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Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. Update on Mining, Reclamation , and Acid Mine Drainage. AML Reauthorization. What changes? Extension to 9/30/2021 Fee reductions Allocation changes and mandatory spending Treasury payments Priorities. AML Reauthorization.

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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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