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

We are issuing a final decision on an amendment to the Wyoming regulatory program (the ``Wyoming program'') under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (``SMCRA'' or ``the Act''). Our decision approves in part, disapproves in part and defers in part the amendment. Wyoming proposed revisions to and additions of rules concerning self-bonding requirements (Administrative Record No. WY-40- 01) under SMCRA (30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.). Wyoming sent the amendment to reflect changes made at its own initiative. Wyoming intends to revise its program to increase the flexibility of its self-bonding program and at the same time not increase the risk to the State.

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 700General, 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 its expected burden and cost.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) is announcing its intention to seek renewed authority to collect information for 30 CFR Part 740 which relates to surface coal mining and reclamation operations on Federal lands. This collection request 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 burden and cost.

This is a Notice of Availability of the amended Information Quality guidelines of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM). OSM's amended guidelines implement the Information Quality guidelines published by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the Federal Register. The OMB guidelines directed Federal agencies to issue and implement guidelines to ensure and maximize the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of Government information disseminated to the public. Accordingly, OSM is amending its Information Quality Guidelines in order to provide current information about the title of the Information Quality contact. We are making no other substantive changes. We are making minor, non-substantive editorial and technical corrections. The corrected guidelines are available on the OSM Internet Web site at: https://www.osmre.gov/ guidance/osm_info_quality.shtm.

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 769Petition process for designation of Federal lands as unsuitable for all or certain types of surface coal mining operations and for termination of previous designations. This information collection activity was previously approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and assigned clearance number 1029- 0098.

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 revisions to the statute, the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), about determination of revegetation success and final bond release. Montana intends to revise its program to 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 to continue the collection of information for 30 CFR 874.16contractor eligibility, and the Abandoned Mine Land Contractor Information form. This information collection activity was previously approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and assigned clearance number 1029-0119.

We are announcing the 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 to delete repeal dates for statutory provisions pertaining to permit eligibility and revegetation requirements on lands eligible for remining. Utah intends to revise its program to remain consistent with the Federal Program under SMCRA.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) is announcing its intention to seek the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to continue the collection of information for 30 CFR part 700General. This information collection activity was previously approved by OMB and assigned clearance number 1029-0094. We may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

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 collections of information under 30 CFR Part 740, Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Operations on Federal Lands. This information collection activity was previously approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and assigned clearance numbers 1029-0027.

We recently approved an amendment to the Pennsylvania regulatory program (the Pennsylvania program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). The changes related to blasting for the development of shafts for underground mines and other changes to the blasting regulations in the Pennsylvania program. After our approval of the amendment, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) requested a clarification of our findings in support of that approval. Therefore, OSM is publishing a clarification of our previous findings.

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 for two technical training program course effectiveness evaluation forms. This information collection activity was previously approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and assigned clearance number 1029-0110.

We are reopening the public comment period on a proposed amendment to the Virginia regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Since the close of the comment period, Virginia revised its regulations pertaining to Valid Existing Rights (VER) and made other minor wording and organizational changes. 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.

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 795Permanent Regulatory Program Small Operator Assistance Program (SOAP). This information collection activity was previously approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and assigned clearance number 1029-0061.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1996, the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) is announcing its intention to renew its authority for the collection of information for 30 CFR Part 875 Noncoal Reclamation.

We, the Office of Surface Mining (OSM), are announcing the withdrawal of a proposed rule pertaining to a request to delete a required amendment related to the Pennsylvania regulatory program (the Pennsylvania program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Pennsylvania requested that a required amendment pertaining to regulatory exemptions for coal extraction incidental to the extraction of other minerals be removed.

We are announcing receipt of an 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 and to a subsequent notification by letter, Pennsylvania has submitted changes to its regulations involving definitions; permit and reclamation fees; and the use of money and has provided additional descriptions, assurances, and supporting information to ensure that the reclamation of all sites that were bonded under its previous Alternative Bonding System (ABS) will be provided for under the approved Pennsylvania program and consistent with Federal regulations at 30 CFR Part 800. This document gives the times and locations that the Pennsylvania 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 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 approving amendments to the Kansas regulatory program (Kansas program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Kansas proposed revisions to its 2006 Revegetation Success Guidelines, Normal Husbandry Practices, and State Regulations. Kansas intends to revise its program to improve operational efficiency.

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.