GUIDANCE FOR APPLICANTS SEEKING LICENSES OR PRELIMINARY 

PERMITS

FOR 

CLOSED-LOOP PUMPED STORAGE PROJECTS AT ABANDONED MINE 

SITES

(Docket No. AD19-8-000)

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Office of Energy Projects

Division of Hydropower Licensing

October 2019
i

Table of Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE ----------------------------------------------------1

2.0 CLOSED-LOOP PUMPED STORAGE PROJECTS-------------------------------1

3.0 ABANDONED MINES IN THE UNITED STATES --------------------------------2

3.1 Extent and Types of Abandoned Mines----------------------------------------------2

3.2 Identifying Abandoned Mine Sites----------------------------------------------------2

4.0 LICENSES AND PRELIMINARY PERMITS FOR CLOSED-LOOP 

PUMPED STORAGE PROJECTS AT ABANDONED MINE SITES------------------3

4.1 Required Authorizations----------------------------------------------------------------3

4.2 Obtaining a Preliminary Permit ------------------------------------------------------3

4.3 Obtaining a License ----------------------------------------------------------------------4

4.3.1 Integrated Licensing Process (ILP)-------------------------------------------------4

4.3.2 Traditional Licensing Process (TLP)-----------------------------------------------5

4.3.3 Alternative Licensing Process (ALP)----------------------------------------------6

4.3.4 Expedited Process for Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Projects-----------------8

5.0 BEST PRACTICES AND CONSIDERATIONS -------------------------------------8

5.1 Typical Environmental Issues ---------------------------------------------------------8

5.2 Site Selection – Issues to Consider -------------------------------------------------- 10

5.3 Early Consultation with Agencies, Tribes, and NGOs-------------------------- 12

5.4 Preparation of Permit Application ------------------------------------------------- 12

5.5 Preparation of License Application------------------------------------------------- 13

6.0 CONCLUSION---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A Federal Resources on Abandoned Mines

APPENDIX B State Abandoned Mine Resources
1

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE 

Section 3004 of the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 requires the

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) to issue guidance to assist 

applicants for licenses or preliminary permits for closed-loop pumped storage projects at 

abandoned mine sites.1

 On April 4, 2019, Commission staff held a workshop at the 

Commission’s headquarters to explore potential opportunities for the development of 

closed-loop pumped storage projects at abandoned mine sites.

2

Informed by the discussion at the April 4, 2019 workshop and utilizing the 

experience and knowledge of Commission staff, this document provides information and 

identifies resources to assist prospective applicants proposing to develop closed-loop 

pumped storage projects at abandoned mine sites. 

The guidance does not affect the rights or obligations of prospective applicants or 

any other party. Moreover, the guidance does not add requirements to or substitute for 

the Commission’s regulations. Prospective applicants are expected to prepare

applications that comply with the Commission’s regulations and policies.

2.0 CLOSED-LOOP PUMPED STORAGE PROJECTS 

Pumped storage projects move water between reservoirs located at different 

elevations (i.e., an upper and lower reservoir) to store and generate electricity. Generally, 

when electricity demand is low (typically, at night), excess electric generation capacity in 

the grid is used to pump water from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir. When 

electricity demand is high, the stored water is released from the upper reservoir to the 

lower reservoir through a turbine to generate electricity.

A closed-loop pumped storage project is generally defined as a pumped storage 

project that utilizes reservoirs situated at locations other than natural waterways, lakes, 

wetlands, and other natural surface water features, and may rely on temporary 

withdrawals from surface waters or groundwater for the sole purpose of initial fill or the

periodic recharge needed for project operation. Types of reservoirs that lend themselves 

to a closed-loop project include reservoirs located in surface mine pits or underground 

mines. 

 1 Pub. L. No. 115-270, § 3004, 132 Stat. 3765, 3867.

2 See Final Agenda of the Workshop on Closed-Loop Pumped Storage at 

Abandoned Mine Sites (Docket No. AD19-8-000, April 12, 2019). 
2

3.0 ABANDONED MINES IN THE UNITED STATES

3.1 Extent and Types of Abandoned Mines

Abandoned mines3 can be found in almost every state and include those used for

small sand and gravel operations, complex underground coal and metal mines, and

surface mines. Abandoned mine sites are located on private, state, tribal, or federal land, 

including federal land managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land 

Management (BLM), National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service. No precise accounting of the number of 

abandoned mine sites is available, but, according to BLM, there are as many as 500,000 

abandoned mines in the United States.

4

 Hard-rock abandoned mines (i.e., mines 

primarily containing ores of metals – e.g., gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, and nickel) are 

predominantly in the western states. Abandoned coal mines are mostly found in the 

eastern states, with sixty percent of these mines located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, 

and Kentucky.5

3.2 Identifying Abandoned Mine Sites

A variety of federal and state agencies have responsibilities associated with 

abandoned mine lands. These responsibilities include the identification of mine location 

and features, assessment of safety and environmental hazards, and remediation or 

reclamation. Federal and state agencies have developed databases on abandoned mines 

that include information on mine location, type, and features. The National Mine Map 

Repository at the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement of the 

Department of the Interior collects and maintains both coal and non-coal mine 

information and images for the entire country. The repository provides and stores over 

181,000 abandoned mine maps, with mine workings dating from the 1790’s to the present 

day.

Appendix A and Appendix B include a listing of federal and state agencies that are 

involved with abandoned mines in the United States, respectively, as well as web links 

for maps and databases on abandoned mines and land records maintained by various 

agencies.

 3 This guidance does not define “abandoned mines” and relies on existing, varying

definitions provided by federal and state agencies.

4 Extent of the Problem, AbandonedMines.Gov

https://abandonedmines.gov/extent_of_the_problem (last visited July 25, 2019). 

5 About Coal Mines, AbandonedMines.Gov

https://www.abandonedmines.gov/about_coal_mines (last visited July 25, 2019).
3

Useful information on past mining practices and site-specific information on 

abandoned mines can also be found in county assessors’ records, local newspapers or 

publications, and old mining magazines.

4.0 LICENSES AND PRELIMINARY PERMITS FOR CLOSED-LOOP 

PUMPED STORAGE PROJECTS AT ABANDONED MINE SITES 

4.1 Required Authorizations 

Pursuant to section 23(b)(1) of the Federal Power Act, Commission authorization 

is required for a hydroelectric project if it: (1) is located across, along, or in navigable 

waters of the United States; (2) occupies public land or a reservation of the United States; 

(3) uses the surplus water or water power from a government dam; or (4) is located on a 

non-navigable Commerce Clause stream, affects the interests of interstate or foreign 

commerce (e.g., is connected to the interstate power grid), and has undergone 

construction or major modification after August 26, 1935.6

 

4.2 Obtaining a Preliminary Permit

The Commission may issue a preliminary permit that grants a permittee the 

priority to file a license application for a site (i.e., guaranteed first-to-file status) while the 

permittee secures data on the site and prepares a license application.7

 The permit

provides a permittee with such priority for up to 4 years. In addition, the Commission 

has the authority to extend the permit term up to an additional 4 years. Permits do not 

authorize construction or operation of a project, nor do they authorize any ground 

breaking activities. In addition, it is not necessary to obtain a permit in order to apply for 

or receive a license.

Once a preliminary permit application is filed with the Commission, staff reviews 

the application for adequacy. Upon acceptance of a permit application, staff issues a 

public notice setting a deadline for filing comments, motions to intervene, or competing 

applications. 

Commission staff, or, in the case of an application that is opposed, the 

Commission, then acts on the application.

More information pertaining to the Commission’s permitting process can be found 

at https://www.ferc.gov/industries/hydropower/gen-info/licensing/pre-permits.asp.

 6 16 U.S.C. § 817(b)(1) (2018).

7 Id. §§ 797(f) and 798.
4

4.3 Obtaining a License 

A license authorizes a licensee to construct and operate a hydroelectric project,

subject to the terms and conditions set by the license. License terms and conditions 

generally include engineering requirements to ensure safe construction and operation of 

the project; environmental measures to protect, mitigate effects on, or enhance 

environmental resources; and administrative requirements such as reporting and 

monitoring measures. A license is issued for a period of 30 to 50 years.

The licensing process involves two stages: pre-filing and post-filing. The prefiling stage includes: presenting the proposed project to appropriate stakeholders (e.g., 

state and federal agencies, Indian tribes, local landowners, and non-governmental 

organizations (NGOs)); consulting with those stakeholders; identifying issues; and 

gathering information. The purpose of the pre-filing process is to fully inform 

stakeholders about the proposed project, engage those stakeholders in consultations to 

identify issues and study needs, conduct studies to identify project-related impacts, 

develop mitigation and enhancement measures, and prepare a license application. 

The post-filing stage begins after an application is filed. Once Commission staff 

finds an application is adequate, a notice is issued soliciting comments and proposed 

terms and conditions from agencies and stakeholders. Commission staff then analyzes 

the anticipated effects of the proposed project and alternatives, and analyzes comments 

and any agency terms and conditions, and makes recommendations to the Commission as 

to whether and under what conditions the project should be licensed. 

There are three specific licensing processes available to applicants: the Integrated 

Licensing Process (ILP),8 Traditional Licensing Process (TLP),9 and Alternative 

Licensing Process (ALP).10 The ILP is the default licensing process. However, an 

applicant may request to use the TLP or ALP. 

4.3.1 Integrated Licensing Process (ILP)

The ILP is the default licensing process and most appropriate for projects with 

controversial and/or complex issues and study needs that require close coordination and 

cooperation with agencies and stakeholders during the pre-filing stage. Commission staff 

is actively involved during an ILP, and conducts scoping as required by the National 

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to identify issues and focus on study needs. After

formally seeking study requests from agencies and the public, the applicant prepares a 

study plan. Commission staff makes a final determination on studies that need to be 

 8 18 C.F.R. pt. 5 (2019).

9 Id. pt. 4, subpt. D-H.

10 Id. § 4.34(i).
5

conducted. If parties cannot agree on studies or the scope of studies, a dispute resolution 

process is available. Compared to the TLP or ALP, this process has specific timeframes 

and filing requirements for various steps in the licensing process, and requires adherence 

to those by all participants. 

Once an application is filed, Commission staff evaluates the application for 

compliance with the regulations and any outstanding studies. Once the application is 

found complete, staff gives notice that the application is ready for NEPA environmental 

analysis and solicits interventions, comments, and terms and conditions. Commission 

staff then prepares and issues its environmental analysis (i.e., Environmental Assessment 

(EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)). The Commission then makes a 

licensing decision based on staff’s recommendations in the EA or EIS. 

4.3.2 Traditional Licensing Process (TLP) 

To use the TLP for preparing an application, an applicant must make a written 

request to the Commission and include justification for the request and any written 

comments on the request from stakeholders. In its TLP request, an applicant must 

address: the likelihood of timely license issuance; the complexity of the resource issues; 

the level of anticipated controversy; the relative cost of the traditional process compared 

to the integrated process; the amount of available information; and potential for 

significant disputes over studies; and other factors believed by the applicant to be 

pertinent. The TLP process is most appropriate for projects with relatively low 

complexity requiring fewer studies. In the pre-filing stage of a TLP, an applicant 

consults with agencies and stakeholders, and conducts studies usually with no 

Commission staff involvement. Although generally there are no set time frames for most 

activities during the pre-fling, it involves a three-stage consultation process: Stage 1 -

once a request to use the TLP is approved, the applicant conducts a joint agency/public 

meeting to discuss the proposed project, scope potential environmental issues, and 

prepare study plans; Stage 2 – the applicant conducts reasonable and necessary studies, 

prepares a draft license application, and provides the draft application to resource 

agencies and tribes for comments; Stage 3 – the applicant files a final application with the 

Commission and sends copies to agencies and tribes.

The TLP post-filing process is similar to that of the ILP, except after an 

application is filed, Commission staff conducts NEPA scoping and provides opportunities 

to agencies and the public to comment on the application. Based on scoping and 

comments received, an applicant may need to conduct studies to provide additional 

information needed for Commission staff’s environmental analysis (EA or EIS). Based 

on staff’s recommendations in the EA or EIS, the Commission makes a decision on 

whether to issue a license. 
6

4.3.3 Alternative Licensing Process (ALP)

The ALP is a more collaborative approach to pre-filing consultation and also 

requires Commission authorization. A potential applicant needs to show justification in 

its request to use this process, and must demonstrate that a reasonable effort has been 

made to contact all resource agencies, Indian tribes, NGOs, and others who may be 

affected by the project’s proposal. The request must also demonstrate that a consensus 

exits that the use of the ALP is appropriate and include a communication protocol that is 

supported by interested entities, governing how the applicant and other participants, 

including the Commission staff, will communicate with each other in the pre-filing 

consultation. Similar to the ILP, this process encourages coordination among the 

applicant, resource agencies, and the public, and involves some Commission staff 

participation. However, unlike the ILP, timelines for various steps are not specified by 

the regulations, and are developed collaboratively by the applicant and stakeholders early 

in the pre-filing process. The ALP encourages the applicant and stakeholders to invest 

time and resources during the pre-filing stage to work toward agreement on key issues 

and strive for agreement on the scope and level of effort necessary for studies. It also 

encourages the applicant and stakeholders to come to agreement on proposed protection, 

mitigation, and enhancement measures, ultimately leading to a settlement agreement. 

Once necessary studies are completed, the applicant prepares its license application and 

prepares either a preliminary draft EA, or funds a Commission-approved third-party 

contractor to prepare a preliminary draft EIS, to include with the license application.

In the post-filing stage, Commission staff reviews the application and the 

preliminary draft EA or EIS to ensure that they meet the Commission’s regulations and 

requirements. Commission staff may edit the preliminary draft EA or EIS, as necessary, 

to include, among other things, Commission staff’s recommendation on whether to issue 

a license for the proposed project. Commission staff then issues its own EA or EIS for 

public comment. 

More information about the three processes is available on the Commission’s 

website at https://www.ferc.gov/industries/hydropower/gen-info/licensing/licen-pro.asp.

A matrix comparing the three licensing processes is shown below:
7

Integrated Licensing 

Process (ILP)

Traditional Licensing 

Process (TLP)

Alternative Licensing 

Process (ALP)

General Projects with complex 

issues and study needs; 

Integrated approach; 

Predictable scheduling

Projects with less 

complex issues and study 

needs; paper driven; no 

set timeframes

Projects that are 

conducive to a selfdriven collaborative prefiling process; 

Collaboratively 

approach and schedule in 

pre-filing stage

FERC Staff Involvement 

(pre-filing)

FERC oversight in prefilingNo FERC oversight in 

pre-filing

Some FERC involvement

Deadlines Defined deadlines for all 

participants (including 

FERC) throughout the 

pre- and post-filing 

process

Some deadlines in prefiling for participants; 

defined deadlines for 

participants in post-filing

Collaboratively defined 

deadlines in pre-filing; 

defined deadlines for 

participants in post-filing

Study Plan Development Plan developed through 

study plan meetings with 

all stakeholders; plan 

approved by FERC

Plan developed by 

applicant based on early 

stakeholder 

recommendations

Developed by 

collaborative group –

FERC staff may assist
8

4.3.4 Expedited Process for Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Projects

Closed-loop pumped storage projects may qualify to use the Commission’s

expedited process for processing applications for original licenses as long as they meet 

certain criteria. Under the expedited process, the Commission will seek to ensure that a 

final decision (i.e., issuance of an order) on a license application is made no later than 

two years after the Commission receives a completed license application. An applicant 

wishing to use the expedited licensing process must apply for and receive authorization 

from the Commission under 18 C.F.R. Part 7.

11

More information and specific details of the expedited licensing process can be 

found at the Commission’s website at https://www.ferc.gov/industries/hydropower/geninfo/water-infr-act.asp.

5.0 BEST PRACTICES AND CONSIDERATIONS

5.1 Typical Environmental Issues 

Developing closed-loop pumped storage projects at abandoned mine sites may 

involve a variety of environmental issues, including, but not necessarily limited to: 

Geology and Soil Resources 

• Potential effects could include existing and project-induced effects such 

as seismic hazards, ground subsidence, landslides and mass movements, 

soil liquefaction, and erosion. 

Water Resources

• When used as a source for the initial fill and periodic recharge of project 

reservoir(s) –

- Potential effects on groundwater, including fluctuations in 

groundwater level, recharge, yield, flow direction, and quality, and 

other uses (e.g., drinking water, irrigation, and industrial uses).

- Potential effects on surface water, including surface water flow, 

quantity, quality, and uses.

 11 See Hydroelectric Licensing Regulations Under the America’s Water 

Infrastructure Act of 2018, Order No. 858, 167 FERC ¶ 61,050 (2019) (final rule 

establishing the expedited licensing process).
9

- Potential effects on groundwater-surface water connectivity and 

interactions, including quantity and quality of surface water and/or 

groundwater. 

• Potential effects on surface and/or groundwater quality from discharge 

of acid mine drainage or other contaminated substances from abandoned 

mine sites. 

• Potential effects on water quality of project surface reservoirs due to 

evaporation, resulting in concentration of water quality constituents and 

degradation of water quality, and potential water quality effects on 

groundwater due to seepage from project reservoir(s).

Fish and Aquatic Resources

• Potential effects on fish and other aquatic communities and their 

habitats in surface water used as a source for initial fill and periodic 

recharge, or in surface water hydraulically connected to groundwater 

used for project purposes.

• Potential effects on fish and other aquatic communities and their 

habitats in surface water from reservoir seepage, spills, or underground 

mine water dewatering (e.g., acid mine drainage or contaminated 

water).

Terrestrial Resources – Wildlife, Vegetation, and Wetlands

• Potential effects on wildlife, vegetation, and wetlands from project 

construction and operation, including effects on sensitive botanical or 

animal species and their habitats from project facilities, such as 

transmission lines, access roads, and other structures.

Threatened and Endangered Species

• Potential effects on various threatened and endangered species, 

including bats,12 mammals, and birds, and their habitats.

 12 Of the 45 bat species native to the United States, 29 rely on mines for a portion 

of their habitats. See Mines as Habitat, National Park Service, 

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/abandonedminerallands/mines-as-habitat.htm. 
10

Recreation, Land Use, and Aesthetics

• Potential effects of project construction and operation on public access, 

safety, and recreational use in the project area.

• Potential effects on land use and aesthetics in the project area.

Cultural and Tribal Resources

• Potential effects on historic resources, archaeological resources, and 

traditional cultural properties that are included or may be eligible for 

inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

• Potential effects on Tribal resources, including properties of traditional 

religious and cultural importance to an Indian tribe.

Socioeconomics

• Potential project effects on socioeconomics of the area, including lowincome and minority populations.

5.2 Site Selection – Issues to Consider 

Selecting a site for a closed-loop pumped storage project where there are few 

environmental concerns or a site that avoids sensitive environmental resources can

expedite the licensing process. In addition to various design and environmental issues, a 

project at a site with the following characteristics could be cost-prohibitive, take longer to 

process a license application, and may delay project development:

• Proximity to active faults or high seismic risk areas.

• Areas of high subsidence risks, including presence of carbonate rock or 

evaporites (sedimentary rock containing non-carbonate salts), which could 

dissolve, especially in contact with acidic water (i.e., rain water mixed with 

carbon dioxide), causing subsidence and structural failure of project facilities.

• Presence of species or their critical habitats listed under the Endangered 

Species Act.

• Existing real property and mineral rights associated with the mine site.

13

 13 See Appendix A of this Guidance (providing links to databases on federal land 

conveyance records, patented and unpatented claims, withdrawals, and land status 
11

To gather more site-specific information and provide a basis for site selection and 

design parameters, a prospective applicant may consider conducting a geotechnical study. 

In addition, conducting a seismic hazard evaluation may be warranted, depending on sitespecific conditions and proposed project facilities. The Commission’s engineering 

guidance for geotechnical investigation, seismic evaluation, dam and water conveyance, 

instrumentation and monitoring, and other requirements can be found at

https://www.ferc.gov/industries/hydropower/safety/guidelines/eng-guide.asp.

Off-limits Sites

Licensing projects at certain locations may be prohibited by law or policy. The 

following are examples.

Wilderness Areas

The Wilderness Act of 1964 (16 U.S.C. §§ 1131-1136) established a National 

Wilderness Preservation System and prohibits any commercial enterprise, structure, or 

installation within any wilderness area. A “wilderness area” is defined, in part, as an area

“where the earth and community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a 

visitor who does not remain.”14 For more information about the Wilderness Act and 

wilderness areas, visit Wilderness Connect at https://wilderness.net/default.php.

National Parks

The National Park System includes all properties managed by the National Park 

Service, including national parks, trails, monuments, recreation areas, and heritage areas. 

The Commission is prohibited from issuing an original license for any hydroelectric 

project located within the boundaries of any unit of the National Park System that would 

have a direct adverse impact on federal lands within that unit.15 To determine if a project 

is located within the boundaries of any unit in the National Park System, visit the 

National Park Service at https://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm.

Superfund Sites

There are many abandoned mine sites that are contaminated and are proposed for 

listing or are listed in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Superfund 

National Priorities List (NPL). Commission policy is not to issue a preliminary permit or 

license for project development at such sites until the cleanup of the site is completed.16 

 

records) and Appendix B of this Guidance (providing links to state agencies that may 

maintain such property records).

14 16 U.S.C. § 1131(c) (2018).

15 16 U.S.C. § 797c (2018).

16 See Green Energy Storage Corp., 150 FERC ¶ 61,042 (2015).
12

The abandoned mine sites that are in the NPL list can be found on the EPA’s website at 

https://www.epa.gov/superfund/abandoned-mine-lands-site-information.

5.3 Early Consultation with Agencies, Tribes, and NGOs 

Project developers are encouraged to identify and consult with federal and state 

resource agencies, tribes, and citizen groups that have or are likely to have an interest in 

the project early in the planning stage. This will help identify and prioritize potentially

controversial or critical issues early, and focus on scoping of project alternatives and 

development of any proposed environmental protection, mitigation, and enhancement 

measures. A list of federal and state mining, geology, and environmental agencies is in 

Appendices A and B. A more comprehensive list of federal, state, and interstate resource 

agencies, Indian tribes, and NGOs can be found on the Commission’s website at 

https://www.ferc.gov/industries/hydropower/enviro/consultlist.aspx. In addition, 

information on various federal and state agencies, permits, and regulatory approvals that 

are required for developing hydropower projects can be found in the Department of 

Energy’s “Hydropower RAPID Toolkit” at

https://www.energy.gov/eere/water/hydropower-rapid-toolkit.

5.4 Preparation of Permit Application 

Applications for a preliminary permit must include project-related information in 

sufficient detail as stipulated by the Commission’s regulations.

17 More specifically, a

preliminary permit application should include such project related information as an 

engineering description of project components, estimated average annual energy 

production and installed capacity, studies conducted or to be conducted with respect to 

the proposed project, a map or series of maps showing the location of the project and its 

components in relation to water bodies and towns/municipalities, and a project boundary 

enclosing the principal project features. 

A permit application should provide a clear description of project reservoirs, 

including storage capacity and normal maximum water surface elevation; the source of 

water to be used for initial fill and periodic recharge; and, if applicable, how the water 

would be conveyed to the project reservoir. If an underground mine is used as a project 

reservoir, staff recommend that the application include a description of the extent of the 

mine to be used for project purposes, including a vertical profile. Pursuant to 18 C.F.R. § 

4.81(d), the project boundary must enclose all project facilities, including project 

reservoirs, spillways, tunnels, penstocks, pipelines or conduits to convey water to the 

project, and transmission lines up to the point of interconnection. If an underground mine

is to be used as a project reservoir, staff recommend that the boundary enclose the above-

 17 18 C.F.R. § 4.81 (2019).
13

ground surface area to the extent of all mine openings to be used as a reservoir and for

any other underground project facilities.

5.5 Preparation of License Application 

As required by the Commission’s existing regulations, a license application for a 

project must include a detailed description of project components and facilities, and their 

operation; an analysis of environmental resources that includes a description of the 

affected environment, an analysis of potential effects on environmental resources from 

project construction and operation, and any proposed environmental protection and 

mitigation measures; and a record of consultation.

18 The following are staff suggestions 

as to what should be included, among other information, in a license application for a 

closed-loop pumped storage project at an abandoned mine site, as well as specific issues 

that should be considered and/or addressed.

Project Facilities and Operation

• Maps showing project facilities, lands, transmission lines, and any 

conveyance pipelines and tunnels.

• Composition, dimensions, and configurations of dams, spillways, 

penstocks, tunnels, powerhouses, pipelines, and conduits. 

• Reservoir surface area, capacity, and normal maximum water surface 

elevation. When an underground mine is used as a reservoir, 

description on how the reservoir capacity is calculated and the sources 

of information used for deriving the capacity estimate. Also, geological 

cross-sectional profiles of the underground mine, including vertical 

profiles of mine openings to be used as reservoir and for other project 

facilities.

• Water source to be used for initial fill and periodic recharge of project 

reservoirs, including the amount of water needed for such purposes, and 

how frequently the recharge would be needed.

• Numbers, types, and capacities of turbines and generators.

• Transmission line numbers, length, voltage, and interconnections.

 18 Id. §§ 4.41, 4.38, and 5.18.
14

Analysis of Environmental Resources 

Affected Environment 

Geology and Soil Resources

• Surficial and bedrock geologic settings of the project area and areas that 

may be directly or indirectly affected by the project, including bedrock 

lithology, structures, and stratigraphy. 

• Past and recent seismic events.

• Existing geologic hazards such as active and potentially active faults 

and fault zones (regional and local), areas susceptible to landslide or 

slumping, areas of potential subsidence, areas of potential soil 

liquefaction, and areas of potential surficial fault rupture. Topographic 

maps showing locations of these geologic hazards.

• Geologic conditions of mines to be used as project reservoirs, including 

slope stability and seepage potential of open mine pits, and structural 

stability of mine openings, pillars, or supports, and seepage potential of 

underground mines.

• Geologic conditions of any other existing surface or underground mines 

at or near the project, including areas of any mine related subsidence or 

hazards. 

• Existing mineral resources and mining history of the area in general, 

including other active and abandoned mines. Topographic maps 

showing locations of these mines.

Water Resources

• Existing flow regime and water quality conditions of surface water used 

as a source. 

• Hydrogeological conditions of aquifers used as a source, including 

aquifer characteristics, hydraulic gradient, recharge, yield, and 

groundwater quality. 

• Degree to which groundwater and surface water are hydraulically 

connected.

• Water rights, if any, and non-power uses of the water source (e.g., 

irrigation, industrial, and municipal uses). 
15

Fish and Aquatic Resources

• Fishery resources in source water or water receiving any project 

discharge, including sensitive species. 

• Aquatic habitats (e.g., riffles, pools, etc.), and types of substrates.

• Applicable state and federal resource management plans and essential 

fish habitats.

Terrestrial Resources – Wildlife, Vegetation, and Wetlands

• Seasonal abundance and distribution of key wildlife species.

• Dominant cover types and plant species.

• Special status wildlife and plants.

• Quantity and quality of habitats with special botanical or wildlife value.

Threatened and Endangered Species

• Background of species (e.g., periods when a species may be most 

sensitive to disturbance), including distribution and special status.

• Description, geographical extent, and the essential elements of habitats 

(e.g., sites for breeding, reproduction, and rearing, etc.) of species, 

including designated and proposed critical habitats.

• Existence of any recovery plans for the listed species.

Recreation, Land Use, and Aesthetics

• Existing recreational opportunities and facilities in and around the 

project area, including in underground mines, and importance of 

recreational opportunities and facilities to the public.

• Description of any regionally or nationally important recreation areas in 

the vicinity.

• Existing uses of land in the project area, such as farming, forestry, 

grazing, etc., and any existing land use plans for the area.

• Specially designated areas in project vicinity (e.g., national trails,

wilderness areas, etc.), and federal land management restrictions, if 

applicable (e.g., standards outlines in Forest Service Plans).

• Visual characteristics and quality of the project area, including 

significance of aesthetic resources to surrounding communities.
16

Cultural and Tribal Resources

• Description of any historic or archaeological sites in the project vicinity 

especially those listed in or recommended for listing in the National 

Register of Historic Places.

• Historical and cultural use and occupation of the area, including 

underground areas.

• Indian tribes and significance of any tribal traditional cultural and 

religious properties.

Socioeconomics

• Existing social and economic conditions of the project area, including 

population, demographics, and employment and income.

Environmental Effects

The environmental effects section of the license application must include a 

description of the anticipated environmental effects of project construction and 

operation.

19 The analysis should be specific to various resources, and should

include description of specific project feature, as well as construction, and 

operational elements, and how project construction or operation would affect 

environmental resources. 

Environmental Mitigation, Protection, and Enhancement

A license application must include, depending on project’s effects, a 

description of measures recommended by Federal and state agencies and proposed 

by the applicant for mitigation of impacts on environmental resources, including 

protection or enhancement measures.

20

Documentation of Consultation

A license application must include documentation of consultation with 

federal and state agencies, NGOs, and the public.

21 Providing a detailed step-bystep written documentation of consultation is important as it allows the 

Commission staff to see if the applicant has met the regulatory requirements as 

well as identify specific concerns and issues related to the project.

 19 Id. §§ 4.41 and 5.18.

20 Id.

21 Id. §§ 4.38 and 5.18.
17

6.0 CONCLUSION 

This guidance fulfills the requirement of section 3004 of the America’s Water 

Infrastructure Act of 2018 by providing information to assist applicants for licenses or 

preliminary permits for closed-loop pumped storage projects at abandoned mine sites.

In addition to the resources discussed in this guidance, the Commission’s website, 

https://www.ferc.gov/industries/hydropower/gen-info.asp, provides more information 

regarding the hydropower licensing process and the preparation of a license application. 

Moreover, the Commission’s eLibrary can be used to search for Commission documents 

and filings for specific licensed projects.
A-1

Appendix A

Federal Resources on Abandoned Mines 

Federal Land Management Agencies and Agencies Involved with Abandoned Mines

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) – The BLM manages 246 million acres of public lands (one in every 10 acres of 

land in the United States) and 30 percent of the nation’s minerals. Most BLM-managed lands are in the western states. 

BLM administers onshore federal energy and mineral resources, covering approximately 700 million acres of federal 

subsurface mineral estate. It also supervises the mineral operations on about 60 million acres of Indian trust lands. BLM 

maintains databases and information on abandoned mines and abandoned mine lands reclamation.

(https://www.blm.gov/)

U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service) – The Forest Service manages 193 million acres of public land for multiple uses, 

including forests, recreation, and minerals and geology. It maintains information on abandoned mines through its mission 

to restore land disturbed by past mining activities. (https://www.fs.fed.us/)

National Park Service (NPS) – The NPS administers 80 million acres of federal land in all 50 states and the District of 

Columbia. It addresses abandoned mines through its mission of maintaining nationwide inventory of abandoned mine 

lands, and works with other agencies to address multitude of safety, environmental and cultural issues. 

(https://www.nps.gov/index.htm)

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) – OSMRE is a bureau within the Department of the 

Interior, and was created to reclaim abandoned coal mines and regulate active coal mines by the Surface Mining Control 

and Reclamation Act of 1977. It maintains a repository of abandoned mine maps (mostly coal mines) and other 
A-2

information, including databases of abandoned mines that have been reclaimed and in need of reclamation with priorities 

given to sites that pose danger to public health and safety. (https://www.osmre.gov/)

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) – USGS collects, monitors, analyzes, and provides scientific analysis about natural 

resource conditions, issues, and problems. USGS has a vast collection of maps, databases, and geological and 

environmental conditions of numerous abandoned mine sites. (https://www.usgs.gov/)

Note: Other agencies are involved with abandoned mine lands reclamation, remediation, and/or cleanup. Information 

regarding those agencies can be found at https://www.abandonedmines.gov/federal-partners.

Abandoned Mine Maps, Databases, and Other Resources

The National Mine Map Repository (NMMR) is a repository that 

holds old mine maps of coal and non-coal mines in the United 

States. The repository is maintained by the Office of Surface 

Mining Reclamation and Enforcement at the Department of the 

Interior. The NMMR collects mine maps and other information 

for both surface and underground mines, and has over 181,000 

abandoned mine maps. Some of the information that can be found 

in the map repository includes mine and company names; mine 

plans; closure maps; information on shafts and mine surface 

openings; and geological information, including geological bed 

thickness, depth, cross-sections, elevation contours, outcrops, and 

mineral assays. Many maps in the repository are currently 

available in digital format. The NMNR also includes a searchable 

database of mines by state and county, as well as by name, and 

latitude and longitude.

 

https://mmr.osmre.gov/
A-3

AbandonedMines.gov is a federal website managed by the BLM 

and represents the Federal Mining Dialogue (FMD) that comprises

federal environment and land management agencies. The FMD 

oversees the environmental, health and safety impacts of 

abandoned mine lands across the country. The site maintains a 

database of abandoned mine land sites on lands managed by BLM 

and the NPS. The site also contains names and contact 

information of various federal and state agencies involved with 

abandoned mines, as well as other resources. https://www.abandonedmines.gov/

The Abandoned Mine Land Inventory System (e-AMLIS) is the 

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement’s 

database of reclamation problems at known abandoned mine

lands. The database includes mines that are in need of reclamation 

and those that have been reclaimed.

https://www.osmre.gov/programs/amlis.shtm
A-4

The USGS USMIN Project is a compilation of digitized minerelated features from historical topographic maps, and it includes 

information on prospect mine pits, mine shafts and adits, quarries, 

open-pit mines, gravel and borrow pits, and other features. 

https://mrdata.usgs.gov/usmin/

USGS Interactive Maps of Minerals and Mines: The USGS

maintains a mapping system that includes information on past and 

present mines, mine prospects, and processing plants.

https://mrdata.usgs.gov/mrds/map-us.html

USGS Mineral Resources Online Spatial Data: The USGS

maintains a website of various maps and databases on mineral 

resources, mining claims, and active and past mining operations. 

It also includes maps and databases of geological and geochemical 

resources in the United States. 

https://mrdata.usgs.gov/

U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) Publications: The former Bureau 

of Mines was the principal agency responsible for gathering 

information on production of mineral resources from 1910 through 

1995. The USBM was abolished in 1996 and certain mineral 

https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/how-can-i-find-usbureau-mines-publications?qtnews_science_products=0#qtnews_science_products
A-5

information functions were transferred to the U.S. Geological 

Survey. In addition to results of analysis and research in minerals 

utilization, mining engineering, and mine safety, many of the 

USBM reports contain site-specific mine information. Formal 

report series of USBM publications include Reports of 

Investigations (RI series), Information Circulars (IC series), 

Bulletins, and Mineral Yearbooks. Informal reports include Openfile Reports, Mineral Land Assessment Reports, and other special 

publications. 

BLM’s Legacy Rehost System (LR2000) provides information on 

BLM land and mineral use authorizations, coal and other mineral 

development, land and mineral title, and unpatented mining claims 

and withdrawals, and more on federal lands or on federal mineral 

estate. 

https://reports.blm.gov/reports/lr2000/

BLM’s General Land Office (GLO) Records provide access to 

federal land conveyance records, patented claims, surveys, and 

land status records. The site provides access to more than five 

million federal land title records issued between 1788 and the 

present. 

https://glorecords.blm.gov/default.aspx
B-1

Appendix B

State Abandoned Mine Resources

Alabama

Abandoned Mines Program

Alabama Department of Labor https://www.labor.alabama.gov/Inspections/Mining/

reclamation.aspx

Geology and Other Mine-Related Agencies

Geological Survey of Alabama

Alabama Surface Mining Commission

https://www.gsa.state.al.us/

http://www.surface-mining.state.al.us/

Primary Environmental Agencies*

Alabama Department of Environmental Management http://www.adem.state.al.us/default.cnt

Alaska

Abandoned Mines Program

Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, 

Land, and Water

http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/mining/aml/

Geology and Other Mine-Related Agencies

Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys https://dggs.alaska.gov/

Primary Environmental Agencies

Alaska Department of Natural Resources

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

http://dnr.alaska.gov/

http://dec.alaska.gov/
B-2

Arizona

Abandoned Mines Program

Arizona State Mine Inspector https://asmi.az.gov/services/abandoned-mines

Geology and Other Mine-Related Agencies

Arizona Geological Survey https://azgs.arizona.edu/minerals/mining-arizona

Primary Environmental Agencies

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality https://azdeq.gov/

Arkansas

Abandoned Mines Program

Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, Surface 

Mining and Reclamation Division

https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/mining/

Geology and Other Mine-Related Agencies

Arkansas Geological Survey https://www.geology.arkansas.gov/index.html

Primary Environmental Agencies

Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/

California

Abandoned Mines Program

California Department of Conservation, Abandoned Mine 

Lands Unit

https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dmr/abandoned_m

ine_lands
B-3

Maps and Databases

California About Mines Online http://maps.conservation.ca.gov/mol/index.html

Geology and Other Mine-Related Agencies

California Geological Survey

California State Mining and Geology Board

https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs

https://www.conservation.ca.gov/smgb/Pages/Index

.aspx

Primary Environmental Agencies

California Department of Conservation

California State Water Resources Control Board

https://www.conservation.ca.gov/

https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/

Colorado

Abandoned Mines Program

Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Division of 

Reclamation Mining and Safety

https://mining.state.co.us/pages/home.aspx

Maps and Databases

Colorado Abandoned Mine Map and Database https://gis.colorado.gov/dnrviewer/Index.html?view

er=drms

Geology and Other Mine-Related Agencies

Colorado Geological Survey http://coloradogeologicalsurvey.org/

Primary Environmental Agencies

Colorado Department of Natural Resources

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

https://cdnr.us/#/start

https://www.colorado.gov/cdphe

Connecticut
B-4

Abandoned Mines Program

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental 

Protection

http://www.ct.gov/dep/site/default.asp

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Connecticut Geological Survey https://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2701&q=

487928&deepNav_GID=1641

Primary Environmental Agencies

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental 

Protection

http://www.ct.gov/dep/site/default.asp

Delaware

Abandoned Mines Program

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental 

Control

https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

The Delaware Geological Survey https://www.dgs.udel.edu/

Primary Environmental Agencies

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental 

Control

https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/

Florida

Abandoned Mines Program

Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Mining and 

Minerals Regulation Program

https://floridadep.gov/water/mining-mitigation

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Florida Geological Survey https://floridadep.gov/fgs
B-5

Primary Environmental Agencies

Florida Department of Environmental Protection https://floridadep.gov/

Georgia

Abandoned Mines Program

Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental 

Protection Division

https://epd.georgia.gov/

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Georgia Geological Survey Information https://epd.georgia.gov/georgia-geologic-surveymaps

Primary Environmental Agencies

Georgia Department of Natural Resources 

Georgia Environmental Protection Division

https://gadnr.org/

https://epd.georgia.gov/

Hawaii

Abandoned Mines Program

Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Hawaii – USGS Geological Survey Information https://www.usgs.gov/science/regions/pacific/hawai

i?qt-states_l2_landing_page_tabs=0#qtstates_l2_landing_page_tabs

Primary Environmental Agencies

Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/
B-6

Idaho

Abandoned Mines Program

Idaho Department of Lands' Minerals Program, Abandoned 

Mine Lands Program

https://www.idl.idaho.gov/mining/abandonedmines/index.html

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Idaho Geological Survey https://www.idahogeology.org/index.php/

Primary Environmental Agencies

Idaho Natural Resources

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality

https://www.idaho.gov/about-idaho/naturalresources/

https://www.deq.idaho.gov/

Illinois

Abandoned Mines Program

Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Abandoned Mine 

Land Reclamation Program

https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/mines/AML/Pages/AM

LProgram.aspx

Maps and Databases

Illinois Mine Permits http://maps.dnr.illinois.gov/portal/apps/webappview

er/index.html?id=38159388ea94457186846bec1beb

16ab

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Illinois State Geological Survey https://www.isgs.illinois.edu/

Primary Environmental Agencies
B-7

Illinois Department of Natural Resources https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/NaturalResources/Page

s/default.aspx

Indiana

Abandoned Mines Program

Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of 

Reclamation

https://www.in.gov/dnr/reclamation/

Maps and Databases

Indiana Coal Mine Information System https://www.in.gov/dnr/reclamation/9310.htm

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Indiana Geological and Water Survey https://igws.indiana.edu/

Primary Environmental Agencies

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Indiana Department of Environmental Management

https://www.in.gov/dnr/

https://www.in.gov/idem/

Iowa

Abandoned Mines Program

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Mines 

and Minerals Bureau

https://iowaagriculture.gov/mines-and-mineralsbureau

Maps and Databases

Iowa Coal Mines https://programs.iowadnr.gov/maps/coalmines/

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies
B-8

Iowa Geological Survey https://www.iihr.uiowa.edu/igs/

Primary Environmental Agencies

Iowa Department of Natural Resources https://www.iowadnr.gov/

Kansas

Abandoned Mines Program

Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Abandoned 

Mine Land Program

Kansas Department of Agriculture, Surface Mining 

Reclamation

http://www.kdheks.gov/mining/abandoned_minelan

d.html

https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisionsprograms/division-of-conservation/surface-miningreclamation

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Kansas Geological Survey http://www.kgs.ku.edu/

Primary Environmental Agencies

Kansas Department of Health and Environment http://www.kdheks.gov/environment/index.html

Kentucky

Abandoned Mines Program

Kentucky Department of Natural Resources, Division of 

Abandoned Mine Lands

https://eec.ky.gov/NaturalResources/Mining/Abandoned-MineLands/Pages/default.aspx

Maps and Databases
B-9

Kentucky Mine Mapping Information System http://minemaps.ky.gov/Default.aspx?Src=Interacti

veMaps

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Kentucky Geological Survey http://www.uky.edu/KGS/

Primary Environmental Agencies

Kentucky Department of Natural Resources

Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection

https://eec.ky.gov/NaturalResources/Pages/default.aspx

https://eec.ky.gov/EnvironmentalProtection/Pages/default.aspx

Louisiana

Abandoned Mines Program

Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Abandoned Mine 

Land Program

http://www.dnr.louisiana.gov/index.cfm?md=pageb

uilder&tmp=home&pid=133

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Louisiana Geological Survey https://www.lsu.edu/lgs/

Primary Environmental Agencies

Louisiana Department of Natural Resources

Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality

http://www.dnr.louisiana.gov/

https://deq.louisiana.gov/

Maine

Abandoned Mines Program

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry; 

Maine Geological Survey

https://www1.maine.gov/dacf/mgs/explore/mining/i

ndex.shtml
B-10

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Maine Geological Survey https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mgs/

Primary Environmental Agencies

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Maine Department of Environmental Protection

https://www.maine.gov/dacf/

https://www.maine.gov/dep/

Maryland

Abandoned Mines Program

Maryland Department of the Environment, Abandoned Mine 

Lands and Acid Mine Drainage

https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/LAND/mining/

Pages/AbandonedMineLandsDivision.aspx

Maps and Databases

Maryland Mining Locations Mapping https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/LAND/mining/

Pages/mapping.aspx

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Maryland Geological Survey http://www.mgs.md.gov/

Primary Environmental Agencies

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Maryland Department of the Environment 

http://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx

https://mde.maryland.gov/Pages/index.aspx

Massachusetts

Abandoned Mines Program
B-11

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusettsdepartment-of-environmental-protection

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

The Massachusetts Geological Survey https://mgs.geo.umass.edu/

Primary Environmental Agencies

Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-ofconservation-recreation

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusettsdepartment-of-environmental-protection

Michigan

Abandoned Mines Program

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and 

Energy, Oil, Gas, and Minerals Division

https://www.michigan.gov/egle/0,9429,7-135-

3311_18442---,00.html

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Michigan Geological Survey https://wmich.edu/geologysurvey

Primary Environmental Agencies

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-

79137_84659-121638--,00.html

https://www.michigan.gov/egle/

Minnesota

Abandoned Mines Program
B-12

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of Lands 

and Minerals

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lands_minerals/index.h

tml

Maps and Databases

Underground Mine Mapping https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lands_minerals/underg

round/index.html

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Minnesota Geological Survey https://www.mngs.umn.edu/

Primary Environmental Agencies

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/

https://www.pca.state.mn.us/

Mississippi

Abandoned Mines Program

Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Mining and 

Reclamation

https://www.mdeq.ms.gov/geology/workareas/mining-and-reclamation/

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Office of 

Geology

https://www.mdeq.ms.gov/geology/

Primary Environmental Agencies

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks

Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality

https://www.ms.gov/node/353

https://www.mdeq.ms.gov/

Missouri
B-13

Abandoned Mines Program

Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Abandoned Mine 

Lands 

https://dnr.mo.gov/geology/lrp/reclamation/aml/aml

info.htm

Maps and Databases

Missouri Abandoned Mine Lands Viewer https://dnr.mo.gov/geology/lrp/amlviewer.htm

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Missouri Geological Survey https://dnr.mo.gov/geology/

Primary Environmental Agencies

Missouri Department of Natural Resources https://dnr.mo.gov/

Montana

Abandoned Mines Program

Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Abandoned 

Mine Lands

http://deq.mt.gov/Land/abandonedmines

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology https://www.mbmg.mtech.edu/

Primary Environmental Agencies

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

Montana Department of Environmental Quality

http://dnrc.mt.gov/

http://deq.mt.gov/

Nebraska
B-14

Abandoned Mines Program

Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, Reclamation 

at Aggregate Mining Sites

http://deq.ne.gov/Publica.nsf/PubsForm.xsp?docum

entId=21B7DAED8D9B34548625771C005B4B7A

&action=openDocument

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Nebraska Geological Survey http://snr.unl.edu/csd/

Primary Environmental Agencies

Nebraska Department of Natural Resources

Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy

https://dnr.nebraska.gov/

http://www.deq.state.ne.us/

Nevada

Abandoned Mines Program

Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Abandoned 

Mine Lands Program

https://ndep.nv.gov/land/abandoned-mine-lands

Maps and Databases

Nevada Mining Districts Interactive Map http://www.nbmg.unr.edu/Collections/MiningDistri

cts/MiningDistricts.html

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology

Nevada Commission on Mineral Resources

http://www.nbmg.unr.edu/

http://minerals.nv.gov/Commission/

Primary Environmental Agencies

Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Nevada Division of Environmental Protection

http://dcnr.nv.gov/

https://ndep.nv.gov/
B-15

New Hampshire

Abandoned Mines Program

New Hampshire Geological Survey https://www.des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/

gsu/index.htm

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

New Hampshire Geological Survey https://www.des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/

gsu/index.htm

Primary Environmental Agencies

New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services

https://www.dncr.nh.gov/

https://www.des.nh.gov/index.htm

New Jersey

Abandoned Mines Program

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division 

of Water Supply and Geoscience

https://www.nj.gov/dep/njgs/

Maps and Databases

Abandoned Mines of New Jersey database

Map Archive of New Jersey’s Abandoned Mines

https://www.nj.gov/dep/njgs/geodata/dgs03-2.htm

https://www.nj.gov/dep/njgs/enviroed/minemaps.ht

m

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

New Jersey Geological and Water Survey https://www.nj.gov/dep/njgs/

Primary Environmental Agencies

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection https://www.nj.gov/dep/
B-16

New Mexico

Abandoned Mines Program

New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources 

Department, Abandoned Mine Land Program

http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/MMD/AML/amlmai

n.html

Maps and Databases

New Mexico Mine Maps and Database http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/MMD/gismapmined

ata.html

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources https://geoinfo.nmt.edu/

Primary Environmental Agencies

New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources 

Department

New Mexico Environment Department

http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/

https://www.env.nm.gov/

New York

Abandoned Mines Program

New York Department of Environmental Conservation, 

Division of Mineral Resources

http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/5020.html

Maps and Databases

New York Mine Maps and Database http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/42041.html

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies
B-17

New York State Geological Survey http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/researchcollections/geology

Primary Environmental Agencies

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation https://www.dec.ny.gov/

North Carolina

Abandoned Mines Program

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division 

of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources

https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/energy-mineralland-resources

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

North Carolina Geological Survey https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/energy-mineralland-resources/north-carolina-geological-survey

Primary Environmental Agencies

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality https://deq.nc.gov/

North Dakota

Abandoned Mines Program

North Dakota Public Service Commission, Abandoned Mine 

Lands

https://www.psc.nd.gov/jurisdiction/aml/index.php

Maps and Databases

Abandoned Mine Lands Site Location Map https://www.psc.nd.gov/jurisdiction/aml/index.php

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

North Dakota Geological Survey https://www.dmr.nd.gov/ndgs/
B-18

North Dakota Department of Trust Lands – Surface and 

Minerals Management

https://www.land.nd.gov/surface-mineralsmanagement

Primary Environmental Agencies

North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality https://deq.nd.gov/

Ohio

Abandoned Mines Program

Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mineral 

Resources Management

http://minerals.ohiodnr.gov/

Maps and Databases

Mine Locators: Mines of Ohio http://minerals.ohiodnr.gov/abandoned-mine-landreclamation/mine-locators

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Ohio Geological Survey http://geosurvey.ohiodnr.gov/

Primary Environmental Agencies

Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Ohio Environmental Protection Agency

http://ohiodnr.gov/

https://www.epa.state.oh.us/

Oklahoma

Abandoned Mines Program

Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Abandoned Mine Land 

Reclamation Division

https://www.ok.gov/conservation/Agency_Division

s/Abandoned_Mine_Land_Reclamation_Division/i

ndex.html
B-19

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Oklahoma Geological Survey http://www.ou.edu/ogs

Primary Environmental Agencies*

Oklahoma Conservation Commission

Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality

https://www.ok.gov/conservation/

http://www.deq.state.ok.us/

Oregon

Abandoned Mines Program

Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries https://www.oregongeology.org/historicalmining.ht

m

Maps and Databases

Oregon Historical Mining Information Archive https://www.oregongeology.org/milo/mapminemaps.htm

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries https://www.oregongeology.org/

Primary Environmental Agencies*

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

https://www.dfw.state.or.us/

https://www.oregon.gov/DEQ/Pages/index.aspx

Pennsylvania

Abandoned Mines Program

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Office 

of Active and Abandoned Mine Operations

https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Land/Mining/Pag

es/default.aspx
B-20

Maps and Databases

Pennsylvania Mine Map Atlas http://www.minemaps.psu.edu/

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Pennsylvania Geological Survey https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/about/Pages/GeologicalSurvey.aspx

Primary Environmental Agencies*

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural 

Resources

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.dep.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Rhode Island

Abandoned Mines Program

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management http://www.dem.ri.gov/

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Rhode Island Geological Survey https://web.uri.edu/geo/rhode-island-geologicalsurvey/

Primary Environmental Agencies*

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management http://www.dem.ri.gov/

South Carolina

Abandoned Mines Program

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources http://www.dnr.sc.gov/

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

South Carolina Geological Survey http://www.dnr.sc.gov/geology/index.htm
B-21

Primary Environmental Agencies*

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental 

Control

http://www.dnr.sc.gov/

https://scdhec.gov/

South Dakota

Abandoned Mines Program

South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural 

Resources

https://denr.sd.gov/

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

South Dakota Geological Survey

South Dakota Minerals and Mining Program

http://www.sdgs.usd.edu/

https://denr.sd.gov/des/mm/mmprogram.aspx

Primary Environmental Agencies*

South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural 

Resources

https://denr.sd.gov/

Tennessee

Abandoned Mines Program

Tennessee Department of Environmental and Conservation, 

Land Reclamation Section

https://www.tn.gov/environment/permitpermits/water-permits1/surface-miningpermit/mining-land-reclamation.html

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Tennessee Geological Survey https://www.tn.gov/environment/programareas/tennessee-geological-survey.html

Primary Environmental Agencies*

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation https://www.tn.gov/environment.html
B-22

Texas

Abandoned Mines Program

Railroad Commission of Texas, Abandoned Mine Land 

Program

https://www.rrc.state.tx.us/miningexploration/programs/abandoned-mine-landprogram/

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Texas Geological Survey http://www.beg.utexas.edu/outreach/stategeological-survey

Primary Environmental Agencies*

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality https://www.tceq.texas.gov/

Utah

Abandoned Mines Program

Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining, Abandoned Mine 

Reclamation Program

https://www.ogm.utah.gov/amr/index.php

Maps and Databases

Abandoned Coal Mines in Utah

Utah Mining Districts at Your Fingertips

Large Mines in Utah (2008)

https://geology.utah.gov/map-pub/maps/interactivemaps/abandoned-coal-mines/

https://geology.utah.gov/map-pub/surveynotes/utah-mining-districts-at-your-fingertips/

https://ugspub.nr.utah.gov/publications/open_file_re

ports/ofr-515.pdf

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Utah Geological Survey https://geology.utah.gov/

Primary Environmental Agencies*
B-23

Utah Department of Natural Resources

Utah Department of Environmental Quality

https://naturalresources.utah.gov/

https://deq.utah.gov/

Vermont

Abandoned Mines Program

Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Sand, 

Gravel and Mineral Resources

https://dec.vermont.gov/geologicalsurvey/resources-energy/minres

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Vermont Geological Survey https://dec.vermont.gov/geological-survey

Primary Environmental Agencies*

Vermont Agency of Natural Resources https://anr.vermont.gov/

Virginia

Abandoned Mines Program

Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, 

Abandoned Mine Land Program

https://www.dmme.virginia.gov/dmlr/dmlramllandi

ngpage.shtml#

Maps and Databases

Virginia Coal Mine Maps https://www.dmme.virginia.gov/webmaps/AML/

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Virginia Division of Geology and Mineral Resources https://www.dmme.virginia.gov/dgmr/divisiongeolo

gymineralresources.shtml

Primary Environmental Agencies*

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/

https://www.deq.virginia.gov/
B-24

Washington

Abandoned Mines Program

Washington Department of Natural Resources, Surface Mining 

and Reclamation

https://www.dnr.wa.gov/programs-andservices/geology/energy-mining-andminerals/surface-mining-and-reclamation

Maps and Databases

Washington Coal Mine Map Collection https://www.dnr.wa.gov/programs-andservices/geology/energy-mining-and-minerals/coalmetallic-and-mineral-resources/coal

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Washington Geological Survey https://www.dnr.wa.gov/geology

Primary Environmental Agencies*

Washington Department of Natural Resources

Washington Department of Ecology

https://www.dnr.wa.gov/

https://ecology.wa.gov/

West Virginia

Abandoned Mines Program

West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Office 

of Abandoned Mine Lands and Reclamation

https://dep.wv.gov/dlr/aml/Pages/default.aspx

Maps and Databases

West Virginia Underground and Surface Coal Mine Maps http://www.wvgs.wvnet.edu/GIS/CBMP/all_mining

.html

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey https://www.wvgs.wvnet.edu/

Primary Environmental Agencies*
B-25

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources

West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection

http://www.wvdnr.gov/

https://dep.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Wisconsin

Abandoned Mines Program

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Mining in 

Wisconsin

https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Mines/

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey https://wgnhs.wisc.edu/

Primary Environmental Agencies*

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources https://dnr.wi.gov/

Wyoming

Abandoned Mines Program

Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Abandoned 

Mine Land

http://deq.wyoming.gov/aml/

Geology and other Mine-Related Agencies

Wyoming State Geological Survey https://www.wsgs.wyo.gov/

Primary Environmental Agencies*

Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality http://deq.wyoming.gov/

* Primary Environmental Agencies mainly deal with various environmental issues in the state, including those associated 

with abandoned mines. In some states, some of the same agencies are also involved with minerals and/or abandoned mines 

reclamation. A more comprehensive list of various state environmental agencies can be found at the Commission’s website 

- https://www.ferc.gov/industries/hydropower/enviro/consultlist.aspx.