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utilization of water sprays, and the addition of a wetting agent <br /> to the water to make it more effective in controlling dust in <br /> areas where coal is being worked . Also, rockdust (pulverized <br /> limestone) is applied to the top, floors and sides of all under- <br /> ground areas to neutralize the inherent explosion hazard of float <br /> coal dust . <br /> (d) Water control <br /> Water that accumulates in the under- <br /> ground workings of the Coal Basin mines is used in the mines for <br /> dust suppression. Excess water is pumped to the surface and <br /> discharged . A variety of pumps are used underground . They range <br /> in horsepower from 5 to 200. Excess underground waters are <br /> clarified in the mines in underground sumps (settling pond equiva- <br /> lents) prior to discharge. <br /> (e) Maintenance <br /> Maintenance of both the underground <br /> mining openings and equipment is a vital function of the overall <br /> underground operations . Area maintenance includes keeping all <br /> passageways and working areas clean and free of debris, rock- <br /> dusted , and the roof well supported . It also includes keeping <br /> all fixed installations such as ventilation equipment, conveyor <br /> systems, powerlines, and water pumps and lines in good working <br /> order . Maintenance of the mobile equipment such as the continuous <br /> miners , loading machines, shuttle cars, feeder breakers , roof <br /> bolters, etc . require an intensive preventive maintenance and <br /> repair program to keep them operating properly. <br /> / 9 <br />