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

We are approving an amendment to the Montana regulatory program (the ``Montana program'') under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (``SMCRA'' or ``the Act''). Montana proposed revisions to its statute as discussed in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, II. Proposed Amendment, to clarify ambiguities and improve operational efficiency.

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 for the title described below has been forwarded 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 for 30 CFR 800, Bonding and insurance requirements for surface coal mining and reclamation operations under regulatory programs.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) is announcing its intention to seek continued approval for two collections of information which we are consolidating into one collection activity: 30 CFR Parts 779 and 783Surface and Underground Mining Permit ApplicationsMinimum Requirements for Information on Environmental Resources.

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), are approving an amendment to the Mississippi regulatory program (Mississippi program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). Mississippi proposed revisions to its regulations and statute regarding ``valid existing rights'' as they pertain to designation of lands as unsuitable for surface coal mining operations. Mississippi intends to revise its program to be consistent with SMCRA.

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 for 30 CFR Part 761Areas Designated by Act of Congress, has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. This information collection request describes the nature of the information collection and the expected burden and cost for 30 CFR Part 761.

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), are revising our regulations for the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund (Fund) and the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program. This rule revises our regulations to be consistent with the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, Public Law 109-432, signed into law on December 20, 2006, which included the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act Amendments of 2006 (the 2006 amendments). The rule reflects the extension of our statutory authority to collect reclamation fees for an additional fourteen years and to reduce the fee rates. The rule also updates the regulations in light of the statutory amendments that change the activities State and Tribal reclamation programs may perform under the AML program, funding for reclamation grants to States and Indian tribes, and transfers to the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Combined Benefit Fund (CBF), the UMWA 1992 Benefit Plan, and the UMWA Multiemployer Health Benefit Plan (1993 Benefit Plan). Finally, our rule extends incentives reauthorized by the 2006 amendments pertaining to the remining of certain lands and water adversely affected by past mining.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (we or OSM), as lead Federal agency, announces the availability of the final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed Black Mesa Project. The proposed project consists of Peabody Western Coal Company's (Peabody's) operation and reclamation plans for coal mining at the Black Mesa Complex near Kayenta, Arizona.

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 for 30 CFR 870 Abandoned Mine Reclamation FundFee Collection and Coal Production Reporting and the form OSM-1 has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The information collection request describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden and cost.

We are approving an amendment to the Wyoming abandoned mine land reclamation (AMLR) plan (hereinafter referred to as the ``Wyoming plan'') under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Wyoming intended to revise its plan by submitting a revision to W.S. 35-11-1210 to correct an inadvertent error in the statute that was enacted during the 2007 Legislative Session. Specifically, the amendment clarifies that W.S. Sec. 35-11-1210 only applies to SMCRA section 411(h)(1) funds.

We are approving an amendment to the North Dakota regulatory program (the ``North Dakota program'') under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (``SMCRA'' or ``the Act''). North Dakota proposed minor revisions to its rules concerning self-bonding requirements, and updating terminology used for describing native grasslands, and correcting a cross reference error. North Dakota intended to revise its program to clarify ambiguities and improve operational efficiency.

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 30 CFR 761, Areas designated by Act of Congress.

We are announcing receipt of a proposed amendment to the Virginia regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). The amendment revises the Virginia Coal Surface Mining Reclamation Regulations pertaining to ownership and control, valid existing rights, self-bonding, and availability of records. Virginia intends to revise its program to be consistent with the corresponding Federal regulations and SMCRA and is responding, in part, to 30 CFR Part 732 letters. This document gives the times and locations that the Virginia 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.

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), are announcing receipt of revisions to a previously proposed amendment to the Mississippi regulatory program (Mississippi program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Mississippi proposes a revision to its regulations regarding valid existing rights as it pertains to designation of lands as unsuitable for surface coal mining operations. Mississippi intends to revise its program to be consistent with SMCRA. This document gives the times and locations that the Mississippi program and proposed amendment to that program are available for your inspection and the comment period during which you may submit written comments on the revisions to the amendment.

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), are extending the comment period on a proposed rule that would revise the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program. The proposed rule would revise our regulations to be consistent with the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA), as amended by the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, Public Law 109-432, signed into law on December 20, 2006.

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), are announcing receipt of a proposed amendment to the Alabama regulatory program (Alabama program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Alabama proposes revisions to its regulations regarding permit fees and civil penalties. Alabama intends to revise its program to improve operational efficiency. This document gives the times and locations that the Alabama 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 announcing receipt of a proposed amendment to the West Virginia regulatory program (the West Virginia program) under the Federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). West Virginia is submitting a proposed amendment to revise its Code of State Regulations (CSR) and the West Virginia Code, as contained in Committee Substitutes for Senate Bills 373 and 751. The proposed amendment covers a variety of issues including, but not limited to, statutory changes involving the special reclamation tax, the creation of alternative programs for the purpose of paying for the reclamation of forfeited sites including water treatment where required, and incremental bonding. Other provisions include regulatory revisions relating to public notice of permit applications, incidental boundary revisions, permit issuance findings, inspection of certain impoundments, reclamation of natural drainways subsequent to sediment pond removal, storm water runoff analysis, contemporaneous reclamation standards regarding excess spoil fills and bonding of certain types of excess spoil fills, and effluent limits and bond releases on remining operations. In addition, most blasting provisions have been removed from the State's Surface Mining Reclamation Regulations at Title 38 CSR 2 and will now only be found in the State's Surface Mining Blasting Rule at Title 199 CSR 1. On June 16, 2008, OSM published in a separate Federal Register notice, an interim approval of the State's alternative bonding provisions at section 22-3-11 of the West Virginia Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Act (WVSCMRA) that specifically relates to the special reclamation tax and the creation of the Special Reclamation Water Trust Fund. OSM will accept comments on all other provisions of the program amendment pursuant to this proposed rule notice.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) is announcing its intention to request approval to continue the collection of information under 30 CFR part 780, Surface Mining Permit ApplicationsMinimum Requirements for Reclamation and Operation Plans. This information collection activity was previously approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and assigned clearance number 1029-0036.

We are announcing receipt of a proposed amendment to the Utah regulatory program (hereinafter, the ``Utah program'') under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (``SMCRA'' or ``the Act''). Utah proposes additions and revisions to its rules regarding Division of Oil Gas and Mining (``DOGM'' or ``Division'') requests for additional information required to complete the review of a coal mining permit application, change, or renewal; the casing and sealing of underground openings; the definition of ``intermittent stream'' and related performance standards. Utah intends to revise its program to clarify Division responsibilities and improve operational efficiency.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) is announcing its intention to request approval for the collections of information under 30 CFR 745, State-Federal cooperative agreements; and 30 CFR 887, Subsidence Insurance Program Grants.

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), are announcing receipt of a proposed amendment to the Wyoming Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation (AMLR) Plan (hereinafter, the Wyoming Plan) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Wyoming intends to revise its Plan by submitting a revision to correct an inadvertent error in the statute amendment passed in the 2007 Legislative Session.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) is announcing that the information collection requests for the titles described below have been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The information collection requests describe the nature of the information collections and the expected burden and cost for 30 CFR parts 750 and 842.

We are approving amendments to the Montana regulatory program (the Montana program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Montana proposed revisions to, additions to, and deletions from its program statutes and corresponding regulations about: procedures for contested case hearings; permit fees and surety bonds; applications for increase or reduction in permit area; prospecting permits; refusal of permits; submission of actions on reclamation plans; required area mining bonds and alternative plans; planting of vegetation following grading of disturbed areas; determination of successful reclamation and final bond release; noncompliance, and suspension of permits; violations, penalties, and waivers; penalty factors; and collection of penalties, fees, late fees, and interest. Montana intends to revise its program to be consistent with the corresponding Federal regulations and SMCRA, clarify ambiguities, and improve operational efficiency.

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), are announcing receipt of revisions to a previously proposed amendment to the Kansas regulatory program (Kansas program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). The revisions concern newly promulgated Kansas Regulations. Kansas submitted these regulations at its own initiative to meet the requirements for its program to operate under Title IV and V of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act and to make technical and editorial corrections to its program. This document gives the times and locations where the Kansas program and proposed amendment are available for your inspection and the comment period during which you may submit written comments on the revisions to the amendment.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM or we) are announcing our intention to request renewed approval for the collection of information for 30 CFR Part 877Rights of Entry. The collection described below has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The information collection request describes the nature of the information collection and the expected burdens and costs.

We are announcing receipt of a request to remove a required amendment to the Pennsylvania regulatory program (the ``Pennsylvania program'') under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). In response to a required program amendment codified in the Federal regulations at 30 CFR 938.16(uuu), Pennsylvania has submitted rationale that it believes supports its position that current program provisions are sufficient to render its program no less effective than the Federal requirements and, therefore, no amendment is necessary. The required amendment pertains to regulatory exemptions for coal extraction incidental to the extraction of other minerals. This document gives the times and locations that the Pennsylvania program and this request 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.