH FINDINGS OF FACT

AND CONCLUSIONS
OF LAW

Order No. 8475786; WEST
2012-1325 and WEST 2012-1063-R

On June 13, 2012, MSHA Inspector Scott
A. Markve issued Order No. 8475786 under section
104(d)(2) of the Mine Act, alleging a violation of
section 75.364(d) of the Secretary�s safety standards. (Ex.
G-28). Order No. 8475786 documented three hazardous conditions that were
not corrected immediately: (1) loose rib and roof material inby
crosscut 76 covered 24 inches of the walkway, narrowing it to 27 inches, the
rib mesh was damaged for 10 feet, and danger tape marked the condition, (2) the
second timber outby the seal at crosscut 76 laid on
the ground, and (3) the timber that was 15 feet outby
crosscut 76 contacted solid ground, but only touched loose roof material and
was identified by red danger tape. Id. Inspector Markve
determined that an injury was highly likely to occur and that such an injury
could reasonably be expected to be fatal. Further, he determined that the
violation was significant and substantial (�S&S�), resulted from the
operator�s high negligence and unwarrantable failure, and that one person would
be affected. Section 75.364(d) of the Secretary�s safety standards pertains to weekly
examinations and requires in pertinent part that �[h]azardous conditions shall be corrected
immediately.� 30 C.F.R. � 75.364(d). The
Secretary proposed a penalty of $13,609.00 for this citation.

For the reasons set forth below, I
modify Order No. 8475786.

Discussion and
Analysis

I find that the conditions cited in Order No. 8475786 violated section
75.364(d) because Respondent failed to correct the cited hazards immediately.
For the purposes of this case, the cited standard has two requirements: (1) at
least one hazardous condition must exist and (2) the condition must be
corrected immediately. 30 C.F.R. � 75.364(d). I credit
Inspector Markve�s testimony, which is supported by
his photographs, that the cited area presented a crushing hazard to miners due
to roof falls. (Tr. 230-31; Ex. G-30 at 2). A timber
lay upon the ground and another timber did not touch solid roof. (Tr. 224-26). Mesh was cut open and had loose rock that
appeared to be moving toward the open sections. (Tr. 234; Ex.
G-30 at 2). Respondent argues that no roof fall hazard existed because
the roof was supported with bolts and mesh, relying upon the testimony of Ray
Jensen, Respondent�s general mine foreman. (Tr. 301-03).
The inspector�s photos suggest that rock large enough to injure a miner was not
supported and I credit the inspector�s testimony that roof falls in the cited
area posed a hazard to miners. (Tr. 230-32). It is
worth noting that at least one timber that Respondent viewed as necessary to
support the roof did not do so because it fell upon the ground. (Tr. 321). At least some of the conditions that contributed
to roof fall hazard were not corrected immediately because they were noted in
previous examinations weeks before the inspector issued the order. (Tr. 238). Jensen testified that the conditions would be
addressed in a �somewhat timely manner,� which is not immediate. (Tr. 285-86). The roof conditions cited in Order No. 8475786
were not corrected immediately and created a crushing hazard, which violated
section 75.364(d).

I find that Order No. 8475786 was S&S because the cited conditions were
reasonably likely, but not highly likely, to contribute to a serious injury.[2] A roof fall could lead to crushing
injuries. I credit the inspector�s testimony that a weekly examiner might not
see that the timber was not in contact with the roof based upon the weekly
examiner�s usual route, which made the roof fall hazard unlikely to be
corrected and more likely to injure a miner. (Tr. 247).
The combination of the tripping hazard and the roof fall hazard makes an injury
more likely by slowing miner movement through the area and exposing miners to
the roof fall hazard for a longer period of time. Most importantly, I find that
the photographs taken by the inspector depict hazards that are reasonably
likely to injure miners; rocks appear poised to fall onto the walkway where
miners travel. (Ex. G-30 at 2). Respondent argues that
the cited area was not a work area and was only traveled on a weekly basis;
this argument combined with my evaluation of the inspector�s photos means that
the cited conditions were not highly likely to lead to a serious injury. The
conditions were, however, reasonably likely to lead to a crushing injury and
Order No. 8475786 was therefore S&S.

I find that the violation was the result of Signal Peak�s high negligence and
its unwarrantable failure to comply with the safety standard.[3] An operator that holds a good faith,
reasonable belief that a condition is not hazardous does not act with the
required knowledge to commit an unwarrantable failure. IO Coal Co., 31
FMSHRC 1346, 1357-58 (Dec. 2009). I credit Jensen�s testimony that he did not
believe that the conditions were hazardous. The inspector�s photographs and
testimony, however, reveal a roof fall hazard that existed for weeks. I find
that the evidence establishes that Jenson�s belief was not objectively
reasonable under the circumstances.

I credit the inspector�s testimony, as
corroborated by his photographs, concerning his high negligence and
unwarrantable failure determinations. The inspector testified that the conditions
were extensive and obvious. (Tr. 247-49). �You
couldn�t miss� the material in the walkway, the fallen timber, or the bagging
roof mesh. Id. The evidence establishes that these hazardous conditions
existed for a considerable length of time and that Signal Peak knew or should
have known of the conditions through its examiners.[4] Signal Peak�s efforts to abate the
conditions did not come close to remediating the hazards. Inspector Markve testified that he previously discussed with
management the importance of recording hazardous conditions during weekly
examinations and taking steps to immediately correct the conditions. (Tr. 249-50). Although the cited area was not frequently
traveled, the violation posed a high degree of danger to those who were in the
area. I hold that Signal Peak exhibited high negligence and a serious lack of
reasonable care in failing to immediately correct the cited conditions.

Order No. 8475786 is hereby MODIFIED
to be reasonably likely instead of highly likely to contribute to an injury. A
penalty of $15,000.00 is appropriate for Order No. 8475786.

B. Citation No. 8475790; WEST
2012-1326

On June 14, 2012, Inspector Markve issued Citation No. 8475790 under section 104(a) of
the Mine Act, alleging a violation of section 75.384(a) of the Secretary�s
safety standards. (Ex. G-21). Citation No. 8475790
states that gob piled to within 3 feet of the roof mesh as well as other refuse
upon the ground created a stumbling, tripping, or falling hazard in the
tailgate travelway for the 2 Right Longwall Section. Id. Inspector Markve
determined that an injury was reasonably likely to occur and that such an
injury could reasonably be expected to result in lost workdays or restricted
duty. Further, he determined that the violation was S&S, the operator�s
negligence was high, and that eight persons would be affected. Section
75.384(a) of the Secretary�s safety standards requires:

If longwall or shortwall mining
systems are used and the two designated escapeways
required by ï¿½75.380 are located on the headgate
side of the longwall or shortwall,
a travelway shall be provided on the tailgate side of
that longwall or shortwall.
The travelway shall be located to follow the most
direct and safe practical route to a designated escapeway.

30 C.F.R. � 75.384(a). The Secretary
proposed a penalty of $4,689.00 for this citation.

For the reasons set forth below, I
vacate Citation No. 8475790.

Discussion and
Analysis

I find that the Secretary failed to fulfill his burden to show that Respondent
violated Section 75.384(a) because he did not show that Entry 2, which
Inspector Markve cited for the violation, was
designated as the tailgate travelway. I credit the
testimony of Jared Lester, Signal Peak�s longwall
coordinator, that Entry 1 was the designated tailgate travelway
due to his first-hand knowledge of the travelways at
the mine. The Secretary argued that Entry 2 was designated as the tailgate travelway based upon Inspector Markve�s
testimony that Entry 2 was a former escapeway,
Respondent�s upper management informed him that Entry 2 was the tailgate travelway upon termination of another citation, and the
presence of white reflective tape in Entry 2. (Tr. 332-33.
336-37). Lester, however, testified that Entry 1 was the tailgate travelway; he was responsible for designating it as such. (Tr. 391). At the time the inspector issued Citation No.
8475790 the mine used green reflective tape to designate the tailgate travelway.  (Tr. 379). Green
tape hung in Entry 1 and miners were aware that Entry 1 was the tailgate travelway. (Tr. 379). Lester was
not aware of the inspector�s meeting with upper management (Tr. 381), but he
testified that the previous citation incorrectly referenced Entry 2 as the
trailhead travelway. (Tr. 387).
The conditions cited in the present citation do not constitute a violation of
Section 75.384(a) because that standard concerns tailgate travelways
at longwall sections and Entry 2 was not such a
designated travelway.

The secretary also argued that Entry 1, if it were designated as the tailgate travelway, failed to provide �safe access for miners to
escape the tailgate in the event of an emergency.� (Sec�y Br. at 20). This argument, however, fails
because the inspector cited Entry 2, not Entry 1 and the citation does not reference Entry 1. Lester also testified that he
walked through Entry 1 and the conditions did not impede travel. (Tr. 376-77). The Secretary failed to fulfill his burden to
show that Respondent violated section 75.384(a). I hereby VACATE
Citation No. 8475790.

C. Citation No. 8475639; WEST 2013-46

On March 26, 2012, Inspector Mark J.
Albrecht issued Citation No. 8475639 under section 104(a) of the Mine Act, alleging
a violation of section 103(a) of the Act. (Ex. G-40). Citation No. 8475639 states that Bud Viren
�refused to provide the seal compaction tests� for failed seals during the
inspector�s investigation of a hazard complaint. Id. Signal Peak
�made no effort to contact the laboratory� responsible for performing the tests
to obtain results. Id. The inspector requested the results on Friday,
March 23, 2012 and issued the citation on Monday, March 26, 2012. Id.
Inspector Albrecht determined that there was no likelihood that an injury would
occur and an injury would not result in lost workdays. Further, he determined
that the operator�s negligence was high. Section 103(a) of the Act charges the
Secretary with entering mines �[f]or the purpose of making any inspection or
investigation under this act,� and to gather information pertinent to the Act
and mandatory health and safety standards. 30 U.S.C. �
813(a). The Secretary proposed a penalty of $3,000.00 for this citation.

For the reasons set forth below, I vacate
Citation No. 8475639.

Discussion and
Analysis

I find that that Edward A. (Bud) Viren III, Signal
Peak�s vice-president of engineering, did not refuse to provide seal compaction
tests for failed seals and therefore did not impede Inspector Albrecht�s
investigation in violation of Section 103(a) of the Act. I credit the testimony
of both Viren and David John Brown, who was the longwall coordinator when Citation No. 8475639 was issued,
that Respondent did not violate section 103(a) of the Act.

Miners construct two metal stoppings
that are 4 feet apart in each crosscut as the longwall
retreats. The area between the stoppings in each crosscut is filled with a
cement material. (Tr. 443-44). This material must
�cure� before it becomes sufficiently hard. Miners take two sets of nine
samples as the area between the stoppings is filled with the material. After 28
days, Signal Peak sends one set to an independent laboratory for compression
(compaction) testing. (Tr. 422, 447-49). Under Signal
Peak�s ventilation plan, if any of the initial set of samples sent to the
laboratory fails the compression test, the lab asks the mine to send the second
set of nine samples for additional testing. The specific test results from the
initial set of samples are sent to the mine only if the samples pass the tests.
If these samples do not meet the compression criteria, the lab only asks for
the second set of samples without providing the specific test results.

On Friday, March 23, 2012, Viren provided Inspector Albrecht with records concerning
site inspections of the seals, calibration records, and the results of
laboratory compression tests received from the laboratory. (Tr.
407). Late in the day, Inspector Albrecht asked Viren
if he had any records for seals that failed the compression test. Id. Viren provided an email from the lab that showed that a
seal failed the compression test; the email did not give specific results. Viren told the inspector that because it was late Friday
afternoon and the lab was closed, he would not be able to provide him with
specific test results until sometime on Monday when he could contact lab
personnel.  (Tr. 408-09).

Viren testified that
he stayed at the Mine throughout the weekend for the purpose of aiding the
inspector�s investigation of the available records and the inspector testified
that Viren was helpful throughout the weekend. (Tr. 485-86, 436). Brown testified that he left voicemails
on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday as well as emails on Monday for his
contact at the lab. (Tr. 470. 458-60). He testified
that Respondent �did everything in our power to get� the test results. (Tr. 462).

Respondent provided the test results to
the inspector on Monday, March 26, 2012, but only after Inspector Albrecht
issued Citation No. 8475639. Viren testified that the
inspector harassed and frustrated him throughout the weekend. (Tr. 484, 487). The inspector testified that Viren told him, using harsh language, �you need to talk to
Dave Brown� and that helping him was not Viren�s job,
which led to the issuance of Citation No. 8475639. (Tr. 413,
431). The inspector testified that Viren�s
manner of speaking contributed to his decision to issue Citation No. 8475639
and when asked if he would have issued the citation if Viren
had addressed him in a different way, the inspector replied, �[p]robably not, no.� (Tr. 437).

I find that Respondent exerted its best
efforts to obtain the test results that the inspector requested and provided
those results as soon as possible. Although it is inadvisable for an operator�s
agent to speak to an inspector in an unpleasant manner, it is not necessarily a
violation of the Act to do so.[5]
I find that Signal Peak did not impede MSHA�s investigation of the section
103(g) complaint.[6]
I therefore VACATE Citation No. 8475639.

D. Citation No. 8476307; WEST 2013-34

On July 23, 2012, Inspector Wayne
Johnson issued Citation No. 8476307 under section 104(a) of the Mine Act, alleging
a violation of section 75.364(h) of the Secretary�s safety standards. (Ex. G-37). Citation No. 8476307 states that �[d]uring the weekly exam dated 7/22/2012, the hazardous seals
located in 2RT at cross cut 86 and cross cut 95 were not noted in the weekly
examination book by the examiner. Failed seals with low oxygen behind them are
hazardous to miners.� Id. Inspector Johnson determined that an injury
was unlikely occur, but that any injury would be permanently disabling.
Further, he determined that the operator�s negligence was high and that one
person would be affected. Section 75.364(h) of the Secretary�s safety standards
requires in pertinent part that �[a]t the
completion of any shift during which a portion of a weekly examination is
conducted, a record of the results of each weekly examination, including a
record of hazardous conditions found during each examination and their
locations� shall be recorded. 30 C.F.R. � 75.364(h).
The Secretary proposed a penalty of $499.00 for this citation.

For the reasons set forth below, I
vacate Citation No. 8476307.

Discussion and Analysis

I find that Respondent did not violate
section 75.364(h) because the Secretary failed to fulfill his burden to show
that Respondent did not record hazardous conditions in its weekly examination
records. Section 75.364(h) generally requires that operators must make records
documenting weekly examinations and specifically requires that hazards must be
included in these records. 30 C.F.R. � 75.364(h). The
Commission recently summarized section 75.364(h) as requiring that �hazardous conditions be recorded during weekly
examinations.� Mach Mining, LLC, 35 FMSHRC 2937, 2938 (Sept.
2013). The standard does not require that all conditions
be recorded. I credit Brown�s testimony that the cited conditions were not
hazardous.

The Secretary
argues that Respondent noted failed seals in the preshfit
and onshift reports but did not note the condition in
its weekly examination records. [7] Brown, however, testified that the test results were recorded
in the �remarks� section of the preshift and onshift reports and not the hazard section because the
cited seals were not hazardous. (Tr. 533, 538; Ex. G-39).
The test results showed that there were soft spots in the exterior areas of the
seals that were not completely cured. (Tr. 528). The
air behind the seals was inert, with safe methane, oxygen, and nitrogen levels.
Id. The inspector did not examine the seals himself and admitted that
the oxygen levels behind the seals were safe. (Tr. 518).
The seals are not hazardous while curing and are therefore not hazardous when
soft spots fail to completely cure, especially when the seals do not serve to
separate miners from unsafe atmosphere. At the time the citation was issued the
outby �seals� were still curing and the cited seals
functioned as stoppings rather than seals. (Tr. 528).
I credit Brown�s testimony that the seals were not leaking and functioned to
separate the two atmospheres. (Tr. 529). The
Secretary, furthermore, did not present any evidence to show that the cited
condition was a hazard but relied upon the fact that conditions recorded in the
preshift and onshift
examination books were not recorded in the weekly examination book. Although this condition was worth noting during preshift and onshift
examinations, I find that it was not a hazard and Signal Peak did not violate
Section 75.364(h). I hereby VACATE Citation No. 8476307.

E. Citation No. 8464892; WEST 2013-48

On November 5, 2011, Inspector Johnson
issued Citation No. 8464892 under section 104(a) of the Mine Act, alleging a
violation of section 75.202(a) of the Secretary�s safety standards. (Ex. G-33). Citation No. 8464892 states:

In 3 right section entry
3 xc5 to xc6, a roof fall occurred that measured approximately 20 feet wide by
20 feet long by 12 feet high. The area was not controlled to protect persons
from hazards related to falls of the roof. Uncontrolled roof strata had water
penetration of the upper coal and parting seams that was not controlled. This
exposed miners that travel this entry each shift to roof fall injuries that
would be fatal.

Id. Inspector
Johnson determined that an injury was highly likely to occur and that such
injury would be fatal. Further, he determined that the violation was S&S,
the operator�s negligence was high, and that one person would be affected.
Section 75.202(a) of the Secretary�s safety standards requires, in pertinent
part that �[t]he roof, face and ribs
of areas where persons work or travel shall be supported or otherwise
controlled to protect persons from hazards related to falls of the roof, face
or ribs and coal or rock bursts.� 30 C.F.R. �
75.202(a). The Secretary proposed a penalty of $70,000.00 for this
citation.

For the reasons set forth below, I
vacate Citation No. 8464892.

Discussion and
Analysis

I find that Respondent did not violate
section 75.202(a) because the roof control initiated by Respondent is what a
reasonably prudent person would have provided. The Secretary's roof-control
standard 30 C.F.R. � 75.202(a) is broadly worded. Consequently, the Commission
has held that �[t]he adequacy of particular roof support or other control must
be measured against the test of whether the support or control is what a
reasonably prudent person, familiar with the mining industry and protective
purpose of the standard, would have provided in order to meet the protection
intended by the standard.� Cannon Coal Co., 9 FMSHRC 667, 668 (Apr.
1987).  An examiner at the Mine recognized the hazard imposed by the roof,
which led to Signal Peak�s efforts to repair it. (Tr. 557).
Jensen as well as Ben Harcourt, the underground shift foreman, testified that
Respondent shut down and dangered off the area, only
allowing entrance to examiners and miners working to support the roof. (Tr. 579-80, 573-76). Intending to rebolt
the roof, Respondent first set timbers. (Tr. 583).
When the timbers did not solve the problem, Respondent set breaker rows going
toward the hazard from both directions to stop a roof fall from spreading if it
occurred. (Tr. 583). These timbers and breaker rows
did not reach the area where the roof fall occurred, however, because miners
left the area hours before the roof fell when they heard cracking and popping. (Tr. 551-52). Leaving the area was both safe and prudent for
these miners.

I reject the Secretary�s argument that
the occurrence of the roof fall alone shows that the condition violated Section
75.202(a). Section 75.202(a) imposes upon Respondent the duty to maintain safe
roof conditions in the manner that a reasonably prudent person would do. For an
operator to support or control a roof, it must first identify any hazards and
address those hazards in a safe manner. Here, Respondent identified a hazardous
section of roof that it needed to rebolt. Respondent dangered the area and set timbers. When timbers were
inadequate to control the roof, it set breaker rows. When the cited hazard
became too dangerous for Respondent to approach it to set the timbers and
breaker rows, Respondent evacuated the area. Respondent approached its duty to
support and control the roof under section 75.202(a) in a cautious and logical
manner that limited risk to miners. It sought to bolt the roof, but approached
the task in a way that protected miners from a roof fall. The Secretary argues
that Respondent misunderstood the roof structure and should have amended its
roof plan,[8]
but I find that in this situation, a reasonably prudent person would have taken
the same steps as Respondent did to meet the protection intended by the
standard. The Secretary, furthermore, did not present any evidence to show that
these actions were unreasonable. I hereby VACATE Citation No. 8464892.

II. SETTLED
CITATIONS

A number of the
citations at issue in these cases settled. By order dated July 3, 2013, I
approved the parties� settlement of Citation No. 8475644 in Docket No. WEST 2012-1325
and ordered Signal Peak to pay a penalty of $12,000.00. By order dated February
26, 2014, I approved the parties� settlement of eight citations issued under
section 104(a) of the Mine Act in Docket No. WEST 2012-1326 and ordered Signal
Peak to pay a penalty of $7,484. By order dated February 26, 2014, I approved
the parties� settlement of six citations issued under section 104(a) of the
Mine Act in Docket No. WEST 2013-34 and ordered Signal Peak to pay a penalty of
$1,034.

III. APPROPRIATE
CIVIL PENALTIES

Section 110(i) of the Mine Act sets forth the
criteria to be considered in determining an appropriate civil penalty. I have
considered the Assessed Violation History Report, which was submitted by the
Secretary. (Ex. G-20). At all pertinent times,
Respondent was a large mine operator. The violations were abated in good faith.
The penalties assessed in this decision will not have an adverse effect upon
the ability of Signal Peal Energy, LLC, to continue in business. The gravity and
negligence findings are set forth above.

IV. ORDER

For the reasons set forth above, I VACATE Citation Nos. 8464892,
8476307, 8475639, and 8475790 and I MODIFY Order No. 8475786. Signal
Peak Energy, LLC, is ORDERED TO PAY the Secretary of Labor the sum of
$15,000.00 within 30 days of the date of this decision.[9]

/s/ Richard W. Manning  

Richard W. Manning

Administrative Law Judge

Distribution:

Timothy
J. Turner, Esq., Office of the Solicitor, U.S. Department of Labor, 1999
Broadway, Suite 800, Denver, CO 80202-5708 (Certified Mail)

Christopher
G. Peterson, Esq., Jackson Kelly PLLC, 1099 18th Street, Suite 2150, Denver, CO
80202-1958 (Certified Mail)

R.
Henry Moore, Esq., Jackson Kelly PLLC, Three Gateway Center, 401 Liberty
Avenue, Suite 1500, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1000 (Certified Mail)

[1] At the hearing,
the parties also presented evidence concerning two citations in Docket No. WEST
2012-410. (Tr. 6-214). After the hearing, the parties submitted a motion to
approve settlement, which I approved by order dated August 28, 2013.

[2] An
S&S violation is a violation �of such nature as could significantly and
substantially contribute to the cause and effect of a . . . mine safety or
health hazard.� 30 U.S.C. � 814(d) (2006). A violation
is properly designated S&S �if, based upon the particular facts surrounding
that violation, there exists a reasonable likelihood
that the hazard contributed to will result in an injury or illness of a
reasonably serious nature.� Cement Div., Nat�l Gypsum Co., 3 FMSHRC 822,
825 (Apr. 1981). In order to establish the S&S nature of a violation, the
Secretary must prove: �(1) the underlying violation of a mandatory safety
standard; (2) a discrete safety hazard � that is, a measure of danger to safety
� contributed to by the violation; (3) a reasonable likelihood that the hazard
contributed to will result in an injury; and (4) a reasonable likelihood that
the injury will be of a reasonably serious nature.� Mathies
Coal Co., 6 FMSHRC 1, 3-4 (Jan. 1984); accord Buck Creek Coal Co., Inc.,
52 F.3d 133, 135 (7th Cir. 1995); Austin Power Co., Inc., 861 F. 2d 99,
103 (5th Cir. 1988) (approving Mathies
criteria).

[3] Unwarrantable
failure is defined by such conduct as �reckless disregard,� �intentional
misconduct,� �indifference� or a �serious lack of reasonable care.� Emery
Mining Corp., 9 FMSHRC at 2003; see also Buck Creek Coal, Inc. v.
FMSHRC, 52 F. 3d 133, 136 (7th Cir. 1995). Whether conduct is �aggravated�
in the context of an unwarrantable failure analysis is determined by looking at
all the facts and circumstances of each case to see if any aggravating factors
exist, such as the length of time that the violation has existed, the extent of
the violative condition, whether the operator has been placed on notice that
greater efforts are necessary for compliance, the operator�s efforts in abating
the violative condition, whether the violation is obvious or poses a high
degree of danger, and the operator�s knowledge of the existence of the
violation. See e.g. Consolidation Coal Co., 22 FMSHRC 340, 353 (Mar.
2000). Repeated similar violations are relevant
to an unwarrantable failure determination to the extent that they serve to put
an operator on notice that greater efforts are necessary for compliance with a
standard. Peabody Coal Co., 14 FMSHRC 1258, 1261 (Aug. 1992).

[4] The Commission
has recognized that the preshift examination
requirement in section 75.360 is �of fundamental importance in assuring a safe
working environment underground.� Buck Creek Coal Co., 17 FMSHRC 8, 15
(Jan. 1995). Weekly examinations are likewise of fundamental importance
especially in those areas of the mine that are not subject to preshift examinations. A mine operator must ensure that its
examiners are trained to perform thorough examinations and that hazardous
conditions are reported, recorded, and corrected.

[5] Viren denies that he swore at the inspector or told him
that helping an inspector was not his job.

[6] The Secretary
argues that the inspector was entitled to immediate access to the information
that he desired in accordance with 103(g) to investigate an anonymous complaint
and Respondent purposely delayed his access. I reject this argument. The
inspector�s testimony, as well as that of Brown and Viren,
suggests that Respondent did its best to provide information to the inspector
throughout the weekend. The test results were in an independent lab and
delaying the inspector�s access to those test results served no purpose to
Respondent since the passage of a few days would not change the results.

[7] The Secretary
acknowledges that the conditions were recorded in the preshift
and onshift reports and states that Citation No.
8476307 was a paperwork violation even though �[b]oth
pre-shift and on-shift were essentially part of the weekly examination.� (Sec�y Br. at 32).

[8] Respondent was
completing the process of amending its roof plan when the citation was issued. (Ex. R-27). Section 75.223, not 75.202(a), addresses the
need to revise a roof control plan when conditions warrant.

[9] Payment should
be sent to the Mine Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor,
Payment Office, P.O. Box 790390, St. Louis, MO 63179-0390.