It is possible to request lava removal, last I looked...

And he can't just take all lava away. It doesn't work like that.

 

Actually he can but it would lag the server immensley
he could do it like this
1. Go under spawn at layer 9
2. type //drain 5000
3. fixed but no one could log on for 30 min while the map updates

 

jamie that plan will ruin the mining of obsidian and immensely influence the economy.
it would be a bad idea.

if you dont want to fall in lava either sneak while mining or look with F3 at what Y level you are (13 is right above where most lava lakes are generated) do not mine below that without taking proper caution.