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Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.
1997 SESSION
973754460Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That § 45.1-161.220 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§ 45.1-161.220. Bleeder systems.
A. All mines shall have a system, which has been approved by the Chief, of
bleeder openings of air courses designed to provide positive movement of air
through or around abandoned or worked-out areas which is sufficient to prevent
a hazardous accumulation of gas in such areas and to minimize the effect of
variations in atmospheric pressure. Operators shall submit bleeder system plans
which comply with requirements developed by the Chief. The system requirements
developed by the Chief shall, at a minimum, address standards for (i)
supplemental roof supports, (ii) water accumulation, (iii) continuous movement
of gases from gob areas, (iv) methane content, (v) the use and operation of
degasification systems, (vi) air flow direction, and content,
and (vii) ventilation controls. The Chief shall not approve a plan
which provides for a methane content exceeding four and one-half percent in
bleeder air courses. The Department shall have the power
to inspect surface locations of degasification systems and related
facilities. Failure to comply with an approved plan will be a violation
of this section. This section shall not prohibit the sealing of abandoned areas
in accordance with § 45.1-161.228.
B. The mine map requirements of § 45.1-161.64 may be used to depict bleeder system standards specified in this section.