MSHA chief cites problems at W.Va. coal mine
MSHA says problems at troubled W.Va. coal mine show operator just 'doesn't get' idea of safety
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- The head of the Mine Safety and Health Administration says one Lincoln County coal mine just doesn't get it.
Coal River Mining's Fork Creek No. 1 mine got four closure orders and 10 citations during special impact inspections last month.
MSHA chief Joe Main said Thursday that the violations show the kind of dangerous behavior that goes on when federal inspectors aren't expected to show up.
Fork Creek was cited for many problems, including 31 locations where cords were entwined in bolt rollers and hangers. That creates a potential fire and smoke inhalation hazard.
Inspectors also found hazardous conditions on conveyor belts, and cited failures to follow ventilation and dust-control plans, among other things.
The same mine was issued 16 ventilation violations and 13 closure orders in February.
