The Mine Safety and Health Administration has assessed a fine of $118,800 against the West Ridge Mine, located in the Book Cliffs Coal Field of Carbon County, for a "flagrant" violation of safety rules. It is one of several Utah coal mines partly owned by Murray Energy Corp.

Murray Energy and the Intermountain Power Agency own equal shares in the Crandall Canyon Mine, where accidents claimed nine miners and would-be rescuers last August. Both companies also share ownership in the West Ridge Mine, according to the state's latest edition of "Annual Review and Forecast of Utah Coal." The Intermountain Power Agency operates the Intermountain Power Project coal-burning generating plants near Lynndyl, Millard County.

Subsidiaries of Murray Energy operate the West Ridge and Crandall Canyon mines as well as the Aberdeen Mine near Price, which is wholly owned by Murray Energy Corp. Murray Energy, based in Cleveland, is the largest independent, family-owned coal producer in the United States.

Late in March, MSHA announced it was seeking an assessment of $420,300 for "flagrant" fire and explosive conditions at the Aberdeen Mine. Shortly afterward, the Murray organization closed that mine. A company press release said miners would all be offered jobs in other Murray mines. Most went to the West Ridge Mine.

Now MSHA has filed the proposed fine of $118,800 against West Ridge for what it terms a flagrant violation. An inspection report provided by the agency said a check on Jan. 23 found that "float coal dust," a combustible material, had accumulated in dangerous quantities in the crusher building.

"The float coal dust was black in color, dry and covered all surfaces inside the ... building with a heavy layer. The float dust ranged in thickness from the thickness of a couple of sheets of paper to as much as 1/8-inch thick in some recessed areas."

The dust covered structural beams, a light fixture, a belt magnet and electrical motors. It had "accumulated inside electrical control boxes, which are all considered potential ignition sources," the report adds.

Electrical equipment boxes were opened, and the inspection "found that float dust had accumulated inside all over the electrical components," which indicated to the inspector that the boxes were not adequately sealed.

"Hazardous condition was extensive, present on all levels of the building and would be obvious to the most casual observer," adds the report. Two cleanup orders were issued for accumulation of coal float dust in the building on Dec. 19, 2006, and Jan. 25, 2007, the report adds.

Later on Jan. 23, 2008, the inspector noted that the crusher building had been washed down on all three levels and, "All electrical control boxes in question have been cleaned."

Companies assessed MSHA fines have a right to appeal with the possibility of lowering or removing the fine. Attempts to obtain comment from Murray Energy were unsuccessful.

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E-mail: bau@desnews.com