MSHA is issuing a Federal Register notice  extending the comment period on their proposed rule “Lowering Miners’ Exposure to Respirable Coal Mine Dust, Including Continuous Personal Dust Monitors” until May 2, 2011.  The rule was proposed on October 19, 2010. 

In the extension notice, the agency clarifies an issue regarding the time frame for data review.  MSHA notes that a ” commenter at the first public hearing suggested that the timeframe for miners’ review of the Continuous Personal Dust Monitor (CPDM) Performance Plan be expanded.”  The agency explains that “In the proposal, MSHA did not intend to change the existing timeframe and process and stated that the proposed rule is consistent with ventilation plan requirements and would allow miners’ representatives the opportunity to meaningfully participate in the process.”

The Federal Register notice is attached below.

MSHA-DustMonitorCommentExtension