FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES

7 PARKWAY CENTER

875 GREENTREE ROAD, SUITE 290

PITTSBURGH, PA 15220

TELEPHONE: (412)920-7240

FAX:(412)928-8689


October 17, 2012


SHAMOKIN FILLER COMPANY, INC.,
Contestant,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

v.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECRETARY OF LABOR,   

MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH    

ADMINISTRATION (MSHA),  

Respondent.

 

 

 

 

SHAMOKIN FILLER COMPANY,

INC.,

Contestant,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECRETARY OF LABOR
MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH
ADMINISTRATION (MSHA),
Respondent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHAMOKIN FILLER COMPANY, INC.,
Contestant,

v.


SECRETARY OF LABOR
MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH
ADMINISTRATION (MSHA),
Respondent.

 

 

 

SECRETARY OF LABOR
MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH
ADMINISTRATION (MSHA),
Petitioner,


v.

 

SHAMOKIN FILLER COMPANY, INC.,
Respondent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECRETARY OF LABOR
MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH
ADMINISTRATION (MSHA),
Petitioner,




 

v.





 

SHAMOKIN FILLER COMPANY, INC.,
Respondent.

SECRETARY OF LABOR
MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH
ADMINISTRATION (MSHA),
Petitioner,

 

v.

 

WILLIAM ROSINI, employed by

SHAMOKIN FILLER COMPANY, INC.,
Respondent.


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CONTEST PROCEEDINGS

 

Docket No. PENN 2009-736-R
Citation No. 7011691; 08/12/09

 

Docket No. PENN 2009-737-R
Citation No. 7011692; 08/12/09

 

Docket No. PENN 2009-738-R
Citation No. 7011693; 08/13/09

 

Docket No. PENN 2009-739-R
Citation No. 7010952; 08/20/09

 

Docket No. PENN 2009-740-R
Citation No. 7011695; 08/25/09

 

Docket No. PENN 2009-741-R
Citation No. 7011696; 08/25/09

 

Docket No. PENN 2009-742-R
Citation No. 7011697; 08/25/09

 

Docket No. PENN 2009-763-R
Citation No. 7011699; 08/27/09

 

Docket No. PENN 2009-776-R
Citation No. 7011700; 08/31/09

 

Docket No. PENN 2009-777-R
Citation No. 7011781; 08/12/09

 

Docket No. PENN 2009-778-R
Citation No. 7011782; 08/31/09

 

Docket No. PENN 2009-779-R
Citation No. 7011783; 08/31/09

Docket No. PENN 2009-780-R
Citation No. 7011784; 09/01/09

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-59-R
Order No. 7011795; 10/21/09

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-60-R
Order No. 7011796; 10/21/09

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-146-RM
Citation No. 7009795; 11/17/09

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-147-RM
Citation No. 7009796; 11/17/09

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-354-R
Citation No. 7000087; 03/04/10

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-377-R
Citation No. 7012104; 03/08/10

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-387-R
Citation No. 7012105; 03/09/10

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-577-R
Citation No. 7012685; 06/21/10

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-589-R
Citation No. 7012687; 06/23/10

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-650-R
Citation No. 7012120; 07/15/10

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-651-R
Citation No. 7012441: 07/15/10

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-652-R
Citation No. 7012442; 07/15/10

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-653-R
Citation No. 7012443; 07/15/10

 


Docket No. PENN 2010-654-R
Citation No. 7012669; 07/15/10

Docket No. PENN 2010-655-R
Citation No. 7012670; 07/15/10

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-656-R
Citation No. 7012671; 07/15/10

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-657-R
Citation No. 7012672; 07/15/10

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-658-R
Citation No. 7012673; 07/16/10

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-669-R
Citation No. 7012674; 07/16/10

 

Mine ID: 36-02945
Mine: Carbon Plant

CIVIL PENALTY PROCEEDINGS

 

Docket No. PENN 2009-825
A.C. No. 36-02945-197364

 

Docket No. PENN 2009-775
A.C. No. 36-02945-194224

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-63
A.C. No. 36-02945-200482

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-191
A.C. No. 36-02945-206331

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-275-M
A.C. No. 36-02945-208680

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-291
A.C. No. 36-02945-209018

 


Docket No. PENN 2010-381
A.C. No. 36-02945-213119

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-465
A.C. No. 36-02945-216876

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-515
A.C. No. 36-02945-219682

 

Docket No. PENN 2010-745
A.C. No. 36-02945-229176

 

Docket No. PENN 2011-16
A.C. No. 36-02945-232342

 

Docket No. PENN 2011-104
A.C. No. 36-02945-238543

 

Docket No. PENN 2011-189
A.C. No. 36-02945-244057

 

Mine: Carbon Plant

CIVIL PENALTY PROCEEDING

Docket No. PENN 2011-129
A.C. No. 36-02945-241465-A

 

 

Mine: Carbon Plant

 



FINAL DECISION AND ORDER

 

 

Appearances:              Jessica R. Brown, Esq., Office of the Solicitor, Department of Labor, Suite 630E, The Curtis Center, 170 S. Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the Petitioner

 

Adele L. Abrams, Esq., CMSP, and Diana R. Schroeher, Esq., Law Office of Adele L. Abrams, P.C., 4740 Corridor Place, Suite D, Beltsville, Maryland for Respondent

 

Before:                        Judge Lewis




            Pursuant to the Parties’ Joint Motion for Final Decision in the above captioned matter, the undersigned Administrative Law Judge hereby enters the following Final Decision and Order.


            Respondent has requested a hearing on the citations, orders and associated civil penalties contained in these dockets in accordance with the provisions of section 105(d) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, 30 U.S.C. § 801 et seq. (“Mine Act”) and 29 C.F.R. § 2700.50 et seq. Respondent’s central objection to the citations is that the Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) lacks jurisdiction over Respondent’s Carbon Plant in Shamokin, Pennsylvania.


            On October 27 and 28, 2010, the undersigned held an evidentiary hearing limited to the issue of jurisdiction and concluded that MSHA has jurisdiction over the Carbon Plant. The undersigned also granted the Secretary’s motion in limine and denied Respondent’s motion to compel evidence related to other facilities that Respondent claimed were similar to its Carbon Plant and that is asserted MSHA and the Solicitor’s Office had determined were not mines subject to regulation under the Mine Act.


            Respondent filed an interlocutory appeal with the Commission urging the Commission to reverse the jurisdictional and evidentiary determinations, and the Commission granted interlocutory review. On August 28, 2012, the Commission affirmed the jurisdictional and evidentiary rulings and remanded the case for a hearing in accordance with its decision.


            On remand, the parties agree that the remaining issues related to each citation can be addressed through stipulations. The stipulations allow for a final agency order to be issued so that Respondent can seek judicial review of the Commission’s interlocutory decision in the Court of Appeals.


            I have reviewed the stipulations and explanations of the parties and agree that the modifications and proposed penalties contained in the stipulations are an appropriate basis for issuing a final decision in these cases. Pending judicial review of the Commission’s determination that MSHA has jurisdiction over Respondent’s Carbon Plant, the gravity, negligence and penalty amounts of the following citations are stipulated to by the parties as follows:


PENN 2009-775



Citation No.

Gravity

Negligence

Proposed Penalty

Penalty/Rationale

7011370

104(a)

§ 71.208(a)

Non-S&S, Unlikely, No Lost Workdays 

Moderate

$100.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

1 Citation, $100.00 as initially issued

 

 

 

1 Citation, $100.00



PENN 2009-825



Citation No.

Gravity

Negligence

Proposed Penalty

Penalty/Rationale

7011691

104(a)

§ 77.204

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Permanently Disabling

Moderate

$946.00

Remains as issued, penalty reduced to $760.00

*Respondent offered evidence that the location of the cited starter box was such that the miners were infrequently in the area where the box was located, thus reducing the likelihood of injury.

7011692

104(a)

§ 77.1103(d)

Non-S&S, Unlikely, Lost Workdays or Restricted Duty

Moderate

$127.00

Modify to low negligence, penalty reduced to $100.00

*Respondent offered evidence that the weeks, grass and underbrush surrounding the gasoline storage tank and nature gas service line were not significantly overgrown, thus reducing its negligence in failing to keep the cited area free of weeds, grass and underbrush.

7011693

104(a)

§ 77.1605(b)

Non-S&S, Unlikely, Lost Workdays

Moderate

$127.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

3 Citations, $1,200.00 as initially issued.

 

 

 

3 Citations, $987.00, as modified.



PENN 2010-63



Citation No.

Gravity

Negligence

Proposed Penalty

Penalty/Rationale

7001013

104(a)

§ 77.505

Non-S&S, Unlikely, No Lost Workdays

Moderate

$100.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

7001014

104(a)

§ 77.502

Non-S&S, Unlikely, Lost Workdays or Restricted Duty

Moderate

$585.00

Remains as issued and assessed

7001015

104(a)

§ 77.516

Non-S&S, Unlikely, No Lost Workdays

Moderate

$334.00

Modify to low negligence, penalty reduced to $154.00

*Respondent offered evidence that the conduit which was cited for not being in the breaker box had fallen out after the last electrical examination, thus reducing its negligence.

7001016

104(a)

§ 77.502

Non-S&S, Unlikely, No Lost Workdays

Moderate

$392.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

7001017

104(a)

§ 77.701

Non-S&S, Unlikely, Lost Workdays or Restricted Duty

Low

$100.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

7001018

104(a)

§ 77.502

Non-S&S, Unlikely, Lost Workdays or Restricted Duty

Moderate

$585.00

Modify to low negligence, penalty reduced to $270.00

*Respondent offered evidence that the exposed leads in the cited plug were not exposed at the time of the last electrical examination, thus reducing its negligence.

7001019

104(a)

§ 77.505

Non-S&S, Unlikely, Lost Workdays or Restricted Duty

Moderate

$127.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

7001020

104(a)

§ 77.502

Non-S&S, Unlikely, Lost Workdays or Restricted Duty

Moderate

$585.00

Modify to low negligence, penalty reduced to $270.00

*Respondent offered evidence that the cited cord was not damaged at the time of the last electrical examination, thus reducing its negligence.

7011981

104(a)

§ 77.516

Non-S&S, Unlikely, No Lost Workdays

Moderate

$334.00

Remains as issued, penalty reduced to $234.00

*This reduction is warranted on the grounds that the negligence was somewhat less than initially determined as the cited opening was only 3/4" in size.

7010952

104(a)

§ 77.208(a)

Non-S&S, Unlikely, No Lost Workdays

Moderate

$308.00

Remains as issued, penalty reduced to $262.00

*This reduction is warranted on the grounds that the dust sample was invalid for failure to properly complete the sampling process not for exceeding the respirable dust exposure limits.

7011695

104(a)

§ 77.205(a)

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Lost Workdays or Restricted Duty

Moderate

$634.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

7011696

104(a)

§ 77.207

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Lost Workdays or Restricted Duty

Moderate

$2,106.00

Remains as issued, penalty reduced to $1,791.00

*This reduction is warranted on the grounds that the negligence was somewhat less than initially determined as the poor lighting in the area was a recent development.

7011697

104(a)

§ 77.400(d)

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Permanently Disabling

Moderate

$946.00

Remains as issued, penalty reduced to $757.00

*This reduction is warranted on the grounds that the negligence was somewhat less than initially determined as there was no evidence that management personnel were in the area of the dryer at the time the gate was found open.

7011699

104(a)

§ 77.400(a)

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Lost Workdays or Restricted Duty

Moderate

$2,106.00

Remains as issued, penalty reduced to $1,700.00

*This reduction is warranted on the grounds that the negligence was somewhat less than initially determined as the unguarded screw conveyor had only been constructed one week prior to the inspection.

7011700

104(a)

§ 77.207

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Lost Workdays or Restricted Duty

Moderate

$2,106.00

Modify to low negligence, penalty reduced to $971.00

*Respondent offered evidence that the cited light bulb worked during the previous shift, thus reducing its negligence

7011781

104(a)

§ 77.207

Non-S&S, Unlikely, Lost Workdays or Restricted Duty

Moderate

$425.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

7011782

104(a)

§ 77.207

Non-S&S, Unlikely, Lost Workdays or Restricted Duty

Moderate

$425.00

Remains as issued and assessed

7011783

104(a)

§ 77.207

Non-S&S, Unlikely, Lost Workdays or Restricted Duty

Moderate

$425.00

Modify to low negligence, penalty reduced to $212.00

*Respondent offered evidence that the cited light worked during the previous shift, thus reducing its negligence.

7011784

104(a)

§ 77.1713

Non-S&S, No Likelihood, No Lost Workdays

Moderate

$100.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

19 Citations, $12,723.00, as initially issued.

 

 

 

19 Citations, $9,509.00, as modified.



PENN 2010-191



Citation/ Order No.

Gravity

Negligence

Proposed Penalty

Penalty/Rationale

7009791

104(a)

§ 41.12

Non-S&S, No Likelihood, No Lost Workdays

High

$100.00

Modify to moderate negligence, penalty remains as issued

*Respondent offered evidence that since the day to day management of the Carbon Plant has not changed, it did not realize there was an obligation to notify MSHA in writing of the change in mine ownership.

7012003

104(a)

§ 77.207

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Lost Workdays or Restricted Duty

Moderate

$224.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

7009792

104(g)(1) Order

§ 48.25(a)

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Fatal

High

$2,341.00

Modify to permanently disabling, penalty reduced to $1,052.00

*Respondent offered evidence that the lack of new miner training was more likely to result in a permanently disabling injury than a fatal accident, thus reducing the injury or illness reasonably expected.

7009793

104(g)(1) Order

§ 48.25(a)

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Fatal

High

$4,099

Modify to permanently disabling, penalty reduced to $1,842.00

*Respondent offered evidence that the lack of complete adequate training was more likely to result in a permanently disabling injury than a fatal accident, thus reducing the injury or illness reasonably expected.

7009794

104(a)

§ 48.24(b)

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Lost Workdays or Restricted Duty

High

$1,111.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

3 Citations and 2 Orders, $7,875.00, as initially issued.

 

 

 

3 Citations and 2 Orders, $4,329.00, as modified.



PENN 2010-275



Citation No.

Gravity

Negligence

Proposed Penalty

Penalty/Rationale

7009795

104(a)

§ 50.20(a)

Non-S&S, No Likelihood, No Lost Workdays

High

$100.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

7009796

104(a)

§ 50.20(a)

Non-S&S, No Likelihood, No Lost Workdays

High

$100.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

2 Citations, $200.00, as initially issued.

 

 

 

2 Citations, $200.00.



PENN 2010-291



Citation/ Order No.

Gravity

Negligence

Proposed Penalty

Penalty/Rationale

7011792

104(d)(1) Citation

§ 71.202(a)

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Permanently Disabling

Reckless Disregard

$16,867.00

Remains as issued, penalty reduced to $11,807

*This reduction is warranted on the grounds that the likelihood of injury was somewhat less than initially determined as all tests for respirable dust during this time period were within permissible limits.

7011795

104(d)(1) Order

§ 71.205(b)

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Permanently Disabling

Reckless Disregard

$18,742.00

Remains as issued, penalty reduced to $9,731.00

*This reduction is warranted on the grounds that the likelihood of injury was somewhat less than initially determined as all tests for respirable dust during this time period were within permissible limits.

7011796

104(d)(1) Order

§ 71.205(c)

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Permanently Disabling

Reckless Disregard

$18,742.00

Remains as issued, penalty reduced to $9,371.00

*This reduction is warranted on the grounds that the likelihood of injury was somewhat less than initially determined as all tests for respirable dust during this time period were within permissible limits.

7011797

104(d)(1) Order

§ 71.204(d)

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Permanently Disabling

Reckless Disregard

$18,742.00

Remains as issued, penalty reduced to $12,930.00

*This reduction is warranted on the grounds that the likelihood of injury was somewhat less than initially determined as all tests for respirable dust during this time period were within permissible limits.

1 Citation and 3 Orders, $73,093.00, as initially issued.

 

 

 

1 Citation and 3 Orders, $43,479.00, as modified.



PENN 2010-381



Order No.

Gravity

Negligence

Proposed Penalty

Penalty/Rationale

7011793

104(d)(1) Order

§ 71.209(c)

Non-S&S, No Likelihood, No Lost Workdays

Reckless Disregard

$2,200.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

7011794

104(d)(1) Order

§ 71.209(a)

Non-S&S, No Likelihood, No Lost Workdays

Reckless Disregard

$2,200.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

2 Orders, $4,400.00, as initially issued.

 

 

 

2 Orders, $4,400.00.





PENN 2010-465



Citation No.

Gravity

Negligence

Proposed Penalty

Penalty/Rationale

7000081

104(a)

§ 71.100

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Permanently Disabling

Moderate

$207.00

Remains as issued and assessed

7012104

104(a)

§ 77.400(a)

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Permanently Disabling

Moderate

$190.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

7012105

104(a)

§ 77.502

Non-S&S, Unlikely, Fatal

Moderate

$190.00

Modify to low negligence, penalty reduced to $100.00

*Respondent will offer evidence that the damaged junction box was in an isolated area reducing the likelihood that the damage would be observed and, therefore, reducing its negligence.

3 Citations, $597.00, as initially issued.

 

 

 

3 Citations, $497.00, as modified.



PENN 2010-515



Citation No.

Gravity

Negligence

Proposed Penalty

Penalty/Rationale

7012106

104(a)

§ 77.310(b)

Non-S&S, Unlikely, No Lost Workdays

Moderate

$100.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

7012107

104(a)

§ 77.310(d)

Non-S&S, Unlikely, Lost Workdays or Restricted Duty

Moderate

$100.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

2 Citations, $200.00, as initially issued.

 

 

 

2 Citations, $200.00.



PENN 2010-745



Citation No.

Gravity

Negligence

Proposed Penalty

Penalty/Rationale

7012685

104(a)

§ 77.501-2

Non-S&S, Unlikely, No Lost Workdays

Moderate

$100.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

7012687

104(a)

§ 77.502

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Fatal

Moderate

$285.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

7012669

104(a)

§ 77.207

Non-S&S, Unlikely, Lost Workdays or Restricted Duty

Moderate

$100.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

7012670

104(a)

§ 77.516

Non-S&S, Unlikely, No Lost Workdays

Low

$100.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

7012671

104(a)

§ 77.516

Non-S&S, Unlikely, Lost Workdays or Restricted Duty

Moderate

$100.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

7012120

104(a)

§ 77.410(c)

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Permanently Disabling

Moderate

$127.00

Modify to low negligence, penalty reduced to $100.00.

*Respondent offered evidence that the forklift had just begun operating on the day it was cited, and the backup alarm worked when it was last operated, thus reducing its negligence.

7012441

104(a)

§ 77.1606(a)

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Permanently Disabling

Moderate

$127.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

7012442

104(a)

§ 77.505

Non-S&S, Unlikely, Fatal

Moderate

$100.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

7012443

104(a)

§ 77.502

Non-S&S, Unlikely, Fatal

Moderate

$100.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

7012672

104(a)

§ 77.502

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Fatal

Moderate

$285.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

7012673

104(a)

§ 77.207

Non-S&S, Unlikely, Lost Workdays or Restricted Duty

Moderate

$100.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

7012674

104(a)

§ 77.502

Non-S&S, Unlikely, Lost Workdays or Restricted Duty

Moderate

$100.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

12 Citations, $1,624.00, as initially issued.

 

 

 

12 Citations, $1,597.00, as modified.



PENN 2011-16



Citation No.

Gravity

Negligence

Proposed Penalty

Penalty/Rationale

7012445

104(a)

§ 77.400(a)

Non-S&S, Unlikely, Permanently Disabling

Moderate

$100.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

7012444

104(a)

§ 77.312

Non-S&S, Unlikely, Permanently Disabling

Moderate

$100.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

2 Citations, $200.00, as initially issued.

 

 

 

2 Citations, $200.00.








PENN 2011-104



Citation No.

Gravity

Negligence

Proposed Penalty

Penalty/Rationale

7007198

104(a)

§ 77.1605(d)

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Lost Workdays or Restricted Duty

Moderate

$100.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

1 Citation, $100.00, as initially issued.

 

 

 

1 Citation, $100.00.



PENN 2011-189



Citation No.

Gravity

Negligence

Proposed Penalty

Penalty/Rationale

7007528

104(a)

§ 77.100

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Permanently Disabling

Moderate

$138.00

Remains as issued and assessed.

1 Citation, $138.00, as initially issued.

 

 

 

1 Citation, $138.00







PENN 2011-129, Secretary v. William Rosini, employed by Shamokin Filler Company



Citation/ Order No.

Gravity

Negligence

Proposed Penalty

Penalty/Rationale

7011792

104(d)(1) Citation

§ 71.202(a)

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Permanently Disabling

Reckless Disregard

$3,100.00

Remains as issued, penalty reduced to $1,456.00

*This reduction is warranted on the grounds that the likelihood of injury was somewhat less than initially determined as all tests for respirable dust during this time were within permissible limits and taking into account the lack of prior 110(c) penalties assessed against William Rosini.

7011795

104(d)(1) Order

§ 71.205(b)

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Permanently Disabling

Reckless Disregard

$3,500.00

Remains as issued, penalty reduced to $1,036.00

*This reduction is warranted on the grounds that the likelihood of injury was somewhat less than initially determined as all tests for respirable dust during this time were within permissible limits and taking into account the lack of prior 110(c) penalties assessed against William Rosini.

7011796

104(d)(1) Order

§ 71.205(c)

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Permanently Disabling

Reckless Disregard

$3,300.00

Remains as issued, penalty reduced to $1,000.00

*This reduction is warranted on the grounds that the likelihood of injury was somewhat less than initially determined as all tests for respirable dust during this time were within permissible limits and taking into account the lack of prior 110(c) penalties assessed against William Rosini.

7011797

104(d)(1) Order

§ 71.204(d)

S&S, Reasonably Likely, Permanently Disabling

Reckless Disregard

$3,500.00

Remains as issued, penalty reduced to $1,672.00

*This reduction is warranted on the grounds that the likelihood of injury was somewhat less than initially determined as all tests for respirable dust during this time were within permissible limits and taking into account the lack of prior 110(c) penalties assessed against William Rosini.

4 penalties pursuant to § 110(c), $13,400.00, as initially issued.

 

 

 

4 penalties pursuant to § 110(c), $5,164.00, as modified.



            I accept the Secretary’s proposed modifications to the citations, orders and proposed penalties and issue this decision based upon the parties’ stipulations. I have considered the representations and documentation submitted and find that the modifications are reasonable and that the penalties proposed are appropriate under the criteria set forth in section 110(i) of the Mine Act. My decision reflects and incorporates the Commission’s August 29, 2012, interlocutory decision holding that MSHA has jurisdiction over Respondent’s Carbon Plant.


            The parties have agreed that the penalties shall be stayed pending exhaustion of all appeals and final resolution of the jurisdictional issue. The parties have also agreed to bear their own attorney’s fees, costs and other expenses incurred within any stage of the above-referenced proceeding, including, but not limited to, attorney’s fees and costs which may be available under the Equal Access to Justice Act, as amended.













ORDER


            The total amount assessed for the citations at issue in these dockets is $70,900.00. I affirm each citation as set forth above. Shamokin Filler Company, Inc., is hereby ORDERED to PAY the Secretary of Labor the sum of $70,900.00 for the sixty-one violations listed above. Footnote In accordance with the parties’ agreement, this Order shall be STAYED pending exhaustion of all appeals and final resolution of the jurisdictional issue.




                                                                        /s/ John Kent Lewis

                                                                        John Kent Lewis

                                                                        Administrative Law Judge



Distribution:


Jessica R. Brown, Esq., Office of the Solicitor, U.S. Department of Labor, Suite 630E, The Curtis Center, 170 S. Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA 19106-3306


Adele L. Abrams, Esq., Law Office of Adele L. Abrams, P.C., 4740 Corridor Place, Suite D, Beltsville, MD 20705