Poster
09-19-2003, 12:32 PM
A Pennsylvania grand jury says that last year’s famous mining accident was preventable. They blame outdated government safety standards for the incident where nine men were trapped underground for several days. The jury decided to clear the Mine operators of negligence, saying that they were following government guidelines.
“Although we conclude that the Quecreek Mine inundation was not the result of criminal conduct, we find that the inundation was the result of a failure of the regulatory system to ensure the safety of mine workers,” the grand jury said.
State and federal officials have blamed old mine maps, contending none of the 40-year-old documents showed the extent of the previous mining.
The grand jury found that the Pennsylvania Bituminous Coal Mine Act, which has regulated the state’s mining industry since 1961, is “antiquated and inadequate,” Fisher said.”
The grand jury report calls for tougher standards to protect workers and make operators more accountable. Even though the grand jury dismissed the charges, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration issued fines last month for negligence prior to the accident.
“The jury said there is an “urgent need for significant changes” to the act. Among its recommendations are long-distance advance drilling to verify water barriers, toughened criminal penalties and improved permitting standards.”
To learn more go to: http://www.tribune-democrat.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10189324&BRD=2332&PAG=461&dept_id=484742&rfi=6
“Although we conclude that the Quecreek Mine inundation was not the result of criminal conduct, we find that the inundation was the result of a failure of the regulatory system to ensure the safety of mine workers,” the grand jury said.
State and federal officials have blamed old mine maps, contending none of the 40-year-old documents showed the extent of the previous mining.
The grand jury found that the Pennsylvania Bituminous Coal Mine Act, which has regulated the state’s mining industry since 1961, is “antiquated and inadequate,” Fisher said.”
The grand jury report calls for tougher standards to protect workers and make operators more accountable. Even though the grand jury dismissed the charges, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration issued fines last month for negligence prior to the accident.
“The jury said there is an “urgent need for significant changes” to the act. Among its recommendations are long-distance advance drilling to verify water barriers, toughened criminal penalties and improved permitting standards.”
To learn more go to: http://www.tribune-democrat.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10189324&BRD=2332&PAG=461&dept_id=484742&rfi=6