Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Office August 16, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), are announcing receipt of three proposed amendments to the Texas regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Texas at its own initiative submitted three separate amendments to its program: SATS Nos. TX-061-FOR, TX-062-FOR, and TX-063-FOR. Texas proposes revisions in TX-061-FOR by adding language that no longer requires an operation with only reclamation activities ongoing to renew their mining permit, to clarify the requirement to maintain public liability insurance for sites where the permit is not renewed because the only activities ongoing are reclamation, and to clarify midterm review times for sites where the permit is not renewed because the only ongoing activities are reclamation. Texas proposes revisions in TX-062- FOR by adding a new definition for ``Previously mined land,'' adding new language on the effects of previous mining violations from operations on previously mined lands in relation to permit application denials, and adding new language explaining performance standards for revegetation liability timeframes for coal mining and reclamation operations. Texas proposes revisions in TX-063-FOR by adding a new definition for ``Director;'' deleting old language, and adding new language clarifying the review periods for new permits, renewals, and significant revisions. Texas intends to revise its program to improve operational efficiency. This document provides the times and locations that the Texas program and proposed amendments to that program are available for public inspection, the comment period during which you may submit written comments on these amendments, and the procedures that we will follow for the public hearing, if one is requested.