No signs of life from mine: 3 evacuations in last two months from methane emergencies

MONTCOAL, W.Va. — Rescue workers continued the precarious task early Wednesday of removing explosive methane gas from the coal mine where at least 25 miners died two days before, but they had not received any signs of life from the four people still missing.

The mine owner’s dismal safety record, along with several recent evacuations of the mine, left federal officials and miners suggesting that Monday’s explosion might have been preventable.

In the past two months, miners had been evacuated three times from the Upper Big Branch because of dangerously high methane levels, according to two miners who asked for anonymity for fear of losing their jobs. Representative Nick J. Rahall II, a Democrat whose district includes the mine, said he had received similar reports from miners about recent evacuations at the mine, which as recently as last month was fined at least three times for ventilation problems, according to federal records...

Mr. Rahall said that even veteran rescue workers, some with decades of experience, had told him they were shocked by what they saw inside the mine. They said they had never witnessed destruction on that scale, Mr. Rahall said, or dealt with the aftermath of an explosion of that magnitude.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/08/us/08westvirginia.html

does the regulatory agency that oversees mining operations not have the authority to shut a mine down for continued violations? I'd imagine that a mine like this one waits until they are cited and fined before addressing a specific issue in a specific place - in a very specific way; thereby complying, at least outwardly, to the rules. Still, when there is a pattern of abuse, isn't that enough for the authorities to step in and say 'shut it down' until ALL the problems are addressed?

I am ignorant of the mechanics of the system and would like to understand how such systematic and long-term violations could merit only a slap on the wrist. Isn't there a point where such issues reach critical mass and demand more punitive action?

Can anyone enlighten me, please?

When does almighty business finally get shut down for endangering its workers?

to get a business shut down when it's in violation of safety standards? Damn. I knew we were on our knees to the corporations, but I honestly didn't think it had gone that far. I need to start reading more . . .

Wow. Just looked at the data on violations for this operation. They were cited 37 times EACH for inadequate ventilation and accumulation of combustible materials (coal dust, etc) - in the last calendar year. Fined each time, but that's it.

http://www.msha.gov/drs/ASP/MineAction.asp

Where is the point of no return in the law? That's like being pulled over for DUI 74 times in a year and not having your license revoked (okay, poor analogy, I admit).

as long as the citations are being appealed, fines can't be collected and other actions can't be taken. Critical problems are supposed to be corrected in a day or two, but that often doesn't happen, either.

Thank the Bush people for most of that.