                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

 BLEEDER SYSTEMS (§ 45.2-837)

A. Every mine shall have a system, approved by the Chief, of bleeder openings of
air courses designed to provide positive movement of air through or around
worked-out areas. Such system shall be sufficient to prevent a hazardous
accumulation of gas in any such area and to minimize the effect of variations in
atmospheric pressure. Each operator shall submit a bleeder system plan that
complies with requirements developed by the Chief.

B. The system requirements developed by the Chief shall, at a minimum, address
standards for (i) supplemental roof supports, (ii) water accumulation, (iii)
continuous movement of gases from gob areas, (iv) methane content, (v) the use
and operation of degasification systems, (vi) air flow direction and content,
and (vii) ventilation controls. The Chief shall not approve a plan that provides
for a methane content exceeding 4.5 percent in bleeder air courses.

C. This section shall not prohibit the sealing of worked-out areas in accordance
with &#xA7; 45.2-845. The mine map requirements of &#xA7; 45.2-542 may be used
to depict bleeder system standards specified in this section.

D. Failure to comply with an approved plan is a violation of this section.

HISTORY: Code 1950, § 45-60.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-56; 1968, c.
310; 1978, c. 120; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.220; 1996, c. 774;
1999, c. 256; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.