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Jack Spadaro
Professional Experience
1) Training Administrator, GS-1712-15 9/30/98 to 9/30/04
Employer
Supervisor
Duties and Accomplishments
The National Mine Health and Safety Academy is the principal training facility for all federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) inspectors and for other mining interests. As superintendent of the Academy, I provided leadership and exercised overall planning and management control, direction and coordination of resources, activities, programs, and facilities of the Academy, including the development, establishment and implementation of policies and procedures; the planning, development and implementation of national and international education and training programs in mine health and safety; and operation of the Academy's physical facilities. I determined program goals and exercised decision-making authority within the parameters of MSHA policy and program objectives. During my tenure, I developed and implemented a Strategic Plan for improving the quality of training and the production of training materials for mine inspectors and industry.
Through subordinate managers, I directed a staff of professional, technical, and clerical personnel in the conduct of a variety of comprehensive programs designed to accomplish the Academy's goals. During my tenure, the Academy had a staff of 65 full-time federal employees and 67 contract employees. I planned, developed, and implemented the educational and training programs of the Academy. I developed program goals, objectives and proposals. I was responsible for the development and administration of individualized study materials and education programs for nonresident students from federal, state, and local government agencies, from industry and labor organizations, and from educational institutions.
I planned and developed seminars and conferences on mine safety and health and related programs to be conducted at the Academy and at other locations. I was responsible for overseeing the management of the Technical Information Center and Library, and for acquiring and making available appropriate and up-to-date reference materials to meet customer needs.
I was responsible for development of studies designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Academy's educational programs, and to determine needs for revisions in curricula based on changes in materials, industries and in educational processes. I also directed significant changes in the curricula for Entry Level and Journeyman MSHA inspector training.
I was responsible for development and implementation of support programs for services at the Academy for staff, faculty, and students. Support programs include administrative services, ancillary staff services support, student housing, recreation, internal safety, health services, and physical plant services. I managed the implementation of a capital improvement program to modernize classrooms, residence halls and computer capabilities.
I maintained liaison with key officials in MSHA, academia, industry and other organizations concerned with improved education techniques and methodologies related to safety and health issues. I developed and maintained relationships with universities, colleges, vocational schools, and secondary school to promote training and educational courses in the mineral industries, and to further the recognized stature of the Academy as a leading educational institution in mine health and safety. I participated in cooperative agreements with several colleges and universities and the Appalachian Consortium.
I delegated authority to subordinate managers for the personnel and program management of their respective areas. I evaluated the performance and review evaluations of subordinate supervisors. I conducted staff meetings, and provided advice and counsel on both program and administrative matters, and guidance in the solution of special problems. During my tenure, I helped improve the effectiveness of each program area by communicating regularly and exchanging information among departments.
I served as a team leader in the investigation of the Martin County Coal Slurry Discharge, which occurred on Oct. 11, 2000 in Martin County, Kentucky. I managed the geotechnical engineering investigation of the slurry discharge, which was the largest and most serious pollution event in the eastern United States. I oversaw the drilling operations, laboratory analysis and the writing of the engineering evaluation regarding the causes of the incident.
During my tenure, I upgraded all training programs at the Academy. As a result, course days of training at the Academy increased from 497 to 2,200. Enrollment increased from 17,000 students per year to 30,000 students per year.
2) Deputy Superintendent, GS-301-14 1/05/97 to 8/30/1998
Employer
Supervisor
Duties and Accomplishments
As deputy superintendent, I was the day-to-day operations manager at the National Mine Health and Safety Academy. I assisted the Superintendent to plan, develop and implement the education and training programs of the Academy. I worked with department managers to direct a staff of professional, technical, and support personnel in the conduct of comprehensive programs designed to accomplish the Academy's goals.
I oversaw the human resources program for Academy employees, including work assignments, performance (standards, appraisals, rewards, disciplinary actions), safety and health programs, counseling, complaint systems, and leave systems. I worked directly with federal and state agency administrators to conduct research and technology transfer projects to further the Academy's goals.
I supervised the implementation of a long-term Strategic Plan that outlined the mission of the Academy. The plan included faculty and staff development and a program development plan to provide training programs and instructional materials that meet the highest educational and technical standards of quality. I directed attention to essential technical areas to provide improved training in surface haulage safety, roof control safety, underground haulage, machinery and electrical safety and industrial hygiene related to the mine environment. I guided a pilot training program in Surface Mine Haulage safety that is being used as a model for future programs.
I devised a restructuring plan for the Academy and supervised its implementation. The plan created new divisions in mining technology, safety management, inspection automation, and course development. I supervised a staff of 62 full-time federal employees and 58 contract employees. I supervised the departments of Instructional Services and Instructional Materials, the Technical Information Center and Library, and the Facilities Support Services.
The reorganization of the Academy resulted in a more even distribution of work by Academy employees and more effective education and training to MSHA inspectors, miners, mine supervisors, and training specialists. I set up committees to develop new programs and improve existing programs. Altogether, 16 working committees, made up of staff members from various disciplines, took on projects to improve the Academy's curricula and other Academy functions. These committees completed comprehensive plans in the areas of Program Development, New Technology in Training, Academic/International Relations, Facilities Utilization, Community Relations, Individual Development, Internet Usage, Library Usage, Marketing of the Academy's courses and products, and use of the Mine Simulation Laboratory. The New Technology Committee completed an outline of the best methods for delivering mine safety and health-related training to the mining community.
I initiated the development of Roof Control seminars to provide training to all coal mine inspectors that will ensure that the most current information in this subject area will be made available to the inspectors. The Academy also initiated conferences and seminars in the areas of noise and dust control in the mining environment; blasting, construction, maintenance, and repair safety; surface haulage safety; electrical hazards and inspection methods, and accident investigation.
I supervised the revision of entry-level training modules for metal, nonmetal and coal mine inspectors. The revision emphasized critical areas of the inspection process so that the early training is meaningful and comprehensive.
Under my supervision, the Academy negotiated cooperative agreements with six colleges and universities and joined the Appalachian Consortium to broaden the institution's expertise in various subject areas related to mine health and safety. The agreements include faculty exchanges, summer intern programs, and distance learning programs.
I included labor representatives in all phases of planning and implementation of revised and new programs. I created an individual development program that ensures that all employees have equal opportunity for advancement and additional professional development. This program allows Academy staff and students to receive credit toward associate, bachelor and master's degrees for courses taken at the Academy.
In 1998, I traveled to Russia and Ukraine to begin the development of an International Mine Health and Safety training program. Between 1998 and 2003, delegations from Russia, Ukraine, South Africa, China, Mexico, Poland, Peru, Georgia, Canada, Mexico, Thailand, and Indonesia have trained in mine health and safety at the Academy.
3) Mining Engineer, GS-880-13 4/96 to 1/97
Employer
Supervisor
Duties and Accomplishments
I conducted a study of 1,300 surface mine accidents and wrote a report regarding the causes of the haulage accidents. I made recommendations for a surface haulage safety program that has been adopted by MSHA. I also served as special assistant to the Superintendent of the National Mine Health and Safety Academy to work on curriculum expansion in the areas of mine ventilation, roof control, mine electricity and machinery, and health. I presented a technical paper at a seminar at Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University in August 1996. The technical paper has been used as a basis for developing the new training program in surface haulage.
I evaluated the overall training needs for the Academy and recommended a program that included a research-driven curriculum that was aimed at eliminating fatalities and injuries in mines. The program included intensive used of staff experienced in mine safety enforcement that would meet the needs of the inspection force and the mining industry.
I planned a training program for new surface haulage instructors that began in November 1996. The program was key to a nationwide inspection and enforcement effort that concentrated on the critical safety and health needs of industry regarding steep haul roads, unsafe dump and fill sites, and vehicle maintenance programs.
4) Mining Engineer, GS-880-13 3/82 to 4/96
Employer
Supervisor
Duties and Accomplishments
I was responsible for design and construction of health and safety hazard abatement landslide stabilization, subsidence control, and mine fire projects in Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Illinois.
I served as project engineer on approximately 300 mining-related landslides, coal refuse fires, underground mine subsidences, and mine fire emergency projects. I also provided technical assistance to Office of Surface Mining field offices regarding valley fill construction, coal waste disposal and landslide stabilization. I served as an expert witness regarding surface and underground mine operations, valley fill construction, landslide stabilization, and coal mine reclamation in federal court hearing. I taught mining and civil engineering classes about methods used to abate mining hazards.
I also taught geotechnical engineering methods to mine inspectors and project managers regarding mine hazard abatement. I managed a training program for inspectors and engineers.
5) Reclamation Supervisor, GS-13 4/78 to 3/82
Employer
Supervisor
Duties and Accomplishments
I supervised inspection and enforcement programs and regulation of surface and underground mining operations on a regional and national level. I wrote regulations for the permanent program for the construction of coal waste embankments, valley fills, contour mining, mountaintop removal mining, and backfilling and grading on surface mines.
I served as an expert witness in administrative and federal court hearings in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Kentucky.
I authored papers on construction of earth-and rock fill coal waste embankments. I served as assistant to the director of Inspection and Enforcement in Washington, D.C. I wrote policy directives and supervised the national interim surface mining inspection program. I managed tracking systems for violators and provided guidance to field managers regarding enforcement.
I served as district manager in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. I managed a nationwide training program for new inspectors and managers regarding inspection techniques at surface and underground mining facilities. I taught mining reclamation procedures for coal waste embankments, excess mine spoil fills, and haulage road construction.
6) Division Chief 3/73 to 4/78
Employer
Supervisor
Duties and Responsibilities
I was responsible for development of safety criteria for coal waste embankment construction, dam construction, landslide stabilization, excess mine spoil fills, and
surface mine drainage systems for the state of West Virginia. More than 1,5000 coal waste embankments and dams were evaluated for safety. I issued enforcement documents to mine owners and supervised an inspection and remedial construction program.
I managed a statewide inspection and enforcement program with a staff of civil and mining engineers, geologists and reclamation specialists. I was also responsible for inspection of drainage facilities for surface mines and preparation facilities.
I taught seminars to train mine inspectors and engineers. I taught on the subjects of slope stabilization procedures for coal waste piles and dams, excess mine spoil fills, and mine sediment control structures. I taught all staff about the basics of geotechnical engineering as related to the mining environment. I managed a statewide training program for all dam and waste pile inspectors. I cross-trained all personnel in basic engineering and hydrology pertaining to earth and coal-related structures.
7) Staff Engineer 3/72 to 10/72
Employer
Supervisor
Duties and Accomplishments
I wrote the final report regarding the failure of a coal waste dam in February 1972 that killed 125 people in Logan County, West Virginia. I assembled and evaluated geotechnical engineering data regarding the construction and sudden failure of the dam. I interviewed witnesses and briefed commission members before hearings. I prepared recommendations for coal refuse and dam control regulations that were enacted into law in West Virginia.
8) Mining Research Engineer 1/71 to 3/72
Employer
Supervisor
Duties and Accomplishments
I taught underground coal mine design and surveying. I conducted research projects in abatement of surface and underground acid mine drainage. This research included analysis of mine water and evaluation of treatment facilities and mine plans to abate acid drainage. I wrote reports about my research regarding the development of mine plans to reduce the possibility of acid drainage formation.
9) Mining Engineer 5/70 to 1/71
Employer
Supervisor
Duties and Accomplishments
I worked as a junior mining engineer in the design of surface and underground mining operations. I developed roof control and ventilation plans and designed valley fills and dams. I worked as a section foreman in underground continuous miner sections.
10) Mining Engineer 6/66 to 5/70
Employer
Supervisor
Duties and Accomplishments
I assisted in training in the areas of roof control, mine ventilation, and coal mine health and safety. I was part of a team that inspected underground mining operations and surface-related facilities to determine compliance with federal health and safety laws.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mining Engineering
West Virginia University, 1970
Mount Hope High School, 1966 - Salutatorian
Awards/Accomplishments
1991 - Instructor Training, Office of Surface Mining, U.S. Department of Publications
August 1972 - "The Buffalo Creek Flood and Disaster", a Report of the Governor's Commission of Inquiry into the Buffalo Flood.
September 1996 - "Analysis of Surface Powered Haulage Accidents", Holmes Safety Association Bulletin.
Recent Cases
1. Kay Ward, Et. Al. v. Martin County Coal Company; Martin County Circuit Court, Martin County, Kentucky: Failure of a coal slurry impoundment that resulted in a 300 million gallon slurry spill into the Tug Fork River. Involved MSHA and EPA regulations. Attorney: Ned Pillersdorf, Prestonsburg, Ky. 606-886-6090.
2. Perry Et. Al. v. Bandmill Coal Company; Civil Action No. 04-C-227; Logan County Circuit Court, Logan County, W. Va.: Failure of a surface mine valley fill and resultant flood that damaged ten houses. Involved W. Va. Department of Environmental Protection regulations. Attorney: Randolph McGraw, Beckley, W. Va. 304-252-1014.
3. Erby Lester v. Elk Run Coal Company; Civil Action No. 04-C-231; Boone County Circuit Court, Boone County, W.Va.: Investigation of a fire and resultant injury at a surface mine site. Involved MSHA and W.Va. mine safety regulations. Attorney: Kristofer Cormany, Charleston, W. Va. 304-345-0346.
4. Guy Vansant v. Commonwealth of Kentucky; Franklin Circuit Court, Frankfort, Ky.; Whistleblower case involving coal waste dams and land fills. Involved MSHA, OSM and KY. DEP regulations. Attorney: Phillip Shepherd, Frankfort, Ky. 502-227-1122.
5. Debbie Williams v. Commonwealth of Kentucky; Administrative hearing; Frankfort, Ky.: Concerning a mine related landslide. Involved Ky. DEP and federal OSM regulations. Attorney: Appalachian Citizens Law Center, Stephen Sanders, Director 606-886-1442.
6. Willie Juan Hatfield Et. Al. v. Hampden Coal Co. Inc.; Civil Action No. 05-C-63; Mingo County Circuit Court, Mingo County, W.Va.; Injury of a worker at a coal preparation plant. Involved MSHA and state of W. Va. mine safety regulations. Attorney: Kristofer Cormany, Charleston, W. Va. 304-345-0346.
7. I have also testified as an expert witness while working as a federal mine health and safety engineer. I testified in approximately thirty-five to forty administrative and federal district court hearings involving OSM or MSHA regulations.
8. Larry Brown v. Rawl Sales and Processing Company; Injection of coal slurry into underground mine workings, damage to groundwater system and water wells; Involves Clean Water Act and Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act; Mingo County Circuit Court, Williamson, W. Va.; Attorney: Kevin Thompson, Charleston, W.Va.
9. Flood Litigation; Involved mountaintop removal mining operations and relationship to flooding of July 8, 2001 in southern West Virginia; Raleigh County Circuit Court, Beckley, W.Va.; Attorneys: Stuart Calwell, Charleston, W.Va. and Randolph McGraw, Beckley, W.Va.
10. Johnny Orras v. Min. Inc. and Nell-Jean Industries, Inc.; Investigation of an accident involving an end-loader on a surface mine; Mingo County Circuit Court, Williamson, W.Va.; Attorney: Kristofer Cormany, Charleston, W.Va.
11. Richard Hanshaw v. Kanawha River Terminals Inc. and J&T Contracting Inc; Investigation of an accident involving an excavator at a coal loading facility; Kanawha County Circuit Court, Charleston, W.Va.; Attorneys: Kristofer Cormany and J.R. Carter, Charleston, W.Va.
12. Ricky Dean Lester v. J.M.A.C. Leasing, Inc.; Investigation of a rock truck haulage accident on a surface mine; Wyoming County Circuit Court, Pineville, W.Va.; Attorney: Robert Warner, Charleston, W.Va.
13. Gordon Lawson v. Patriot Mining Company and Anker Energy Corporation; Involved fly ash disposal on a surface mining operation in northern W.Va.; Monongalia County Circuit Court, Morgantown, W.Va.; Attorney: Vincent Trivelli, Morgantown, W.Va.
14. Anthony Runyon v. Hampden Coal Co. and Sartin Contracting, Inc.; Coal truck haulage accident at a coal loading facility near Man, W.Va.; Involved MSHA and state of W.Va. mine safety regulations; Logan County Circuit Court, Logan, W.Va.; Attorney: Kristofer Cormany, Charleston, W.Va. |
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Jack Spadaro, PO Box 442, Hamlin WV 25523