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Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Learn about the recent changes and implications of the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Reauthorization for the Appalachian region, including funding adjustments, rulemaking updates, and reforestation initiatives. Explore the impact on acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment, project funding, and reforestation progress.

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Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

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  1. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Update on Mining,Reclamation, and Acid Mine Drainage

  2. AML Reauthorization • What changes? • Extension to 9/30/2021 • Fee reductions • Allocation changes and mandatory spending • Treasury payments • Priorities

  3. AML Reauthorization • More changes: • Remining incentives reinstated permanently • Water lines – limit removed • AMD Set aside expanded and revised • Authority for other remining incentives • Tribal primacy

  4. AML ReauthorizationWhat does it mean to WV?

  5. AML Reauthorization • What do changes mean for AMD? • AMD Set-Aside raised from 10% to 30% • OSM approval no longer required • Funding for Clean Streams grants • Funding for Watershed Co-ops

  6. Implementation of2006 SMCRA Amendments • Some changes needed by 9/30/07 • New rules • Revised Directives • System changes

  7. OSM Rulemaking Status • Coal combustion by-products • Proposed excess spoil/stream buffer zone rule with DEIS • Proposed coal waste rule • No national rule on long-term AMD • TN final rule on AMD trust funds and reforestation

  8. TN Treatment Trust Funds • Rule provides framework for income-generating funds for long-term treatment • Modeled after OSM-approved PA program • Negotiations underway to establish funds for several discharges • Can serve as models for other states

  9. AMDTreat v4.1 • Released February 2007 • Numerous enhancements including updated default costs and values • OSM is available to present AMDTreat training at your meeting or conference http://amdtreat.osmre.gov

  10. AMD-Related Litigation • WVHC v. Kempthorne • WVHC Notice of Intent • Pennsylvania Federated Sportsmen, et al. v. Kempthorn,

  11. Applied Science ProgramHydrology-related Projects • 2005--~$200K • 2006--~$468K • 2007—~$???K

  12. Technology Transfer & Programmatic Focus • Mine Pool Workshop • Field Issues Workshops • Reforestation Conference • Drainage Control Certification (EY07) • Prevent catastrophic events

  13. AMD Inventories • OSM and the states are in the process of updating the 2000 inventory of post-law AMD discharges in the region • An inventory of AML passive treatment sites in PA, WV, MD, and OH is available OSM’s website: • http://amd.osmre.gov/passtreat

  14. Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative

  15. Reforestation is a Logical Priority • ARRI Goals: • Plant more high-value hardwood trees • Increase survival rate of planted trees • Increase growth rates of surviving trees • Expedite forest habitat establishment through natural succession

  16. ARRI is Partnerships

  17. ARRI’s Focus:Address Barriers to Reforestation • Identify technical barriers to effective tree growth • Change perceptions: • What should good reclamation look like? • Bond release is not easier without trees • Regulations do not inhibit reforestation

  18. Forestry Reclamation Approach • Provide at least 4 feet of material suitable for tree roots • Avoid compaction • Limit ground cover • Plant variety of high quality hardwood tree species • Use proper tree planting techniques

  19. Advantages of Reforestation in Appalachia • Forest products are valuable • Job opportunities • Ecological asset values • Environmental • Recreational

  20. WV Reforestation Progress! • In 2006: • 11,000 acres permitted • 92% of 59 permits issued chose land uses requiring trees • 80% of permits incorporated FRA • >2 million trees planted on 3,000 acres

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