Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Office October 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) is announcing its intention to request renewed approval for the collection of information for Areas Designated by Act of Congress. This information collection activity was previously approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and assigned clearance number 1029- 0111.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) is announcing that the information collection request related to the certification of blasters in Federal program states and on Indian lands, and Form OSM-74, has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and reauthorization. The information collection package was previously approved and assigned clearance number 1029-0083. This notice describes the nature of the information collection activity and the expected burdens and costs.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) has forwarded the information collection renewal request relating to the permanent program performance standardssurface mining activities and underground mining activities, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The information collection request describes the nature of the information collection and the expected burden and cost. This information collection activity was previously approved by OMB and assigned control number 1029-0047.

We are announcing receipt of a proposed 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 proposes changes to the Montana Strip and Underground Mine Reclamation Act (MSUMRA) that differentiate between coal beneficiation and coal preparation plants. Montana intends to revise its program to clarify ambiguities and improve operational efficiency. This document gives the times and locations that the Montana program and proposed amendment to that program are available for your inspection, the comment period during which you may submit written comments on the amendment, and the procedures that we will follow for the public hearing, if one is requested.

We are reopening and extending the public comment period on the proposed amendment to the Pennsylvania regulatory program (the ``Pennsylvania program'') under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act) published on February 7, 2011. In response to a required program amendment codified in the Federal regulations, Pennsylvania submitted information that it believes demonstrates that sufficient funds exist to guarantee coverage of the full cost of land reclamation at all sites originally permitted and bonded under its now-defunct alternative bonding system. Pennsylvania requested that the program amendment be removed based on the information provided. The comment period is being extended to incorporate subsequent information that we received from Pennsylvania regarding one permit involving land reclamation obligations. This document gives the times and locations that the Pennsylvania program and this submittal are available for your inspection, the comment period during which you may submit written comments, and the procedures that we will follow for the public hearing, if one is requested.