[Massey Energy managers at the Upper Big Branch] Mine downplayed airflow problem, inspector says

[Turborama]

Source: The Charleston Gazette

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Three months before last week's deadly explosion, Massey Energy managers at the Upper Big Branch Mine told workers "not to worry" that the flow of air in the mine -- meant to control deadly gases and coal dust -- was headed in the wrong direction, a federal government inspector said in newly released U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration records.

The comment was made in January, when state and federal inspectors were battling Massey over what MSHA and the state Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training said were major ventilation problems.

"When questioned, Terry Moore, mine foreman, said he knew of (the) condition and that he asked Everett Hager, superintendent, about it and he was told not to worry about it," the MSHA inspector, whose name was not released, wrote in his official notebook.

The inspector's notes were among the Upper Big Branch enforcement documents MSHA continues to dribble out to the public and the press as federal and state officials begin a long and complex effort to figure out what caused the worst U.S. coal-mining disaster in 40 years.

Read more: http://www.tradingmarkets.com/news/stock-alert/mee_mine-downplayed-airflow-problem-inspector-says-910656.html

[Omaha Steve]

1. K&R!