B -- Coal Waste Impoundment Design Manual

The purpose of the Design Manual was to compile the information available at that time on the design, construction, maintenance and monitoring of coal waste impoundments, as no such compilation was previously available. The manual provided a source of information that assisted all involved parties - coal companies, engineering consultants, and government regulators - in carrying out their responsibilities to help ensure that safe impoundments were designed and constructed. The original manual was sold by the Government Printing Office, but has not been available for many years. In the 30 years since the publication of the Design Manual, significant changes have occurred in the fields of coal waste disposal and dam safety. Changes have included: the occurrence of several incidents where impounded slurry (fine coal waste) has broken into underground mine workings; construction of slurry disposal impoundments to to unprecedented heights using upstream construction methods; the availability of information on the engineering behavior and properties of coal waste materials, and thirty years of impoundment-performance history. Advances in technical knowledge related to the safe design and construction of dams and impoundments. The use of new construction products, such as geotextiles, synthetic drainage materials, and plastic pipe, that were not used prior to 1975. The entry of different engineering consulting firms performing impoundment-related work. MSHA regulates coal mining impoundments under the standards contained in 30 CFR 77.216 through 77.216-5. MSHA's responsibilities include: reviewing and approving the plans for the design, construction, and modification of impoundments; ensuring that coal companies routinely inspect the impoundments for signs of instability; obtaining annual reports and certifications on impoundment conditions; requiring that impoundments be properly abandoned or transferred to other responsible parties when mining activities are completed; and periodically inspecting impoundments for compliance with the approved plan and for signs of instability. Among other specific requirements, the standards require that plans submitted to MSHA for approval include a certification by a registered engineer that the design of the impounding structure is in accordance with current, prudent engineering practice for the maximum volume that can be impounded and for passage of storm runoff. Offerors who are interested in being included on the solicitation mailing list must submit a written request to: Irving M. McCrae, Contracting Officer, Acquisition Management division, Room 2173, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 1100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22209, (202) 693-9837, mccrae-irving@ dol.gov. Phone requests will not be accepted. All responses should be received within 14 of this notice.