<DOC>
[DOCID: f:yo9661m.wais]

 
DREW DRILLING & BLASTING, INCORPORATED
May 23, 1997
YORK 96-61-M


           FEDERAL MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION

                   1730 K STREET,  N.W.,  6TH FLOOR

                    WASHINGTON, D. C.   20006-3868


                             May 23, 1997

SECRETARY OF LABOR,           :    CIVIL PENALTY PROCEEDING
  MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH      :
  ADMINISTRATION (MSHA),      :    Docket No. YORK 96-61-M
               Petitioner     :    A. C. No. 19-01034-05502 XEX
                              :
          v.                  :
DREW DRILLING & BLASTING,     :
  INCORPORATED,               :    Labrie Stone Products
               Respondent     :    Incorporated


                  DECISION APPROVING SETTLEMENT

Before:  Judge Merlin

     This case is before me upon a petition for assessment of the
civil  penalties  under section 105(d) of the Federal Mine Safety
and Health Act of 1977.   The  Solicitor  has  filed  a motion to
approve  settlements.   A  reduction in penalties from $2,500  to
$2,000 is proposed.  I have  considered  the  representations and
documentation  submitted  in this case, and I conclude  that  the
proffered  settlements are appropriate  under  the  criteria  set
forth in section 110(i) of the Act.

     WHEREFORE,   the  motion  for  approval  of  settlements  is
GRANTED, and it is  ORDERED  that  the  operator pay a penalty of
$2,000  within 30 days of this order.


                              Paul Merlin
                              Chief Administrative Law Judge


Distribution:

David L. Baskin,  Esq., Office of the Solicitor, U. S. Department 
of Labor,  Room E-375,  John F. Kennedy Federal Building, Boston, 
MA 02203

Mr.  Edwin  Drew, President, Drew Drilling & Blasting Inc., P. O.
Box 519, Thomaston, CT 06787

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