**NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER TEAM (NTTT)**

**TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER EVENTS CALENDAR**

2004 Events

[February 3-6, 2004 106th National Western Mining Conference and
Exhibition, Colorado Mining Association, Denver, CO
3](#february-3-6-2004-106th-national-western-mining-conference-and-exhibition-colorado-mining-association-denver-co)

[February 11-12, 2004 Regional Technology Transfer Team Meeting, Alton,
IL.
3](#february-11-12-2004-regional-technology-transfer-team-meeting-alton-il.)

[February 20-21, 2004 National Engineers Week, Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie
Science Center
4](#february-20-21-2004-national-engineers-week-pittsburgh-pa-carnegie-science-center)

[February 23-25, 2004 SME Annual Meeting and Exhibit, Colorado
Convention Center, Denver, CO
4](#february-23-25-2004-sme-annual-meeting-and-exhibit-colorado-convention-center-denver-co)

[March 03-04, 2004 National Technical Training Program (NTTP) Steering
Committee Meeting, San Antonio, TX
5](#march-03-04-2004-national-technical-training-program-nttp-steering-committee-meeting-san-antonio-tx)

[March 10-11, 2004 Western Regional Technical Team (WRTT) Meeting,
Denver, CO (Cosponsored by OSM-WRCC-OTT and CO Div. Mining & Minerals)
5](#march-10-11-2004-western-regional-technical-team-wrtt-meeting-denver-co-cosponsored-by-osm-wrcc-ott-and-co-div.-mining-minerals)

[March 30-31, 2004 Valley Fill Workshop, Ft. Mitchell, KY, Drawbridge,
Inn
6](#march-30-31-2004-valley-fill-workshop-ft.-mitchell-ky-drawbridge-inn)

[April 14-15, 2004 Appalachian Regional Technology Transfer Team (ARTTT)
Semi-Annual Meeting, Weston, WV
6](#april-14-15-2004-appalachian-regional-technology-transfer-team-arttt-semi-annual-meeting-weston-wv)

[April 18-22, 2004 Joint Meeting, American Society of Mining and
Reclamation (ASMR), 21stAnnual Meeting, and West Virginia Surface Mine
Drainage Task Force 25th Annual Meeting, Morgantown, WV
7](#april-18-22-2004-joint-meeting-american-society-of-mining-and-reclamation-asmr-21stannual-meeting-and-west-virginia-surface-mine-drainage-task-force-25th-annual-meeting-morgantown-wv)

[April 18-22, 2004 Mobile Computing Workshop/ASMR Annual Meeting,
Morgantown, WV
7](#april-18-22-2004-mobile-computing-workshopasmr-annual-meeting-morgantown-wv)

[April 25-28, 2004 Interstate Mining Compact Commission (IMCC) Meeting,
The Founders Inn, Virginia Beach, VA
8](#april-25-28-2004-interstate-mining-compact-commission-imcc-meeting-the-founders-inn-virginia-beach-va)

[April 28-29, 2004 Bonding/ Financial Assurance Roundtable Workshop,
Virginia Beach, VA, Founders Inn, Virginia Beach, VA
8](#april-28-29-2004-bonding-financial-assurance-roundtable-workshop-virginia-beach-va-founders-inn-virginia-beach-va)

[May 4-6, 2004 State Regulation of Coal Combustion Byproduct (CCB)
Placement at Mine Sites Forum, Harrisburg, PA.
9](#may-4-6-2004-state-regulation-of-coal-combustion-byproduct-ccb-placement-at-mine-sites-forum-harrisburg-pa.)

[June 9-10, 2004 Western Regional Technical Team (WRTT) Meeting in Salt
Lake City, Utah (Co-hosted by Utah Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining and
OSM WRCC-OTT)
9](#june-9-10-2004-western-regional-technical-team-wrtt-meeting-in-salt-lake-city-utah-co-hosted-by-utah-division-of-oil-gas-and-mining-and-osm-wrcc-ott)

[June 29, 2004 Underground Mine Pool Workshop, West Virginia University,
Morgantown,WV
10](#june-29-2004-underground-mine-pool-workshop-west-virginia-university-morgantownwv)

[July 14-15, 2004 National Technical Training Program (NTTP) Steering
Committee Meeting,Salt Lake City, Utah
10](#july-14-15-2004-national-technical-training-program-nttp-steering-committee-meetingsalt-lake-city-utah)

[July 27‑29, 2004 Technical Innovation and Professional Services (TIPS)
Steering Committee (TIPS-SC) Meeting, Estes Park, CO
11](#july-2729-2004-technical-innovation-and-professional-services-tips-steering-committee-tips-sc-meeting-estes-park-co)

[August 3-5, 2004 Hydrology Workshop, Morgantown, WV. Radisson Hotel
12](#august-3-5-2004-hydrology-workshop-morgantown-wv.-radisson-hotel)

[Sept. 13-14, 2004 Western Regional Technical Team (WRTT) Meeting,
Anchorage, AK (Co-hosted by Alaska Division of Mining, Land, and Water,
and OSM-WRCC-OTT)
12](#sept.-13-14-2004-western-regional-technical-team-wrtt-meeting-anchorage-ak-co-hosted-by-alaska-division-of-mining-land-and-water-and-osm-wrcc-ott)

[Sept. 27-30, 2004 MINExpo International 2004, Las Vegas, Nevada
13](#sept.-27-30-2004-minexpo-international-2004-las-vegas-nevada)

[October 19-21, 2004 Regional Acid Mine Drainage Workshop, Evansville,
Indiana
14](#october-19-21-2004-regional-acid-mine-drainage-workshop-evansville-indiana)

[October 27-28, 2004 National Academies Study on Coal Combustion
By-Products and Coal Mining, Washington, DC
14](#october-27-28-2004-national-academies-study-on-coal-combustion-by-products-and-coal-mining-washington-dc)

[October 27-28, 2004 USGS Science Planning Meeting, Reston VA
15](#october-27-28-2004-usgs-science-planning-meeting-reston-va)

[November 3- 4, 2004 ADTI Coal Mining Sector meeting, Morgantown, WV
15](#november-3--4-2004-adti-coal-mining-sector-meeting-morgantown-wv)

[November 7-11, 2004 Geological Society of America Annual Meeting,
Denver, Colorado
16](#november-7-11-2004-geological-society-of-america-annual-meeting-denver-colorado)

[November 16, 2004 16th Annual Abandoned Coal Mine Land Research Program
Project (ACMLRP) Review Seminar, Casper, Wyoming
17](#november-16-2004-16th-annual-abandoned-coal-mine-land-research-program-project-acmlrp-review-seminar-casper-wyoming)

[November 16-17, 2004 Interstate Mining Compact Commission (IMCC)
Mid‑Year Meeting, The Waterford Marriott Hotel, Oklahoma City, OK
17](#november-16-17-2004-interstate-mining-compact-commission-imcc-midyear-meeting-the-waterford-marriott-hotel-oklahoma-city-ok)

[November 16-18, 2004 Indiana Bat & Coal Mining Forum, Louisville, KY
18](#november-16-18-2004-indiana-bat-coal-mining-forum-louisville-ky)

[December 6-7, 2004 National Academies Committee on Mine Placement of
Coal Combustion Wastes Meeting
18](#december-6-7-2004-national-academies-committee-on-mine-placement-of-coal-combustion-wastes-meeting)

[December 7-9, 2004 Integration of Geospatial Technologies in Mining and
Reclamation, Renaissance Waverly Hotel Atlanta, GA
19](#december-7-9-2004-integration-of-geospatial-technologies-in-mining-and-reclamation-renaissance-waverly-hotel-atlanta-ga)

[GLOSSARY
.......................................................................................20](#glossary)

# February 3-6, 2004 106th National Western Mining Conference and Exhibition, Colorado Mining Association, Denver, CO {#february-3-6-2004-106th-national-western-mining-conference-and-exhibition-colorado-mining-association-denver-co .unnumbered}

[Background]{.underline}: OSM-Western Regional Coordinating Center's
(WRCC) Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) will participate in the
annual three-day event, as an exhibitor. This year's Conference theme is
*Good Business - Good Neighbors, maintaining community relations*.
Traditionally, the conference closes with the Colorado Division of
Minerals and Geology/Colorado Mining Associations' Annual Mined Land
Reclamation Awards and Safety Awards.

[Target Audience]{.underline}: Reclamation managers, consultants, state
and federal agencies natural resource and reclamation staff. OTT booth
distributes information about OSM, and showcases successes in
reclamation, and paperless permitting. Popular items are CDs relating to
various reclamation techniques, research reports, manuals, guidelines,
and public domain software, in addition to OSM's annual reports, and the
link to OSM's web pages.

[Accomplished]{.underline}: OTT's booth distributed information about
OSM, the Secretary's AML reauthorization press releases, as well as
showcased successes in reclamation, and paperless permitting. Popular
items were the CDs relating to various reclamation techniques, and CDs
with proceedings of Interactive Forums on Bond Release in the arid,
semi-arid West. The conference closed with the Colorado Division of
Minerals and Geology/Colorado Mining Associations' Annual Mined Land
Reclamation Awards and Safety Awards. Excellence in Reclamation Award
went to The Trapper Mine, recipient of OSM's 25^th^ anniversary award.
Bowie Resources, LLC, Colowyo Coal Company, Energy Fuels Coal, Inc,
Sunland Mining Corporation, and Minrec, Inc. were the other five
reclamation award recipients.

[Contact]{.underline}: Joe Galetovic, 303-844-1448.

## 

# February 11-12**, 2004** Regional Technology Transfer Team Meeting, Alton, IL. {#february-11-12-2004-regional-technology-transfer-team-meeting-alton-il. .unnumbered}

[Background:]{.underline} The recently established Regional Technology
Transfer Team consists of one representative from each of the States in
the Mid-Continent Region and the MCRCC technology transfer staff.

[Topics:]{.underline} The team will be conducting this meeting to
showcase technology transfer skills and initiatives used by the States
and MCRCC. It will also serve to initiate planning for the three
regional technology transfer priorities of: Acid Mine Drainage and
Mitigation; Underground and surface mining mapping and aerial
photography technology; and Hydrology PHC/CHIA analysis.

[Target Audience:]{.underline} Mid-Continent Technology Transfer Team

[Accomplished]{.underline}: On February 11 & 12, 2004, nine
representatives of the Mid-Continent States and the OSM MCRCC staff meet
in Alton, IL to review the status of current technology transfer
initiatives in the region and plan for future efforts. There were ten
presentations made by State technical staff and OSM technical staff on
efforts with existing technical issues and new technologies. The team
discussed future efforts and agreed to work on four technical issues
that will be delegated to working groups within the team. The team
developed specific guidance for each working group on the subjects of
Acid Mine Drainage, Mine Mapping, Remote Sensing/GIS/Electronic
Permitting/Mobile Computing, and Hydrology PHC/CHIA.

[Contact:]{.underline} Kimery Vories (618) 463-6463 x 103

# February 20-21**, 2004** National Engineers Week, Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Science Center {#february-20-21-2004-national-engineers-week-pittsburgh-pa-carnegie-science-center .unnumbered}

[Background]{.underline}: OSM-Appalachian Regional Coordinating Center
(ARCC) will participate in the annual 2-day event highlighting
Pittsburgh's engineering community with booths and exhibits from
numerous industry, government and consulting groups. Our emphasis this
year will be on formation of Acid Mine Drainage, its impact on the local
environment and treatment. It will include demonstrations and hands-on
experiments of pH, acid formation from coal, and impacts on the aquatic
environment. The program encourages young people to consider science and
engineering in their future career planning.

[Target Audience]{.underline}: Youth groups including Girl Scouts,
school groups, generally ages 8 through 14, and families.

[Accomplished]{.underline}: Staff from OSM-ARCC participated in this
annual 2-day event highlighting Pittsburgh's engineering community with
booths and exhibits from numerous industry, government and consulting
groups. The program encourages young people to consider science and
engineering in their future career planning. On Friday, February 20th,
school children between the ages of 12 and 16 years and their teachers
were on hand. Girl Scouts and families visited our booth the following
day. In total, over 400 children and adults participated in the
activities, handouts and discussions. "Acid Mine Drainage: formation,
its impact on the local aquatic environment and treatment" was our theme
this year. Demonstrations and hands-on experiments to determine pH and
handouts about some of the impacts on aquatic life were presented. The
children (and adults) were given six liquids to "analyze" and discover
the respective pH. Common products like Coke, ammonia, vinegar and
baking soda solutions were used along with samples of both alkaline and
acidic mine discharges. Information about OSM's various programs
including the Clean Streams Initiative and Teacher Resources Kits were
available along with samples of bituminous coal. Also adults were given
information on mine subsidence and Pennsylvania's Mine Subsidence
Insurance Program.

[Contact]{.underline}: Lois Uranowski, OSM ARCC Program Support
Technology Transfer (412) 937-2805.

# February 23-25**, 2004** SME Annual Meeting and Exhibit, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO {#february-23-25-2004-sme-annual-meeting-and-exhibit-colorado-convention-center-denver-co .unnumbered}

[Background]{.underline}: For the fourteenth year WRCC-OTT will
participate in the annual three-day event, as an exhibitor. The Society
for Mining Metallurgy and Exploration's (SME) exhibits showcase the
newest technologies, products, and service in the mining industry. In
addition to the field trips, the Conference technical program and its
short courses are a forum for learning and experience.

[Target Audience]{.underline}: Industry reclamation managers,
consultants, state and federal agencies natural resource and reclamation
staff. OTT booth distributes information about OSM, Appalachian Clean
Streams Program/Acid Drainage Technology Initiative (ACSP/ADTI),
Reforestation Initiative, TIPS, and showcases successes in reclamation,
and paperless permitting. Popular items are CDs relating to various
reclamation techniques, research reports, manuals, guidelines, and
public domain software, in addition to OSM's annual reports, and the
link to OSM's web pages. In addition SME encourages teachers and
educators to attend the conference, which offers the opportunity for
educational outreach about SMCRA's responsibilities and achievements.

[Accomplished]{.underline}: At the Meeting and Exhibit on a theme of
*Global Technology Networking Resources*, OTT's booth distributed
information about OSM, annual reports, technical reports, handbooks,
guidelines and other literature, CDs and videos, as well as showcased
successes in reclamation, paperless permitting, and OSM's on-line
technical library. Popular items, in particular with the students from
mining engineering programs, and environmental and reclamation curricula
were the CDs relating to various reclamation techniques, CDs with
technical manuals and handbooks, and CDs with proceedings of Interactive
Forums on Bond Release in the arid, semi-arid West.

[Contact]{.underline}: Joe Galetovic, 303-844-1448.

#  {#section-1 .unnumbered}

# March 03-04**, 2004** National Technical Training Program (NTTP) Steering Committee Meeting, San Antonio, TX {#march-03-04-2004-national-technical-training-program-nttp-steering-committee-meeting-san-antonio-tx .unnumbered}

> \>\>LIMITED INTEREST MEETING \>\>

[Background:]{.underline} The purpose of this meeting is to identify
OSM, State and Tribal training priorities, recommend training policy,
provide guidance to assure the use of creative and innovative training
opportunities and pe[r]{.underline}iodically evaluate training activity
to assure program quality. The Steering Committee reviews plans for
proposed technical training activities and recommends priorities for new
course development. The Steering Committee also reviews the results of
annual Needs Survey and determines how to allocate requests for space in
the courses.

[Topics Covered:]{.underline} Committee Reports on Regions;
Accomplishments and Attendance Update; Course Evaluations; Course
Reports; Report on EIS; Needs Survey.

[Target Audience:]{.underline} State and OSM representatives; invited
guests

[Accomplished:]{.underline} Twelve representatives from OSM and State
offices representing the national training program met to discuss the
upcoming training needs, course revisions, new courses, budget,
performance results, etc. of the national training program. This effort
helps ensure that training needs are met equally throughout the nation.

[Contact:]{.underline} Sarah E. Donnelly, NTTP, (202) 208-2826

# March 10-11**, 2004** Western Regional Technical Team (WRTT) Meeting, Denver, CO (Cosponsored by OSM-WRCC-OTT and CO Div. Mining & Minerals) {#march-10-11-2004-western-regional-technical-team-wrtt-meeting-denver-co-cosponsored-by-osm-wrcc-ott-and-co-div.-mining-minerals .unnumbered}

> \>\> LIMITED INTEREST MEETING

[Background]{.underline}: The Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) of
OSM's Western Regional Coordinating Center (WRCC) and the Colorado
Division of Mining and Minerals will co-sponsor the second Western
Regional Technical Team (WRTT) New Technologies Implementation
Information Workshop, hosted by the Colorado Division of Mining and
Minerals. Under the technology transfer and technical assistance
umbrella of OTT, the seven western state regulatory agencies (AK, CO,
MT, ND, NM, UT and WY) that, along with OTT, make up the WRTT, requested
OTT to co-sponsor with them a series of small regional meetings to
provide a forum where each state regulatory agency will be able to
showcase the various technologies that it has available, and to provide
hands-on opportunities for the other states to observe, participate in,
and learn how to implement them. These exchanges of information will
result in better-prepared staff, and more informed managers.

[Target Audience]{.underline}: WRTT members, their respective technical
staff and managers, and WRCC managers.

[Accomplished]{.underline}: Nineteen representatives from seven western
states, nineteen OSM staff from three offices, three consultants, and
one industry representative attended the Information Workshop. It was
followed by a one-day GIS, Digital Imagery, and Modeling Workshop.
Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology, Coal Program Manager, David
Berry made the opening remarks. The workshop highlighted the Colorado
Permit System & Report Generator; and stepped the participants through
Colorado's, massive document conversion into electronic format, effort
(3 million plus text pages and 27,000 maps). OSM TIPS demonstrated the
Wyoming Pilot Project - Bond Release GIS, attributing the success of the
project to collaboration and cooperation between state regulators, OSM
and industry.

[Contact]{.underline}: Joe Galetovic, OSM WRCC, Office of the Regional
Director (303) 844-1448.

## 

# March 30-31, 2004 Valley Fill Workshop, Ft. Mitchell, KY, Drawbridge, Inn {#march-30-31-2004-valley-fill-workshop-ft.-mitchell-ky-drawbridge-inn .unnumbered}

[Background]{.underline}: The Appalachian Regional Technology Transfer
Team (ARTTT**)** is sponsoring this interactive workshop. The event will
feature speakers from State Regulatory Authorities, Office of Surface
Mining (OSM) and Industry representatives.

[Topics Covered]{.underline}: Permitting and inspection requirements for
valley fills focusing on durable rock underdrain construction, drainage
control and engineering inspections and certifications.

[Target Audience]{.underline}: Approximately 50 representatives from the
Appalachian states of Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee,
Virginia and West Virginia; OSM technical staff and coal industry
personnel.

[Accomplished:]{.underline} The valley Fill Workshop was attended by 46
mining and reclamation professionals from OSM, the States and industry.
Case studies, permitting procedures, inspection requirements and
analysis of transportation fills were included in the agenda. The
workshop was successful, and all evaluations were satisfactory or
higher. In fact, all but one rated the workshop very good to excellent.
Lessons learned at the workshop should result in better fill
construction through permitting and inspection improvements.

[Contact]{.underline}: Vann Weaver, OSM ARCC Program Support Division
(412) 937- 2858.

# **April 14-15, 2004 Appalachian Regional Technology Transfer Team (ARTTT) Semi-Annual Meeting, Weston, WV** {#april-14-15-2004-appalachian-regional-technology-transfer-team-arttt-semi-annual-meeting-weston-wv .unnumbered}

> \>\> LIMITED INTEREST MEETING\<\<

[Background:]{.underline} OSM's Appalachian Regional Coordinating Center
(ARCC) and the State regulatory authorities within its region sponsor a
technology transfer team, ARTTT. The purpose of ARTTT is to ensure the
proper transfer of technology within the region. ARTTT's purpose is to
provide a forum to guide Appalachian Regional TT activities and
coordinate and communicate regional TT activities.

[Topics Covered]{.underline}: Team meetings include a combination of
technical presentations and routine team business. At this meeting the
team will address applied science initiatives, plan a future workshop on
hydrologic issues, and review the previous workshop on valley fills.
There will also be presentations on remote sensing, mine pool modeling,
and other technical topics related to mining and reclamation.

[Target Audience:]{.underline} Members and invited guest of the ARTTT.

[Accomplished:]{.underline} The Appalachian Regional Technology Transfer
Team (ARTTT) met in Roanoke, West Virginia to conduct routine business
that included updates from the members of each State program. The ARTTT
also worked on the preparation of the Hydrologic Issues Workshop, the
Monongahela River Mine Pool Workshop, impoundment breakthrough training,
and other regional issues. Informational presentations were made on the
following topics: Remining, Remote Sensing and the Appalachian Regional
Reforestation Initiative. The meeting was productive and successful.

[Contact:]{.underline} Vann Weaver, ARCC, 412-937-2858

#  {#section-3 .unnumbered}

# April 18-22**, 2004** Joint Meeting, American Society of Mining and Reclamation (ASMR), 21stAnnual Meeting, and West Virginia Surface Mine Drainage Task Force 25th Annual Meeting, Morgantown, WV  {#april-18-22-2004-joint-meeting-american-society-of-mining-and-reclamation-asmr-21stannual-meeting-and-west-virginia-surface-mine-drainage-task-force-25th-annual-meeting-morgantown-wv .unnumbered}

[Background]{.underline}: OSM-HQ, OSM-ARCC-, WRCC-OTT and MCRCC will
participate in the joint Annual Meetings as exhibitors and speakers.
Traditionally, the conference provides an opportunity for scientists,
researchers, regulators, and mining and reclamation personnel to
exchange information, share ideas and meet together. The American
Society of Mining and Reclamation annually recognizes outstanding
efforts in the field of land reclamation, reclamation research, and
lifetime achievement in land reclamation, and the individuals are
presented the awards at this meeting.

[Target Audience]{.underline}: Reclamation managers, and technical
staff, consultants, state and federal agencies natural resource and
reclamation staff. OSM booths will distribute information about OSM,
ACSI/ADTI, Reforestation Initiative, TIPS, and showcases successes in
reclamation, and paperless permitting. Popular items are CDs relating to
various reclamation techniques, research reports, manuals, conference
proceedings, guidelines, public domain software, links to OSM's web
pages, and OSM annual report CDs.

[Accomplished]{.underline}: Personnel from OSM's three Regional Centers
(ARCC, MCRCC AND WRCC) and HQ attended and participated in this joint
conference as exhibitors and speakers. OSM activities in a number of
areas were highlighted in a number of papers that were presented,
including the Acid Drianage Technology Initiative (HQ Division of
Technical Support), AMD Treat software (Harrisburg Field Office),
Passive Treatment Systems (MCRCC), and others. OSM also sponsored
several full day workshops on mobile computing (MRCC), AMD Treat
software and remining (both ARCC). This joint conference provided ample
opportunities for OSM staff to meet and interact with other scientists,
researchers, regulators, and mining and reclamation personnel to
exchange information and share ideas.

[Contact]{.underline}: Joe Galetovic, 303 844-1448, Lois Uranowski,
412-937-2805, John Craynon, 202-208-2866 or Kim Vories, 618-463-6463
X103.

#  {#section-4 .unnumbered}

# April 18-22**, 2004** Mobile Computing Workshop/ASMR Annual Meeting, Morgantown, WV  {#april-18-22-2004-mobile-computing-workshopasmr-annual-meeting-morgantown-wv .unnumbered}

[Background:]{.underline} OSM's Mid-Continent Regional Coordinating
Center (MCRCC) has developed a workshop on Mobile Computing Technology
that enhances the ability of State, Federal and Tribal program staff to
conduct fieldwork in a more productive, high quality, and efficient
manner.  This technology allows Inspectors to take maps and permit data
to the field for inspection and verification of mining and permitting
activities.  The application of Abandoned mine Land (AML) Program site
design and re-design in the field is also being applied along with
traditional methods to eventually integrate mobile computing as a tool
in AML and Regulatory work. 

[Topics Covered:]{.underline} This workshop covers the uses of mobile
computing devices integrated with Global Positioning Systems/Digital
Global Positioning Systems (GPS/DGPS) to allow for real time data
collection in AutoDesk, Carlson, ESRI and Trimble software products.
Mobile computing is the next step beyond GPS data collection. It uses
full function computing hardware to implement Computer Assisted Design
(CAD) and Geographic Information System (GIS) solutions in the field.
All software packages included in the workshop are currently available
to the AML and Regulatory programs through the Technical Innovations for
Professional Development (TIPS) Program or are under Research and
Development (R&D) efforts for potential incorporation into the TIPS
software suite.

[Target Audience]{.underline}: State, Federal, and Tribal programs.

[Accomplished:]{.underline} OSM MCRCC presented a TIPS sponsored Mobile
Computing Workshop at joint meeting of the 21st American Society of
Mining and Reclamation Meeting and the 25th West Virginia Surface Mine
Drainage Task Force Symposium. The Mobile Computing workshop was held
before the general sessions and had a associated paper that was
published entitled \"Assessing Reclamation Features and Estimating
Reclamation Costs on Abandoned, Inactive, and Permitted Mines Using
Real-Time GPS and Tablet Computers.\" The workshop had 12 attendees that
rated the workshop as very informative and directly applicable to there
work environment. Several additional Mobile Computing field
demonstrations were conducted during the meeting including one for 3
South Korean attendees. The conference attendance for the general
sessions was close to 500.

[Contact:]{.underline} Kimery Vories (618) 463-6463 x 103

#  {#section-5 .unnumbered}

# April 25-28, 2004 Interstate Mining Compact Commission (IMCC) Meeting, The Founders Inn, Virginia Beach, VA {#april-25-28-2004-interstate-mining-compact-commission-imcc-meeting-the-founders-inn-virginia-beach-va .unnumbered}

> \>\> LIMITED INTEREST MEETING \<\<

[Background]{.underline}: This meeting represents the annual gathering
of the IMCC member states to discuss issues of concern and technical
matters.

[Topics Covered:]{.underline} Policy and technical issues.

[Target Audience:]{.underline} IMCC member states; non-member states;
Federal representatives, and industry observers.

[Accomplished]{.underline}: The IMCC annual meeting was held April 25
-28 in Virginia Beach, VA. It

was well attended and very successful. There were 50 attendees,
including OSM Director Jarrett and the three Regional Directors. Topics
discussed included the status of OSM\'s FY 2005 Budget Request as well
as updates on the following: legislation to amend Title IV of SMCRA, EPA
activity concerning the mine placement of CCB, the single source coal
reporting initiative, performance masures for Title V of SMCRA,
muntaintop mining/valley fill Issues, the NTTT, underground mine mapping
initiative, OSM proposed rules on owernership and control and AVS.

[Contact:]{.underline} Greg Conrad (703) 709-8654

# April 28-29, 2004 Bonding/ Financial Assurance Roundtable Workshop, Virginia Beach, VA, Founders Inn, Virginia Beach, VA {#april-28-29-2004-bonding-financial-assurance-roundtable-workshop-virginia-beach-va-founders-inn-virginia-beach-va .unnumbered}

> \>\> LIMITED INTEREST MEETING \<\<

[Background:]{.underline} IMCC is sponsoring this meeting to pursue and
follow-up on several topics and issues related to performance bonding
under SMCRA and other financial assurance mechanisms, particularly as
these relate to the bonding crisis being faced by the mining industry.

[Topics Covered:]{.underline} Bond availability; bond amounts; financial
assurance mechanisms; bonding alternatives.

[Target Audience:]{.underline} State and federal representatives; mining
industry representatives; surety industry representatives.

[Accomplished]{.underline}: The Bonding Forum was held on April 28 and
29 in Virginia Beach and was very successful. Approximately 40 people
attended consisting of federal and state government personnel, mining
industry representatives and surety/insurance industry representatives.
The group discussed several issues related to bonding and financial
assurance including bond availability, forms of bond, managing risk
exposure, segregating obligations and looking at various bonding
options. Summary meeting notes will be available in the near future.

[Contact:]{.underline} Greg Conrad, IMCC (703)-709-8654

# **May 4-6, 2004 State Regulation of Coal Combustion Byproduct (CCB) Placement at Mine Sites Forum, Harrisburg, PA**. {#may-4-6-2004-state-regulation-of-coal-combustion-byproduct-ccb-placement-at-mine-sites-forum-harrisburg-pa. .unnumbered}

[Background:]{.underline} OSM in cooperation with IMCC, the States,
industry, DOE, and EPA is co-sponsoring this event because of a
recognized need for increasing awareness of the beneficial aspects of
CCB placement at mine sites that are adequately regulated by appropriate
State programs.

[Topics Covered:]{.underline} Use of Fluidized Bed Combustion (FBC)
Materials in Mining Reclamation; State Program Regulation of CCB
Placement at Mine Sites, with Case Studies; Environmental Damage Cases;
and A Response to Public Concerns about CCB Placement at Mines in
Pennsylvania.

[Target Audience:]{.underline} CCB Experts and Professionals in State
and Federal programs, Coal and Utility industry, Universities, CCB
recycling organizations, and Consultants.

[Accomplished]{.underline}: The CCB forum was preceded by a one day
field trip to several AML sites where FBC Ash generated by the burning
of waste coal is used to reclaim these sites. There were about 120
participants that went on the field tour. There were 175 participants
registered for the forum. Based on the participant survey, 95% of the
participants rated the forum as extremely satisfied or very satisfied
and 100% rated the field trip as extremely satisfied or very satisfied.
At the MCRCC exhibit we distributed 70 copies of the Western CCB Forum
Proceedings, 120 copies of the UK Ash Symposium CCB Panel Discussion
Proceedings, and 150 copies of the MCRCC Technology Transfer CD. Also,
the ARCC exhibit had information on Remining, the newest TIPS software,
AMDTreat, and the National Mine Map Repository.

[Contact]{.underline}: Kimery Vories (618) 463-6463 x 103

#  {#section-6 .unnumbered}

# June 9-10**, 2004** Western Regional Technical Team (WRTT) Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah (Co-hosted by Utah Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining and OSM WRCC-OTT) {#june-9-10-2004-western-regional-technical-team-wrtt-meeting-in-salt-lake-city-utah-co-hosted-by-utah-division-of-oil-gas-and-mining-and-osm-wrcc-ott .unnumbered}

[Background]{.underline}: OSM-OTT will co-sponsor the two-day
information exchange meeting hosted by the Utah Division of Oil, Gas,
and Mining. Under technology transfer and technical assistance umbrella,
the seven western states regulatory agencies requested that OTT
co-sponsor with them small regional meetings. Under this scenario each
state regulatory agency would get the opportunity to showcase different
technologies available to them, provide hands-on opportunities for the
other six states to see and participate in what is involved in
implementing the new technologies. These exchanges of information will
result in better-prepared staff, and more informed managers, when they
return to their offices. This will be the third workshop in the FY04
series, and it will highlight Utah's progress in the electronic
permitting process.

[Target Audience]{.underline}: WRTT and the seven Western State
technical staff and managers, and WRCC staff and managers.

[Accomplished:]{.underline} Twenty-four representatives from seven
western primacy states, one Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
presenter, and seven OSM staff from three offices attended the workshop.
Mary Ann Wright, Utah Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining, made the opening
remarks. The workshop highlighted Utah's progress in the electronic
permitting process, their Water Quality Database System, and electronic
laboratory data exchange with operators. Other presentations included
Alaska's Mining Claims Mapper, Use of Colorado's Permit System to track
historical records, and an update on the Wyoming Bond Release GIS -
Pilot Project.

[Contact:]{.underline} Joe Galetovic, OSM WRCC, Office of the Regional
Director (303) 844-1448.

# **June 29, 2004 Underground Mine Pool Workshop, West Virginia University, Morgantown,WV** {#june-29-2004-underground-mine-pool-workshop-west-virginia-university-morgantownwv .unnumbered}

> \>\> LIMITED INTEREST MEETING \<\<

[Background:]{.underline} Interconnected flooded underground mines have
long been a concern in the Appalachian Region. Over the past 100 years
many underground operations have become flooded and are interconnected
with active operations. Pumping of the active operations maintain the
pool elevation below drainage. However, if pumping should cease for
whatever reason, toxic discharges are possible.

[Topics:]{.underline} Mine pool modeling and monitoring will be
discussed, recent findings of various researchers will be presented.
Perspectives from industry, EPA, state regulatory authorities, and
academia will be presented. Marketing of water captured in the mine
pools will also be addressed.

[Target Audience:]{.underline} Scientists from industry, State and
Federal agencies, academia, as well as managers charged with monitoring
and preventing mining related environmental problems will attend.

[Accomplished:]{.underline} Approximately 60 professionals from the
Appalachian States, academia, industry, OSM, and the EPA participated in
this workshop that addressed the growing concern over flooded mine pools
and their potential to discharge. The morning session consisted of the
presentation of several papers and case studies by the states, OSM,
industry and West Virginia University. In the afternoon, the group
brainstormed issues and possible solutions to deal with the mine pool
water. Thirty-three evaluations were completed, all but one rated the
meeting \"good to excellent\".

[Contact:]{.underline} Vann Weaver, (412)-937-2858

#  {#section-7 .Style-Heading-1Heading-1-Char-+-Left-Left:--0\"}

# **July 14-15, 2004 National Technical Training Program (NTTP) Steering Committee Meeting,Salt Lake City, Utah**  {#july-14-15-2004-national-technical-training-program-nttp-steering-committee-meetingsalt-lake-city-utah .unnumbered}

> \>\> LIMITED INTEREST MEETING \<\<

[Background:]{.underline} The purpose of this meeting is to identify
OSM, State and Tribal training priorities, recommend training policy,
provide guidance to assure the use of creative and innovative training
opportunities and periodically evaluate training activity to assure
program quality. The Steering Committee reviews plans for proposed
technical training activities and recommends priorities for new course
development. The Steering Committee also reviews the results of annual
Needs Survey and determines how to allocate requests for space in the
courses.

[Topics Covered:]{.underline} Committee Reports on Regions;
Accomplishments and Attendance Update; Course Evaluations; Course
Reports; FY 2005 Needs Survey Results & Preliminary

[Target Audience:]{.underline} State and OSM representatives; invited
guests

[Accomplished:]{.underline} Twelve representatives from OSM and State
offices representing the national training program met to discuss the
upcoming training needs, course revisions, new courses, budget,
performance results, etc. of the national training program. This effort
helps ensure that training needs are met equally throughout the nation.

[Contact:]{.underline} Sarah E. Donnelly, NTTP, (202) 208-2826

# July 27‑29**, 2004** Technical Innovation and Professional Services (TIPS) Steering Committee (TIPS-SC) Meeting, Estes Park, CO {#july-2729-2004-technical-innovation-and-professional-services-tips-steering-committee-tips-sc-meeting-estes-park-co .unnumbered}

> \>\>LIMITED INTEREST MEETING \<\<

[Background:]{.underline} In cooperation with the States, OSM
established the TIPS Steering Committee (**TIPS-SC**) to help guide
OSM's TIPS efforts. The TIPS National Team (TIPS Team) will coordinate
and cooperate with the Steering Committee. The TIPS Team will report on
the progress of efforts related to TIPS services and provide appropriate
briefings and discussions.\" (TIPS Team Charter). The TIPS-Steering
Committee membership is as follows: One member from each regional OSM
office (3), three State representatives from each region (9), one
representative from the OSM Albuquerque Field Office representing Tribal
Agencies, one representative from the OSM Federal Tennessee program, one
from OSM headquarters, one from OSM Information System Management
Division (ISM) representing the OSM WAN, one from the OSM Field Offices
and the TIPS-SC chairman, Regional Director, WRCC (RD-WRCC). State
Membership of the TIPS-SC shall be appointed by the Interstate Mining
Compact Commission (IMCC) or Western Interstate Energy Board (WIEB).

[Topics Covered:]{.underline} The Steering Committee meets each year to
discuss the previous year's accomplishments of TIPS and to identify the
technology areas for TIPS to direct its energies in the coming year. The
meeting includes demonstrations of TIPS applications by customers and
vendors. Also included are discussions of perceived problem areas and
their solutions. Each meeting begins with a discussion of last meeting's
issues and their resolution.

[Target Audience:]{.underline} Steering Committee members, TIPS Team
members, TIPS customers, and vendors as required by the agenda topics.

[Accomplished]{.underline}: The 2004 TIPS Steering Committee Meeting was
held July 27-29, 2004 in Estes Park, CO. The meeting serves as a
communication and driving mechanism between TIPS and its customers. The
meeting began with an introduction of the steering committee members and
each member's constituent report. The constituent report provides
general information about the use of TIPS tools and training in each of
the member's respective state, tribe, or OSM office(s). This also gives
the members the opportunity to voice any concerns or questions that have
come up over the past year. Members request the state-of-the-art science
and engineering software and training they will need in the upcoming
months. Some also demand the new hardware necessary to support the
mobile computing initiative and the production of GIS maps. The
committee members discussed the importance of holding and conducting
state forums to converse about emerging technologies, such as the TIPS
Geospatial conference being held in Atlanta in December, 2004. Training
requests included the development of a new Underground Mine Mapping/ GIS
class to provide a uniform method when addressing digital mapping
issues. The steering committee provided valuable insight to addressing
complications in the e-learning program. TIPS will look into the
implementation of on-line instructors, the use of BLOG or chat rooms,
and better needs surveys. Another key topic that was presented was the
large watershed modeling software search TIPS is performing. These
high-end programs are complicated and rigorous, but vital in solving
water issues in the states. The next Steering Committee meeting will be
held in the Mid-Continent Region in early May 2005.

[Contact:]{.underline} Bill Clark 303-844-1400 X1495

#  {#section-8 .Style-Heading-1Heading-1-Char-+-Left-Left:--0\"}

# August 3-5**, 2004** Hydrology Workshop, Morgantown, WV. Radisson Hotel {#august-3-5-2004-hydrology-workshop-morgantown-wv.-radisson-hotel .unnumbered}

[Background]{.underline}: This 2 ½ day workshop, sponsored by
Appalachian Regional Technology Transfer Team (ARTT),will present
regional hydrology issues associated with longwall mining including
water loss and stream replacement, evaluation of mine pools, and will
address the major recommendations made at the National Benchmarking
Workshop on Probable Hydrologic consequences/Cumulative Hydrologic
Impact Assessments (PHC/CHIAs). The forum will be interactive with state
regulatory authorities, OSM and industry representatives presenting
current studies and application of technology to these hydrologic
issues.

[Topics Covered:]{.underline}

> Flow characteristics of underground mine pools including the
> delineation of mine pool extent and water quality and quantity;Water
> loss related to underground mining - stream de-watering (total or
> partial); Water Supply Replacement - pre and post mining
> characterization of quality and quantity of water supplies;CHIAs -
> establishing meaningful Cumulative Impact Areas (CIAs), monitoring and
> determining material damage standards, predictive techniques,
> assessing permits during mining and reclamation, database and GIS data
> management tools, and technical approaches to litigation; Post
> Mortems - state-by-state case studies of surface and underground mines
> surface other facilities.

[Target Audience]{.underline}: Approximately 60 representatives from the
Appalachian states of Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee,
Virginia and West Virginia; OSM technical staff and coal industry
personnel.

[Accomplishments:]{.underline} Over 75 scientists, engineers, and other
professionals participated in the workshop. Participants came from the
States, academia, industry, OSM and other Federal agencies. In addition
to the technical presentations panel discussions followed each major
topic area of:

1)  Stream Loss due to Underground Mining

2\) PHC/CHIA's

3\) Underground Mine Pools and

4\) Water Replacement.

The evaluations were positive with most of the attendees recommending a
follow-up workshop in the future.

[Contact]{.underline}: Vann Weaver, OSM ARCC Program Support Division
(412) 937- 2858.

# Sept. 13-14, 2004 Western Regional Technical Team (WRTT) Meeting, Anchorage, AK (Co-hosted by Alaska Division of Mining, Land, and Water, and OSM-WRCC-OTT)  {#sept.-13-14-2004-western-regional-technical-team-wrtt-meeting-anchorage-ak-co-hosted-by-alaska-division-of-mining-land-and-water-and-osm-wrcc-ott .unnumbered}

[Background]{.underline}: OSM-WRCC-OTT will co-sponsor the two-day
information exchange meeting, co- hosted by the Alaska Division of
Mining, Land and Water, followed by a field trip to the Usibelli Mine in
Healy, Alaska. Under technology transfer and technical assistance
umbrella, the seven western states regulatory agencies requested that
OTT co-sponsor with them several small regional meetings. Under this
scenario each state regulatory agency would get the opportunity to
showcase different technologies available to them, provide hands-on
opportunities for the other six states to see, and participate in what
is involved in implementing the new technologies. These exchanges of
information will result in better-prepared staff, and more informed
managers, when they return to their offices. This will be the fourth and
last workshop in the FY04 series, and it will highlight Alaska's
progress in the electronic permitting process.

[Target Audience]{.underline}: WRTT and the seven Western State
technical staff and managers, and WRCC staff and managers.

[Accomplished]{.underline}: The workshop held in Anchorage, Alaska on
September 13-14, was followed by a two-day field trip to the Usibelli
Mine, near Healy. Multiple representatives of six of the seven western
primacy states, and five OSM Western Regional Coordinating Center staff
attended. Stan Foo, Supervisor Mining Sections, made the opening
remarks. The workshop highlighted the inter-relationship of Alaska's
coal program with its DNR Information Technology and Natural Resources
staff providing support to the coal primacy program. DNR staff made
eight presentations on the following topics: Land Administration System
Mapper, CoreGIS Process, and Environment for Visualizing Images-ENVI
--Online, Databases and e-Permitting Resource Authorization System,
MapGuide-Water Rights and Temporary Use Authorizations, Discuss Ware
(discussion forum software), GPS-Photolink and ALLTOPO Software. A
demonstration of the Usibelli Vegetation Studies GIS and image
interpretation applications rounded out Alaska's current efforts in
implementing new technologies. As in the previous three FY-04 workshops,
the roundtable discussion that followed the presentations, attendees
explored the western state regulatory authorities' abilities to
incorporate, adopt, or modify the new technologies and applications
demonstrated by Alaska, as well as to offer ideas and improvements.
Albuquerque FOD Willis Gainer recommended a new workshop session --
*Managers' Vision for New Technologies*. Joining Willis in sharing their
experiences, visions, successes and failures, were New Mexico's Jim
O'Hara -- *The Blind Men and the Elephant: A Parable of e-Permitting*;
Alaska's Bruce Buzby -- *Alaska's Long Range Plan*; Wyoming's Rick
Chancellor -- *Computers and Mining in Wyoming*, and North Dakota's
Steve Kahl -- *The Impact of GIS on Human Resources and Infrastructure
form an IT Manager's Perspective*. These presentations provided western
managers' perspective on the integration of new technologies into
existing regulatory programs.

[Contact:]{.underline} Linda Wagner, OSM WRCC, Office of the Regional
Director (303) 844-1450.

# Sept. 27-30, 2004 MINExpo International 2004, Las Vegas, Nevada {#sept.-27-30-2004-minexpo-international-2004-las-vegas-nevada .unnumbered}

[Background:]{.underline} Office of Technology Transfer (OTT), WRCC
exhibit at the MINExpo International 2004, will feature three major
topics: Technology transfer, OSM Annual Reclamation Awards, and OSM Fee
Collection Division's "OSM-1" e-filing.

[Topics Covered:]{.underline} The technology transfer topic highlights
technical assistance aspects of paperless permitting, migration to
e-government, document conversion, and web availability of technical
reports and proceedings. Materials highlighting this year's OSM Annual
Reclamation Awards (given by OSM in cooperation with National Mining
Association), are showcasing the high quality on-the-ground performance,
and innovative reclamation techniques such as fluvial-geomorphic channel
reconstruction, that are gaining region-wide applications. OSM Fee
Collection Division's "OSM-1" e-filing wire transfer program is ready
for nationwide application, and hence the assistance with outreach to
companies currently not participating.

[Target Audience:]{.underline} MINExpo International is held in Las
Vegas every four years, and routinely attracts over 30,000 attendees
from mining and reclamation industries' communities, with a large
contingent of international visitors.

[Accomplished]{.underline}: OTT's booth distributed information about
OSM, annual reports, technical reports, handbooks, guidelines and other
literature, CDs and videos, showcased successes in reclamation,
paperless permitting, and OSM's on-line technical library to interested
parties among over 30,000 attendees from the mining and reclamation
industries communities, with a large contingent of international
visitors. The reclaimed lands part of the exhibit showcasing the high
quality on-the-ground performance, and innovative reclamation techniques
that are gaining region-wide applications, tied-in with OSM annual
awards in cooperation with the National Mining Association, that were
presented at the meeting. The Fee Collection Division's "OSM-1"
electronic filing system, attracted considerable attention, and comments
from the hard rock miners, wishing BLM would have a similar system.
Popular items with the attendees, and environmental and reclamation
staff were the CDs relating to various reclamation techniques, CDs with
technical manuals and handbooks, and CDs with proceedings of Interactive
Forums on Bond Release in the arid, semi-arid West.

[Contact:]{.underline} Linda Wagner, WRCC, 303-844-1450

#  {#section-9 .unnumbered}

# October 19-21, 2004 Regional Acid Mine Drainage Workshop, Evansville, Indiana {#october-19-21-2004-regional-acid-mine-drainage-workshop-evansville-indiana .unnumbered}

\>\> LIMITED INTEREST MEETING \<\<

[Background]{.underline}: The Mid-Continent Region Technology Transfer
Team has has identified control of Acid Mine Drainage at Abandoned Mine
Lands as an area in need of improved technology. The State of Indiana
has a wide variety of AMD projects that utilize a wide variety of
technology for treatment. Indiana has agreed to host a three day
workshop with case studies and field trips for staff within the region.

[Topics Covered]{.underline}: Case studies will be prepared for both
active and passive treatment of AMD with a variety of geologic settings.

[Target Audience]{.underline}: Technical staff from the Mid-Continent
Region States and OSM.

[Accomplished]{.underline}: A three day hands on workshop and field tour
on acid Mine Drainage Treatment Technology was held in Evansville,
Indiana October 19-21, 2004. Treatment technologies included: ALD's
(anoxic limestone drains), wetlands, coal ash backfill, freshwater
dilution systems, steel slag leach-beds for AMD treatment, dossers for
AMD treatment, successive wetland AMD Treatment System, and OLD's (oxic
limestone drains). Training included: practical exercise on field
sampling, measurements, calculations, design principals, and
construction techniques. There were 34 participants from 10 States and 2
OSM regions who rated both the field trips and classroom training as
being very satisfied, with a rating of 93%.

[Contact]{.underline}: Kimery Vories, OSM MCRCC Program Support Division
(618) 463-6463 x 103

#  {#section-10 .unnumbered}

# October 27-28**, 2004** National Academies Study on Coal Combustion By-Products and Coal Mining, Washington, DC {#october-27-28-2004-national-academies-study-on-coal-combustion-by-products-and-coal-mining-washington-dc .unnumbered}

[Background]{.underline}: In response to a request from Congress, the
National research Council of the National Academy of Sciences is
conducting an 18 month study to examine the health, safety, and
environmental risks associated with using coal combustion wastes (CCW)
for reclamation in active and abandoned coal mines. The Committee on
Mine Placement of Coal Combustion Wastes will focus on coal combustion
wastes from utility power plants and independent power producers, rather
than small business, industries, and institutions. This first meeting of
the Committee is being convened to provide the Committee with background
information and a broad overview of the issues from many different
perspectives. A public testimony session will start at 5:00 PM. John
Craynon, Chief, OSM Regulatory Support Division will present the SMCRA
perspective.

[Topics Covered]{.underline}: The placement of CCWs in abandoned and
active surface and underground coal mines in all major coal basins. The
study will consider coal mines receiving large quantities of coal
combustion wastes. The purpose of the study is to determine whether CCWs
were placed and disposed of in coal mines with inadequate safeguards and
whether this activity is degrading water supplies in coal mines in
contravention of SMCRA. A profile of the utility industry will be taken
into consideration in designing the study to focus on the sources
producing the greatest quantities of coal combustion wastes.

[Target Audience]{.underline}: EPA, OSM, other Federal and State
Regulatory agencies, Industry, the general public and environmental
organizations.

[Accomplished]{.underline}: The statement of task was reviewed by the
committee and the committee was educated on what coal combustion wastes
are. The committee was introduced to the existing regulatory framework
and to the various perspectives surrounding the issue of coal combustion
wastes. A format for public input to the committee was provided. John
Craynon, OSM gave a presentation on the Surface Mining Reclamation and
Control Act (SMCRA) and how CCWs are currently regulated under SMCRA. On
Thursday, October 28, the Committee met in CLOSED SESSION to discuss the
following: bias and conflict discussion, input from speakers,
information needs, work plan, future meetings, draft report outline and
writing assignments.

# 

[Contact]{.underline}: John Craynon, OSM HQ.Chief, Regulatory Support
Division (202-208-2866); Kimery Vories, MCRCC (618-463-6460)

# **October 27-28, 2004 USGS Science Planning Meeting, Reston VA** {#october-27-28-2004-usgs-science-planning-meeting-reston-va .unnumbered}

> \>\> LIMITED INTEREST MEETING\<\<

[Background]{.underline}: The USGS conducts a number of planning
meetings to help it define better how it can assist other government
agencies in providing scientific information and studies relevant to
their particular missions. As part of this planning process, USGS has
been inviting other agencies to meet with them to better assess
agencies' needs

[Topics Covered]{.underline}: Geologic, energy and mineral resources,
biologic, mapping and other topics that are part of USGS's scientific
investigations program.

[Target Audience]{.underline}: USGS staff and invited representatives
from other agencies. USGS is asking for OSM participation, and it has
been suggested that NTTT member should consider participating.

[Contact]{.underline}: John Craynon, Division of Regulatory Support, HQ
(202)-208-2866

# November 3- 4**, 2004** ADTI Coal Mining Sector meeting, Morgantown, WV {#november-3--4-2004-adti-coal-mining-sector-meeting-morgantown-wv .unnumbered}

> \>\> LIMITED INTEREST MEETING \<\<

[Background]{.underline}: , the Acid Drainage Technology Initiative
(ADTI) is a partnership of technical experts from industry, state and
federal agencies and academia who have joined together to seek solutions
to AMD and related water-quality problems from mining. ADTI provides a
valuable forum for collaboration and information exchange. ADTI is
organized into a Coal Mining Sector (CMS) and a Metal Mining Sector
(MMS). Working groups in each sector focus on Prediction and
Avoidance/Remediation.

[Topics Covered]{.underline}: Review White Papers on a variety of acid
mine drainage issues (treatment standards for manganese, prediction of
acid load, passive treatment technologies, use of CCBs for mine fill,
underground mine pools and large volume discharges from them and
others); identification of priority projects based on the White Papers;
development of a 5 year roadmap for ADTI work; coordination and
communication with the ADTI Operations Committee and Metal Mining
Sector; establishing an ADTI-CMS annual meeting and
embership/organization/leadership of CMS and the CMS Steering Committee.

[Target Audience]{.underline}: Technical experts from industry, state
and federal agencies and academia.

[Accomplished:]{.underline} Twenty-nine representatives from industry,
state and federal agencies (5 from OSM) and academia attended the ADTI
Coal Mining Sector meeting in Morgantown, WV. After a review of the
initial plan for ADTI, the status of ongoing and recent research and
other activities was presented, followed by a review of White Paper
topics identified at the last meeting. A general plan and Roadmap for
CMS was discussed, and a basic outline was adopted after review and
discussion of the White Papers was completed. A prioritized list of
topics, based on the White Papers, was developed and was adopted. The
ranked topics are to be arranged into natural groupings, based on
subject, that will be the basis for the formation of Work Groups. The
following operational decisions were also made: Future ADTI-CMS Meetings
will be held in April in conjunction with the WV AMD Task Force meeting,
Steve Parsons of OSM was selected by unanimous vote, to be the new CMS
Chair and a Steering Committee will be formed to keep abreast of and
further CMS activities, including communication with the Metal Mining
Sector and the ADTI Operations Committee.

[Contact]{.underline}: Steve Parsons, Division of Regulatory Support, HQ
(202)-208-2895.

# November 7-11**, 2004** Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, Denver, Colorado {#november-7-11-2004-geological-society-of-america-annual-meeting-denver-colorado .unnumbered}

[Background]{.underline}**:** Office of Technology Transfer (OTT), WRCC
exhibit at the Geological Society of America Annual Meeting will feature
Technology Transfer and Technical Assistance topics under the heading of
Geologists' Role in Mining and Reclamation

[Topics Covered]{.underline}**:** Introducing the Office of Surface
Mining and SMCRA will be the main goal of the exhibit. The technology
transfer and technical assistance exhibit will highlight the technical
fields in surface mining and reclamation, and their dependence on the
knowledge and research of geological scientists. The inter-relationships
of hydrology, soils, rocks and climate as they affect mining and
successful post-mining scenarios are a topic that few students grasp in
college, the exhibit will attempt to make that connection. The web
availability of technical reports and proceedings are of interest to
graduating candidates, and great teaching tools for faculty. In
addition, students are interested in career opportunities with the
Department of Interior, and skills needed for the types of jobs
available.

[Target Audience]{.underline}**:** Students looking for a career in
environmental protection and/or reclamation fields. Faculty teaching
depositional environments, geochemistry, hydrology, environmental
geology, and reclamation classes.

[Accomplished]{.underline}: : OTT's booth distributed information about
OSM, career tracks in OSM and Interior, OSM annual reports, technical
reports, handbooks, guidelines, CDs and videos, as well as showcased
successes in reclamation, paperless permitting, and OSM's on-line
technical library. Popular items, in particular with the students from
environmental, reclamation and mining engineering programs, were the CDs
relating to various reclamation techniques, CDs with technical manuals
and handbooks, and CDs with proceedings of Interactive Forums on Bond
Release in the arid, semi-arid West.

[Contact]{.underline}**:** Joe Galetovic, WRCC, 303-844-1448

# November 16**, 2004** 16th Annual Abandoned Coal Mine Land Research Program Project (ACMLRP) Review Seminar, Casper, Wyoming {#november-16-2004-16th-annual-abandoned-coal-mine-land-research-program-project-acmlrp-review-seminar-casper-wyoming .unnumbered}

[Background]{.underline}: This annual meeting provides an opportunity
for funded research investigators to discuss their projects and brief
the audience on their progress, and/or present the final results. The
ACMLRP is designed to support projects which can aid in the development
of practical solutions to some of the issues encountered in coal mine
reclamation. The WRCC OTT has provided technology transfer of the final
research reports since 1991, and the program is featured on OTT's
website at www.ott.wrcc.osmre.gov/acmlrp.htm

[Topics Covered]{.underline}: Interim or final reports will be made on
the following six topics: The effect detonated borehole pressures have
on adjacent powder columns and how that contributes to nitrogen oxide
formation in cast blasting; The influence of reclamation management
practices on carbon accumulation and soil fertility on coal mine lands
in Wyoming; Impacts of wildlife utilization on Big Sagebrush survival in
reclaimed mine lands; Development and identification of Rhizobiaceae
(bacterial) and Fabaceae (plant) symbioses for enhancing biological
inputs of nitrogen in reclamation of disturbed lands; Recovery of below
ground ecosystem components under different plant communities on
reclaimed coal mine lands; and The effects of seed mix species
composition and seedling rates on attaining species diversity for
reclaimed areas.

[Target Audience]{.underline}: Regulatory agency staff, industry and
consultant practitioners.

[Accomplished]{.underline}: 45 individuals including OSM, BLM,
University of Wyoming, Wyoming DEQ staff, and industry environmental
staff attended the annual research review reports meeting. The abstracts
of the presentations were made available to the attendees. In addition
OTT distributed the CDs with the various ACMLRP research reports in
addition to the OSM Annual Reports CDs. The steering committee met after
the presentations, and the upcoming RFP for 2005 was discussed,
resulting in an expansion of the possible topics.

[Contact]{.underline}: Linda Wagner, WRCC, 303-844-1450

#  {#section-12 .Style-HEADING-1-HANGING-INDENT-+-Left:---0.5\"-First-line:--0\" .unnumbered}

# November 16-17, 2004 Interstate Mining Compact Commission (IMCC) Mid‑Year Meeting, The Waterford Marriott Hotel, Oklahoma City, OK {#november-16-17-2004-interstate-mining-compact-commission-imcc-midyear-meeting-the-waterford-marriott-hotel-oklahoma-city-ok .unnumbered}

> \>\> LIMITED INTEREST MEETING\<\<

[Background]{.underline}: This is the mid‑year meeting of the IMCC
member states to discuss issues of concern and technical matters.

[Topics Covered]{.underline}: Policy and technical issues

[Target Audience]{.underline}: IMCC member states; non‑member states;
Federal representatives; and observers.

[Accomplished]{.underline}: The Interstate Mining Compact Commission
(IMCC) held its mid‑year business meeting on November 16 and 17 in
Oklahoma City, OK. The majority of IMCC\'s member states were in
attendance, as were several representatives from the Office of Surface
Mining. The state of Utah was welcomed as the newest associate member
state. Topics addressed during the meeting included: status of the
underground mine mapping benchmarking workshop; the Applicant/Violator
System (AVS); AML reauthorization; the National Academy of Sciences
study on mine placement of coal combustion wastes; OSM\'s FY 2005
Appropriation; and the Single Source Coal Reporting Initiative.

[Contact]{.underline}: Greg Conrad (703) 709‑8654

# November 16-18, 2004 Indiana Bat & Coal Mining Forum, Louisville, KY  {#november-16-18-2004-indiana-bat-coal-mining-forum-louisville-ky .unnumbered}

[Background]{.underline}: OSM has become aware of increasing efforts by
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the Federally endangered
Indiana Bat (Mysotis sodalis) and the need to work more closely with
State Mining Regulatory Authorities during the permitting, mining, and
reclamation activities of surface coal mines that potentially impact
Indiana Bat habitat. The information provided by this forum and those
that went before it should go a long way in aiding the OSM, the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, and the State Regulatory Authorities in their
efforts to efficiently and effectively protect and enhance Indiana Bat
habitat in association with coal mining activities. There are 126
participants registered to date. The Forum is organized by OSM MCRCC in
cooperation with ARCC, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

[Topics Covered]{.underline}: The Biology and Life History of the
Indiana Bat; Field Techniques for Biological Assessment; Consultation
Process; Case Studies; Guidance Development for Permitting.

[Target Audience]{.underline}: State and Federal Agencies, Universities,
Bat experts, and coal industry involved with protection of the species
related to coal mining permits.

[Accomplished]{.underline}: There were154 participants registered for
the forum. Based on the participant survey, 91% of the participants
rated the forum as extremely satisfied or very satisfied. Information
provided during the forum showed a dramatic decline in number of Indiana
bats over the last thirty years nationwide. On a State specific basis,
however, the populations are increasing in the northern States and
decreasing in the southern States. Because the reasons for these trends
in population are unknown, investigations need to be undertaken to
determine what if any impact coal mining and reclamation is having on
the bat populations. The proceedings to the forum are being prepared for
publication by fall of 2005.

[Contact]{.underline}: Kimery Vories (618) 463-6463 x 103

# December 6-7**, 2004** National Academies Committee on Mine Placement of Coal Combustion Wastes Meeting {#december-6-7-2004-national-academies-committee-on-mine-placement-of-coal-combustion-wastes-meeting .unnumbered}

[Background:]{.underline} The Office of Surface Mining (HQ and Western
Region) participated in the second meeting of the Committee on Mine
Placement of Coal Combustion Wastes, which was a two-day field
investigation in Farmington, New Mexico

by the National Academies, Committee on Mine Placement of Coal
Combustion Wastes (CCWs) on December 6 and 7.

[Topics Covered]{.underline}: The placement of CCWs in active surface
coal mines in the Western coal mining region, CCW leaching tests, OSM
and state regulation of CCW mine placement in the west.

[Target Audience]{.underline}: EPA, OSM, other Federal and State
Regulatory agencies, Industry, the general public and environmental
organizations.

[Accomplished]{.underline}: The first day included presentations and
round table discussions on the state of the art of CCW leaching tests
and on the regulation of CCW placement at Western mines. OSM gave a
presentation to the committee on its regulation of CCW disposal at the
Navajo Mine on the Navajo Reservation. A town hall meeting was held in
the evening to receive public input. The Committee participated in tours
of CCW operations at the Navajo Mine and the San Juan Mine on the second
day. OSM participated in the mine tours. The mine tours were preceded by
a presentation of ash disposal practices at each mine by respective
staff from each operation. The mine presentations included a brief
discussion of baseline geology and hydrology information, ash quality
and quantity, ash cover requirements and reclamation techniques. The
presentations included a discussion of CCB practices at the San Juan
Generating Station and the Four Corners Power Plant. The field tours
included active and reclaimed ash disposal sites at each of the two
mines. Questions from the NAS Committee focused on the need for a more
rigorous leach test method, monitoring of CCW mine fills and ground
water hydrology as relates to infiltration of the ash pits. Following
the mine tours, there was a town hall meeting for public input at the
Nenahnezad Chapter House on the Navajo Reservation.

[Contact]{.underline}: Rade Orell, 505-248-5086 or Fred Block,
202-208-2860.

#  {#section-13 .Style-HEADING-1-HANGING-INDENT-+-Left:---0.5\"-First-line:--0\" .unnumbered}

# December 7-9**, 2004** Integration of Geospatial Technologies in Mining and Reclamation, Renaissance Waverly Hotel Atlanta, GA {#december-7-9-2004-integration-of-geospatial-technologies-in-mining-and-reclamation-renaissance-waverly-hotel-atlanta-ga .unnumbered}

[Background]{.underline}: The conference will enlighten geospatial
software users of the utility and value of utilizing the latest
geospatial techniques in the challenges associated with mining and
reclamation issues. It will also enable participants to exchange
ideas/thoughts from differing viewpoints with regard to SMCRA problems.

[Topics Covered]{.underline}: OSM, WIEB and IMCC will jointly sponsor a
national geospatial conference in late FY 2004 serving as a technology
transfer function for OSM affiliated entities. The conference goal is to
bring the latest advancements in geospatial techniques, solutions and
software together with the SMCRA community to facilitate geospatial
technology transfer in a national forum. As a result of the stated goal,
OSM can better direct its resources to the various State programs. The
conference will include topical sessions related to GIS, GPS, Remote
Sensing, Electronic Permitting, and Mobile Computing as applied to
mining and reclamation related issues. A bilateral approach is
anticipated whereby high-level demonstration projects solving SMCRA
issues will be presented by end users. The second function involves
incorporation of our main vendors (ESRI, Trimble, etc.) to
demonstrate/discuss the latest trends affecting the geospatial community
as applied to mining and reclamation.

[Target Audience]{.underline}: The audience will be primarily end users
of the software involved in SMCRA related work. Each of the coal
producing states will have the opportunity to present unique or advanced
geospatial solutions to coal mining (Title V) and reclamation issues
(Title IV). Software vendors and academia will also be afforded the
opportunity to present cutting edge technology presentations throughout
the conference.

[Accomplished]{.underline}: The *Advanced Integration of Geospatial
Technologies in Mining & Reclamation* conference was held December 7 --
9, 2004 in Atlanta, Georgia. Approximately175 people attended the 3 day
conference representing State, Federal, Tribal, Industry, Academia and
Consulting interests. Fifty-seven speakers presented talks ranging from
Title V permitting to Title IV site assessment. Several speakers,
representing state regulatory agencies, discussed their respective
state-wide GIS efforts. Several tribal and industry consultants
presented GIS efforts for several large western mines. TIPS software
vendors manned display booths and were available all week for technical
assistance. The conference was well received with numerous compliments
and discussion requesting that this event become annual or bi-annual.
Utilizing a 1 through 5 rating system, the conference and associated
accommodations received an overall 4.3 rating. The conference team will
confer with the TIPS Steering Committee for direction on future
conferences. For further information, contact Bill Clark (303.844.1400,
ext. 1495).

[Contact]{.underline}: Bill Clark 303-844-1400 x1495 or Bill Winters
412-937-2105

# **GLOSSARY** {#glossary .unnumbered}

#  {#section-14 .Style-HEADING-1-HANGING-INDENT-+-Left:---0.5\"-First-line:--0\" .unnumbered}

**LIMITED INTEREST MEETING** --- This term reflects meetings/conferences
that are generally by invitation only reflecting limited focus and
interest. These meetings are held primarily by standing teams, steering
committees, task forces, etc.

**Acronyms**

AML Abandoned mine Land

ACSP Appalachian Clean Streams Program

ADTI Acid Drainage Technology Initiative

ARCC Appalachian Regional Coordinating Center

ARTTT Appalachian Regional Technology Transfer Team

ASMR American Society of Mining and Reclamation

CAD Computer-Aided Design

CCB Coal Combustion Byproducts

CHIA Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Assessment

CIA Cumulative Impact Area

DGPS Digital Global Positioning Systems

DOE Department of Energy

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

FBC Fluidized Bed Combustion

GIS Geographic Information System

GPS Global Positioning Systems

IMCC Interstate Mining Compact Commission

ISM Information System Management Division

MCRCC Mid-Continent Regional Coordinating Center

NTTP National Technical Training Program

NTTT National Technology Transfer Team

OSM Office of Surface Mining

OSM-HQ Office of Surface Mining-Headquarters

OSM WAN OSM Wide Area Network

PHC Probable Hydrologic consequences

R&D Research and Development

RD-WRCC Regional Director, Western Regional Coordinating Center

SME Society for Mining Metallurgy and Exploration

SMCRA Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act

TIPS Technical Innovations and Professional Services

TIPS TEAM TIPS National Team

TIPS-SC TIPS Steering Committee

WIEB Western Interstate Energy Board

WRCC-OTT Western Regional Coordinating Center-Office of Technology
Transfer

WRTT Western Regional Technical Team