Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Office July 26, 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are announcing receipt of revisions pertaining to a previously proposed statutory amendment to the Montana regulatory program (hereinafter, the ``Montana program'') under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (``SMCRA'' or ``the Act''). Montana revised its original amendment proposal to remain consistent with SMCRA and Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (``OSM'') policy. The revised amendment pertains to exempting certain small water treatment and other facilities areas from the 10-year revegetation responsibility period. Montana intends to revise its program to be consistent with OSM's interpretation of SMCRA, clarify ambiguities, and to improve operational efficiency.