Pennsylvania and West Virginia mining laws pertaining to underground diesel equipment and emissions are much more stringent than the current federal laws and are considered the gold standard when it comes to diesel rules in underground mines. Some of these states regulations and requirements include:
- An exhaust emissions control and conditioning system that dilutes the DPM to 0.12 mg when diluted by 100% of the MSHA approved ventilation rate.
- A DPM filter capable of reducing the Diesel Particulate Matter by at least 75%.
- An oxidation catalyst capable of reducing carbon monoxide emissions to 100ppm or less.
- A system capable of reducing the exhaust gas temperature below 302 degrees.
- An automatic engine shutdown system that will shut off the engine before the exhaust gas temperature reaches 302 degrees.
- A spark and flame arrestor system.
- A sampling port for measurement of undiluted exhaust gasses as they leave the engine and also before they enter the mine atmosphere.
- An on-board engine performance and maintenance diagnostics system. Capable of monitoring engine speed, operating hours, intake restriction, exhaust backpressure, cooled exhaust gas temperature, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and oil temperature.
- Exhaust gas limits for the mine atmosphere of 35ppm for Carbon Monoxide, 25ppm for Nitric Oxide, and 3ppm for Nitrogen Dioxide.
- The requirement of an operator to develop a detailed and comprehensive maintenance plan.
- Strict record keeping requirements of all emissions tests, preoperational exams, and maintenance and repairs.
- Complete equipment maintenance performed every 100 hours.
- Eight hours of diesel training every year separate from the requirements of 30 CFR Part 48.
