                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

 ROOF CONTROL PLANS (§ 45.2-710)

A. Each underground coal mine shall have a roof control plan approved by the
Chief. Each plan shall include (i) a minimum standard for adequately controlling
the roof, face, and ribs; (ii) a description of mining methods used; (iii) a
listing and specification of roof and rib support materials; (iv) instruction
for the installation of temporary and permanent roof supports; (v) a description
of any pillar recovery methods; (vi) applicable drawings that demonstrate the
width of each opening, each roof support installation sequence, and each pillar
recovery sequence; and (vii) any additional requirements deemed necessary by the
Chief. The initial submission of any roof control plan shall include maps of
mine projections, overlying and underlying mine workings, coal contours, and
surface contours. If changes are to be made in the mining system that
necessitate any change in the roof control plan, the plan shall be revised and
approved by the Chief prior to implementing the new mining system.

B. The Chief shall, where he deems necessary, prescribe adequate minimum
standards for systematic support of mine roof, suitable to the roof conditions
and mining system of each mine. Such standards shall be incorporated into an
approved roof control plan for the mine.

C. Failure to comply with the approved roof control plan for the mine shall
constitute a violation of this section.

D. The approved roof control plan shall be posted conspicuously at the mine and
a copy shall be available at each working section of the mine.

E. The minimum standards and plan shall provide for temporary support at all
active workings, without regard to natural condition.

F. If the minimum standards do not afford adequate protection, such additional
supports shall be installed as necessary. Such additional supports shall be
described in the plan.

G. This section shall not apply to any roof control system installed prior to
January 27, 1988, so long as the support system continues to effectively control
the roof, face, and ribs.

HISTORY: Code 1950, § 45-68.2; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-40; 1975, c.
520; 1978, c. 729; 1984, c. 590; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.109; 1999, c. 256;
2005, c. 3; 2011, cc. 826, 862; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.