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Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. Mission Ensure that coal mines are operated in a manner that protects citizens and the environment during mining and assures that the land is restored to beneficial use following mining
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Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Mission Ensure that coal mines are operated in a manner that protects citizens and the environmentduring mining and assures that the land is restored to beneficial use following mining Mitigate the effects of past mining by aggressively pursuing reclamation of abandoned coal mines Authority Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) 30 CFR Chapter VII (Part 700 to End) Details www.osmre.gov
OSM Programs • Regulation of Active Coal Mining • State Programs (State administered) • Federal Programs for States (OSM administered) • Indian Lands Program (OSM administered) • Federal Lands Program (State lead under DOI-State Cooperative Agreements) • Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Reclamation • State and Indian AML Programs (State/Tribe administered) • Federal Reclamation Program (OSM administered) • Emergency Program (State or OSM administered)
SMCRA Regulatory Functions • Permitting • Permit Application Processing • Public and Agency Participation • Findings, Decision, Bonding
SMCRA Regulatory Functions • Permitting • Permit Application Processing • Public and Agency Participation • Findings, Decision, Bonding
SMCRA Regulatory Functions • Permitting • Permit Application Processing • Public and Agency Participation • Findings, Decision, Bonding • Inspection and Enforcement • Compliance with Permit & Performance Standards • Reclamation Completion • Bond Release
SMCRA Regulatory Functions • Permitting • Permit Application Processing • Public and Agency Participation • Findings, Decision, Bonding • Inspection and Enforcement • Compliance with Permit & Performance Standards • Reclamation Completion • Bond Release • Unsuitability Determinations • Federal Lands Review • Petitions
SMCRA and National Park Service • SURFACE COAL MINING OPERATIONS • MAY NOT BE CONDUCTED ON • Prohibited Lands - • The National Park System • National Recreation Areas designated by Congress • The Wild and Scenic Rivers System • Within 300 feet of public parks • Limited Lands - • where operations would adversely affect a public park unless the park authority jointly approves the operations
SMCRA and National Park Service • SURFACE COAL MINING OPERATIONS • MAY NOT BE CONDUCTED ON • Prohibited Lands - • The National Park System • National Recreation Areas designated by Congress • The Wild and Scenic Rivers System • Within 300 feet of public parks • Limited Lands - • where operations would adversely affect a public park unless the park authority jointly approves the operations • UNLESS the operator has Valid Existing Rights
SMCRA and National Park Service • Exploration • Exploration is allowed on prohibited and limited lands (e.g., within a National Park) if the operator obtains a permit • Regulatory Authorities must notify land owners and agencies with jurisdiction and provide opportunity for comment • Operators must: • Describe their right to enter and explore • Consult landowner and agency with jurisdiction • Minimize interference with the values of the land
SMCRA and National Park Service • Permitting • Regulatory authority must: • Notify agencies with an interest in an operation (e.g., NPS), in writing, of permit applications received and provide time for comments, objections, or requests for informal conferences • Request written approval or objection by the Park authority if operations may adversely affect a public park—the Park authority must respond in 30 days or request an additional 30 days—failure to object in time is considered approval • Conduct informal conferences, if requested
SMCRA and National Park Service Operations and Reclamation Operations are inspected at least monthly Operators must conduct operations as described and approved in the permit application and must comply with performance standards Permits are reviewed at mid-term of the permit