Selected Federal Enforcement and Safety Activities Involving Coal and Noncoal Mines

GAO reviewed the federal dust sampling program to determine the validity of the procedures being used and the accuracy of the Department of the Interior reports that more than 90 percent of the Nation's operating coal mine sections had reduced the levels of respirable coal dust to amounts that were better than the standards required under the applicable statutes. GAO also reviewed the Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration's (MESA) assessment and collection procedures and information on closure orders issued to noncoal mines by MESA. At every mine visited, GAO observed such improper sampling procedures as: (1) failure to operate samplers continuously; (2) mine data cards completed before samples were taken; (3) sampled individuals too far away from samplers; and (4) failure to use interchangeable sampler parts. MESA 1973 assessment and collection procedures appeared to be improved but were not entirely effective because: (1) penalty assessments, settlements, and collections were untimely; (2) penalties paid were much lower than the amounts assessed, resulting in questions as to the penalties' effectiveness in deterring noncompliance; (3) factors used to determine penalty amounts were applied inconsistently; and (4) MESA could not ensure that all violations were assessed, settled, and collected.