The Federal Register

Tue, Mar 26 2013 11:00:00 GMT

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) proposes to revise its Federal and Indian Lands Program regulations for the purposes of adjusting the existing permit fees and assessing new fees to recover the actual costs for permit review and administration and permit enforcement activities provided to the coal industry. These fees are authorized under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) and the Independent Offices Appropriations Act of 1952 (IOAA). The fees would be used to offset OSM's costs for processing various permit applications and related actions, administering those permits over their lifecycle, and performing required inspections. The proposed fees would be applicable to permits for coal mining on lands under OSM's direct regulatory jurisdiction. The proposed fees would also be applicable to coal mining on Indian lands where OSM is the regulatory authority. The primary purpose of this rulemaking is to charge the surface coal mining and recla

Thu, Mar 14 2013 11:00:00 GMT

We are announcing receipt of a proposed amendment to the Wyoming regulatory program (hereinafter, the ``Wyoming program'') under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (``SMCRA'' or ``the Act''). Wyoming proposes revisions to rules concerning valid existing rights and individual civil penalties. Wyoming intends to revise its program to be consistent with the corresponding Federal regulations and SMCRA, clarify ambiguities, and improve operational efficiency.

This document gives the times and locations that the Wyoming 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.

Tue, Feb 26 2013 11:00:00 GMT

OSM announces receipt of a proposed amendment to the Pennsylvania regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (``SMCRA'' or the ``Act''). Pennsylvania's proposed amendment consists of the addition of new definitions and revisions to Pennsylvania's regulations on the use of the Coal Refuse Disposal Control Fund (``CRDCF'') and permit and reclamation fees.

This document provides the times and locations that the Pennsylvania program and proposed amendment are available for public inspection, the comment period during which you may submit written comments, and the public hearing procedures if a hearing is requested.

Tue, Feb 26 2013 11:00:00 GMT

We are announcing receipt of a proposed amendment to the Wyoming regulatory program (hereinafter, the ``Wyoming program'') under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (``SMCRA'' or ``the Act''). Wyoming proposes both revisions of and additions to its coal rules and regulations concerning ownership and control, adds a provision concerning variable topsoil depths during reclamation, and addresses four deficiencies that were identified by OSM during the review of a previous program amendment (WY038FOR; Docket ID No. OSM 20090012). Wyoming intends to revise its program to be consistent with the corresponding Federal regulations and SMCRA, clarify ambiguities, and improve operational efficiency.

Mon, Feb 25 2013 11:00:00 GMT

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 Nomination and Request for Payment Form for OSM's Technical Training Courses, has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. This information collection activity was previously approved by OMB, and assigned control number 10290120. The information collection request describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden and cost.

Mon, Feb 25 2013 11:00:00 GMT

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 Reclamation on Private Land, has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. This information collection activity was previously approved by OMB and assigned control number 10290057. This information collection request describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden and cost.

Thu, Feb 21 2013 11:00:00 GMT

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 our Permanent Regulatory Program RequirementsStandards for Certification of Blasters, has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. This information collection activity was previously approved by OMB and assigned control number 10290080. This information collection request describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden.

Wed, Feb 20 2013 11:00:00 GMT

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), are announcing receipt of a proposed amendment to the Kentucky regulatory program (``the Kentucky program'') for surface coal mining and reclamation operations under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Kentucky has revised its bonding regulations to satisfy, in part, the concerns included in a letter from OSM dated May 1, 2012, regarding bonding inadequacies. On May 4, 2012, Kentucky adopted the revisions as emergency regulations to avoid possible loss of its authority to enforce the part of the Kentucky program that pertains to establishment of reclamation bond amounts. Also on May 4, 2012, identical proposed revisions started the normal review process in Kentucky for changes to administrative regulations. On September 28, 2012, the Department for Natural Resources (DNR), which is a part of Kentucky's Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC), submitted to OSM the administrative bonding regula

Tue, Feb 19 2013 11:00:00 GMT

We are reopening 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 reopened 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 m

Tue, Feb 19 2013 11:00:00 GMT

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), are approving an amendment to the Alabama regulatory program (Alabama program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Alabama proposed revisions to its Program regarding revegetation success standards. Alabama intends to revise its program to improve operational efficiency.

Tue, Feb 19 2013 11:00:00 GMT

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), are approving an amendment to the Texas regulatory program (Texas program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Texas proposed revisions to its regulations regarding: definitions; responsibilities; identification of interests and compliance information (surface and underground mining); identification of interests; mining in previously mined areas; review of permit applications; criteria for permit approval or denial; commission review of outstanding permits; challenge of ownership or control and applicant/violator system procedures; revegetation standards of success (surface and underground mining); responsibility: general; alternative enforcement; cessation orders; conditions of permit environment; application approval and notice; permit revisions; permit renewals: completed application; transfer, assignment or sale of permit rights: obtaining approval; and requirements for new permi

Thu, Feb 14 2013 11:00:00 GMT

We are issuing a final decision on an amendment to the Montana regulatory program (the Montana program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). We are not approving the amendment. Montana proposes changes to the Montana Strip and Underground Mine Reclamation Act (MSUMRA) that differentiate between coal beneficiation and coal preparation plants. Montana revised its program to clarify ambiguities and improve operational efficiency.

Thu, Feb 14 2013 11:00:00 GMT

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 and disapproves in part the amendment. Wyoming proposes revisions and additions to rules concerning noncoal mine waste, valid existing rights, and individual civil penalties. Wyoming revised its program to be consistent with the corresponding Federal regulations and SMCRA, clarify ambiguities, and improve operational efficiency.

Tue, Feb 12 2013 11:00:00 GMT

We are approving an amendment to the Tennessee Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Reclamation Plan (AML Plan). A 2006 amendment to the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act), authorized reinstitution of the Tennessee AML program as a minimum funded program state following the suspension of the AML Plan and program after Tennessee's regulatory program was withdrawn in 1984. Pursuant to the authority granted under the Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA), Section 598324(m), Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), has revised the AML Plan to reflect statutory, regulatory, policy, procedural, and organizational changes that have occurred since 1984.

Tue, Feb 12 2013 11:00:00 GMT

We are approving an amendment to the Utah regulatory program (the ``Utah program'') under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (``SMCRA'' or ``the Act''). Utah proposed revisions to and additions of rules pertaining to Valid Existing Rights (VER). Utah revised its program to be consistent with the corresponding Federal regulations.
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Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program:

Wed, Feb 6 2013 11:00:00 GMT

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), are proposing changes to our abandoned mine land (AML) reclamation program regulations under title IV of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). If finalized, the changes would allow states and Indian tribes that have certified correction of all known coal AML problems within their jurisdiction to receive limited liability protection for certain noncoal reclamation activities.

Tue, Jan 29 2013 11:00:00 GMT

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 collection of information for the Abandoned Mine Land Problem Area Description form. This information collection activity was previously approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and assigned control number 10290087.

Tue, Jan 29 2013 11:00:00 GMT

We are announcing receipt of a proposed amendment to the North Dakota regulatory program (hereinafter, the ``North Dakota program'') under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (``SMCRA'' or ``the Act''). North Dakota intends to revise its program to be consistent with the corresponding Federal regulations, add a new subsection to an existing rule with general requirements on the format of electronic applications, and make a minor correction to a provision pertaining to a separate rule which was amended to no longer require renewal of a permit once lands in that permit are no longer being mined or used in the support of mining.

This document gives the times and locations that the North Dakota 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.

Tue, Jan 22 2013 11:00:00 GMT

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 collection authority for the exemption of coal extraction incidental to the extraction of other minerals. This information collection activity was previously approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and assigned clearance number 10290089.

Thu, Jan 17 2013 11:00:00 GMT

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 State Regulatory Authority: Inspection and Enforcement, has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. This information collection request describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden and cost.

Wed, Jan 16 2013 11:00:00 GMT

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 requirements for permits and permit processing has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The information collection package was previously approved and assigned control number 10290115. This information collection will also seek approval to collect permit processing fees approved under OSM regulations.

This notice describes the nature of the information collection activity and the expected burdens.