OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT

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COALEX STATE INQUIRY REPORT - 117

June 26, 1989

Bruce Williams

Department for Surface Mining

No. 2 Hudson Hollow

Frankfort, Kentucky 40601

TOPIC:

I. HIGHWALL ELIMINATION: REGULATIONS OF INDIANA, TENNESSEE, WEST

VIRGINIA, WYOMING, MONTANA

II. CONTEMPORANEOUS RECLAMATION: REGULATIONS OF INDIANA,

TENNESSEE, WEST VIRGINIA, WYOMING, MONTANA

INQUIRY I:

According to federal law, all highwalls are to be eliminated. What is the policy regarding

highwall elimination in the following states: Indiana, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wyoming and

Montana?

INQUIRY II:

What is the definition of "contemporaneous reclamation"? How do the five states listed above

regulate the timing of reclamation?

SEARCH RESULTS:

Research was performed using the COALEX Library on LEXIS. The retrieved information is

discussed below. Copies of federal and state statutes and regulations as well as Office of Surface

Mining (OSM) Directives are attached.

FEDERAL STATUTORY AUTHORITY

Statutory authority for the elimination of highwalls is contained in the Surface Mining Control

and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) at Sec. 515, 30 U.S.C. 1265. Subsection 515(b)(3)

requires that all surface coal mining operations backfill, compact and grade "in order to restore

the approximate original contour of the land with all highwalls...eliminated...." The definition of

"approximate original contour" (AOC) is found in Sec. 701(2).

Subsection 515(b)(16) requires that reclamation occur as "contemporaneously as practicable"

with mining operations.
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Variances from the requirements to return land to AOC are found in Subsections 515(b)(3), for

"thin" and "thick" overburden; 515(e)(2), for variance from steep-slope requirement of

515(d)(2); other 515(e) subsections permit variances from AOC under certain circumstances.

FEDERAL REGULATORY AUTHORITY: EXISTING REGULATIONS

30 CFR 701.5 provides the definition of AOC.

Part 816. Performance Standards for Surface Mining

1. 30 CFR 816.100 requires that reclamation (backfilling, grading, etc.) occur as

"contemporaneously as practicable" with mining operations. Criteria for variances from

this regulation appear in Sec. 785.18.

2. 30 CFR 816.101. The time and distance requirements for backfilling and grading were

deleted May 24, 1983 (48 FR 15411).

3. 30 CFR 816.102 provides general backfilling and grading requirements. (a)(1) requires

the restoration of AOC. Variances from AOC are permitted in accordance with Sec.

785.16 [subsection (k)(3)(ii)]. (a)(2) requires the elimination of all highwalls except for

small depressions [subsection (h)] and previously mined highwalls [subsection

(k)(3)(iii)].

4. 30 CFR 816.104 provides the exception to AOC for thin overburden.

5. 30 CFR 816.105 provides the exception to AOC for thick overburden.

6. 30 CFR 816.106 regulates backfilling and grading of previously mined areas. Sites

containing a preexisting highwall are to be eliminated to the "maximum extent

technically practical" in accordance with set criteria.

7. 30 CFR 816.107 regulates backfilling and grading of steep slope sites.

8. 30 CFR 816.133(d), in conjunction with 785.16, provide the criteria for variances from

restoring AOC for steep slope areas. 816.133(d)(7) requires the highwall to be backfilled

with spoil material to achieve a static safety factor of "at least 1.3".

Part 817. Performance Standards for Underground Mining

30 CFR 817.100, 817.102, 817.106, 817.107, and 817.133(d) correspond to the 816 sections

above.

FEDERAL REGULATORY AUTHORITY: INITIAL PROGRAM REGULATIONS

Sec. 715.14 Backfilling and grading, part of the general performance standards from the Initial

Program Regulations is still in force. Text is attached.

OSM TEMPORARY DIRECTIVE

Subject No. INE-39; Transmittal No. 543 (June 7, 1989). On interim program sites, no

enforcement action will be taken where some highwall remains, "but does not exceed six (6) feet

or ten percent (10%) of the vertical highwall".

FEDERAL REGULATORY AUTHORITY: PROPOSED REGULATIONS
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On October 31, 1988 (53 FR 43970), OSM announced proposed changes to Sec. 785.16,

816.100, 816.101, 816.104, 816.105, 816.133(d)/817.133(d).

1. Sec. 785.16 and 816.133(d)/817.133(d). Only variances from AOC for steep slope

operations are permitted.

2. 816.100 and 816.101. OSM proposes to delete the last sentence of 816.100 because it will

duplicate a requirement in proposed 816.101(b).

816.101(a) would establish backfilling and grading time and distance schedules for

contour mining (60 days or 1,500 linear feet) and area mining (completion within 180

days following coal removal and not more than four spoil ridges behind the pit being

worked).

816.101(b) would allow the regulatory authority to establish alternative backfilling and

grading schedules, consistent with (a) above.

816.101(c) would establish alternative standards to be incorporated into any backfilling

and grading schedule.

816.101(d) would extend the time allowed for backfilling and grading.

3. 816.104 and 816.105 would provide more specific definitions of thin and thick

overburden and add performance standards to each section.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY

FEDERAL CASE LAW

See relevant excerpts from the Preamble to 53 FR 43970 (OCTOBER 31, 1988) and the

SIGNIFICANT ISSUE REPORT - 1, both of which are enclosed as attachments.

STATE STATUTES AND REGULATIONS

The cross references between the federal and state regulations are approximate. They originate

from two sources: (1) the COALEX Library (as obtained from each state's "Side-by-Side" report)

and (2) as a result of the general research.

Absence of a federal-state section match indicates that no relevant state section was identified in

the COALEX Library.

FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND CORRESPONDING STATE REGULATIONS

1. INDIANA

The language of the Indiana regulations follows the federal regulatory language.

Federal Section(s) State Regulation(s)

30 CFR 785.16 Permits incorporating

variances from AOC restoration requirements

310 IAC 12-3-97 AOC variance for steep slope

mining; Permits

30 CFR 785.18 Variances for delay in 310 IAC 12-3-99 Variances for delay in
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contemporaneous reclamation requirements in

combined surface and underground mining

activities

contemporaneous reclamation requirements in

combined surface and underground mining

operations

30 CFR 816.100 Contemporaneous

reclamation (Surface Mining)

310 IAC 12-5-53 Contemporaneous

reclamation

30 CFR 816.101 Backfilling and grading:

Time and distance requirements

310 IAC 12-5-54.1 Backfilling and grading;

Timing and distance limitations

30 CFR 816.102 Backfilling and grading:

General requirements

30 CFR 816.106 Backfilling and grading:

Previously mined areas

310 IAC 12-5-55.1 Backfilling and grading;

General requirements

30 CFR 816.105 Backfilling and grading:

Thick overburden

310 IAC 12-5-57.1 Backfilling and grading;

Thick overburden

30 CFR 816.106/30 CFR 817.106 Backfilling

and grading: Previously mined areas

30 CFR 816.107/30 CFR 817.107 Backfilling

and grading: Steep slopes

310 IAC 12-5-150.1 Steep slopes; Backfilling

and grading

30 CFR 817.100 Contemporaneous

reclamation (Underground Mining)

310 IAC 12-5-117 Underground mining;

Contemporaneous reclamation

30 CFR 817.102 Backfilling and grading:

General requirements

30 CFR 817.106 Backfilling and grading:

Previously mined areas

310 IAC 12-5-119.1 Underground mining;

Backfilling and grading; General requirements

2. TENNESSEE

OSM directly regulates the surface coal mining operations in Tennessee through regulations

contained in 30 CFR Part 942 (49 FR 38874, OCTOBER 1, 1984). Listed below are the current

relevant Part 942 sections followed by the relevant sections from the original state program.

Federal Section(s) State Regulation(s)

30 CFR 785 Requirements for permits for

special categories of mining

30 CFR 942.785 Requirements for permits for

special categories of mining

30 CFR 816 Permanent program performance

standards-Surface mining activities

30 CFR 942.816 Performance standardsSurface mining activities (includes Sec.

816.101: Backfilling and grading timing

requirements)

30 CFR 817 Permanent Program Performance

Standards-Underground mining activities

30 CFR 942.817 Performance standardsUnderground mining activities

ORIGINAL STATE PROGRAM

Federal Section(s) State Regulation(s)

30 CFR 785.16 AOC variances 0400-1-6-.06 Permits incorporating variances
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from AOC restoration requirements for steep

slope mining

30 CFR 785.18 Contemporaneous reclamation

variances

0400-1-6-.08 Variances for delay in

contemporaneous reclamation requirements in

combined surface and underground mining

operations

30 CFR 785.18 Contemporaneous reclamation

variances

0400-1-16-.05 Compliance with variance terms

30 CFR 816.100 Contemporaneous

reclamation (Surface Mining)

0400-1-14-.55 Concurrent reclamation

30 CFR 816.101 Backfilling and grading: Time

and distance requirements

30 CFR 816.102 General requirements

0400-1-14-.56 Timing of backfilling and

grading

30 CFR 816.102 Backfilling and grading:

General requirements

30 CFR 816.106 Previously mined areas

0400-1-14-.57 Backfilling and grading:

General grading requirements

30 CFR 816.104 Backfilling and grading: Thin

overburden

0400-1-14-.59 Backfilling and grading: Thin

overburden

30 CFR 816.105 Backfilling and grading:

Thick overburden

0400-1-14-.60 Backfilling and grading: Thick

overburden

30 CFR 816.107 Backfilling and grading:

Steep slopes

0400-1-20-.04 Steep slopes: Performance

standards

30 CFR 816.133(d) Postmining land use 0400-1-20-.05 Steep slopes: Limited variances

30 CFR 816.133(d) Postmining land use 0400-1-20-.06 Steep slopes: Multiple seam

30 CFR 817.100 Contemporaneous

reclamation (Underground Mining)

0400-1-15-.52 Concurrent reclamation

30 CFR 817.101 Backfilling and grading: Time

and distance requirements

30 CFR 817.102 General requirements

0400-1-15-.53 Backfilling and grading:

General requirements

30 CFR 817.102 Backfilling and grading:

General requirements

0400-1-15-.54 Backfilling and grading:

General grading requirements

3. WEST VIRGINIA

West Virginia regulations emphasize drainage control on regraded areas.

OSM recently held a comment period on proposed amendments to the West Virginia program.

One proposed amendment concerns augering on previously mined areas. A copy of the Federal

Register notice is attached. (54 FR 22783, MAY 26, 1989).

Federal Section(s) State Regulation(s)

30 CFR 785.16 Variance from AOC

restoration

30 CFR 816.107 Backfilling and grading:

6B.07 Performance standards; Method of

operation
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Steep slopes

30 CFR 816.133(d) Postmining land use

30 CFR 785.18 Variances for delay in

contemporaneous reclamation

30 CFR 816.101 Backfilling and grading: Time

and distance requirements

30 CFR 816.102 General requirements

30 CFR 816.106 Previously mined areas

6B.09 Performance standards; Backfilling and

regrading [Subsec.(e) = Drainage control]

30 CFR 816.100 Contemporaneous

reclamation (Surface Mining)

30 CFR 816.101 Backfilling and grading: Time

and distance requirements

30 CFR 816.102 General requirements

8B.09 Performance standards; Backfilling and

regrading (Facilities incidental to coal mining)

[Subsec.(e) = Drainage control]

30 CFR 816.107 Backfilling and grading:

Steep slopes

30 CFR 816.133(d) Postmining land use

8B.07 Performance standards; Method of

operation

30 CFR 785.16 Variances from AOC

restoration

30 CFR 817.102 Backfilling and grading:

General requirements (Underground Mining)

30 CFR 817.107 Steep slopes

30 CFR 817.133(d) Postmining land use

7B.08 Performance standards: Method of

operation [Para. (a)(5) = Drainage channels and

flumes]

30 CFR 817.100 Contemporaneous

reclamation

30 CFR 817.101 Backfilling and grading: Time

and distance requirements

30 CFR 817.102 General requirements

30 CFR 817.106 Previously mined areas

7B.11 Performance standards; Backfilling and

regrading [Subsec. (g) = Drainage control]

E.09 Performance standards; Materials

removal [Drainage control measures]

SMCRA Code of WV

Sec. 515 Environmental

Protection Performance

Standards

22A-3-12 Underground Coal Mine Safety Laws: General

environmental protection performance standards for surface

mining; variances

22A-4-13 Underground Coal Mine Safety Laws: (Minerals

other than coal) Obligations of the operator [Drainage control]

20-6-8a Natural Resource Laws: Limitation on the issuance of

new permits for surface mining

20-6-13a Requirements regarding surface-mined areas where

benches do not result
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4. WYOMING

Wyoming includes a reference to "drainage patterns" in the definition of AOC.

Federal Section(s) State Regulation(s)

30 CFR 701.5 Definitions Chap. I Sec. 2 Authorities and definitions [excerpted]

30 CFR 785.16 Variances from AOC

restoration

30 CFR 816.133/30 CFR 817.133

Postmining land use

Chap. IX Sec. 1 Variances for surface coal mining

operations; Content of requests

30 CFR 785.16 Variances from AOC

restoration

30 CFR 816.133/30 CFR 817.133

Postmining land use

Chap. IX Sec. 3 AOC; Criteria for any variance

approved under Sec. 1

30 CFR 785.18 Variances for delay in

contemporaneous reclamation

Chap. III Sec. 4 Permits for special categories of

surface coal mining; Combined surface and

underground mining operations

30 CFR 816.100 Contemporaneous

reclamation (Surface Mining)

30 CFR 816.101 Backfilling and

grading: Time and distance

requirements

30 CFR 816.102 General requirements

30 CFR 816.105 Thick overburden

30 CFR 816.106 Previously mined

areas

30 CFR 816.133 Postmining land use

Chap. IV Sec. 2 General environmental protection

performance standards

30 CFR 816.101 Backfilling and

grading: Time and distance

requirements

30 CFR 816.102 General requirements

30 CFR 816.104 Thin overburden

30 CFR 816.105 Thick overburden

30 CFR 816.107 Steep slopes

Chap. IV Sec. 3 Special environmental protection

performance standards applicable to surface coal

mining and reclamation operations

30 CFR 816.106 Backfilling and

grading: Previously mined areas

Chap. V Sec. 7 Remining

30 CFR 817 Permanent Program

Performance Standards -Underground

Mining Activities

Chap. VII Sec. 2 Environmental protection

performance standards applicable to underground

mining operations [Refers back to Chap. IV, Sec. 2 &

3]

SMCRA State Code

Sec. 515 Environmental Protection

Performance Standards

35-11-401 Wyoming Environmental Quality Act -

Compliance generally; Exceptions

35-11-402 Wyoming Environmental Quality Act –
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5. MONTANA

OSM recently held a comment period on proposed amendments to the Montana program,

including one amendment on remining. The Federal Register notice is attached. (54 FR 21228,

May 17, 1989).

Federal Section(s) State Regulation(s)

30 CFR 816.101 Backfilling and grading: Time

and distance requirements

30 CFR 816.102 General requirements

26.4.501 General backfilling and grading

requirements

30 CFR 816.102 Backfilling and grading; General

requirements

26.4.515 Highwall reduction

30 CFR 816.102 Backfilling and grading; General

requirements

26.4.518 Buffer zones

30 CFR 816.102 General requirements 56.4.512 Box cut spoils

30 CFR 816.105 Backfilling and grading: Thick

overburden

26.4.511 Thick overburden

30 CFR 816.133 Postmining land use 26.4.824 Alternate reclamation: Alternate

postmining land uses

Federal Section(s) Mont. Code Ann.

30 CFR 816.100 Contemporaneous reclamation 82-4-231 Montana Strip and Underground

Mine Reclamation Act - Submission of and

action on reclamation plan

30 CFR 785.16 Variances from AOC restoration

30 CFR 816.100 Contemporaneous reclamation

30 CFR 816.101 Backfilling and grading: Time

and distance requirements

30 CFR 816.102 General requirements

30 CFR 816.107 Steep slopes

30 CFR 816.133 Postmining land uses

82-4-232 Montana Strip and Underground

Mine Reclamation Act - Area mining

required -- bond -- alternative plan

ATTACHMENTS

A. Federal Statutes

1. SMCRA Sec. 515, 30 U.S.C. 1265, Environmental Protection Performance

Standards

2. SMCRA Sec. 701(2), 30 U.S.C. 1291, Definitions

B. Federal Regulations

1. 30 CFR 701.5 Definitions

2. 30 CFR Part 785 Requirements for Permits for Special Categories of Mining

a. 785.16 Permits incorporating variances from AOC restoration

requirements
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b. 785.18 Variances for delay in contemporaneous reclamation requirement

in combined surface and underground mining activities

3. 30 CFR Part 816 Permanent Program Performance Standards - Surface Mining

Activities

a. 816.100 Contemporaneous reclamation

b. 816.102 Backfilling and grading: General requirements

c. 816.104 Backfilling and grading: Thin overburden

d. 816.105 Backfilling and grading: Thick overburden

e. 816.106 Backfilling and grading: Previously mined areas

f. 816.107 Backfilling and grading: Steep slopes

g. 816.133 Postmining land use

4. 30 CFR Part 817 Permanent Program Performance Standards - Underground

Mining Activities

a. 817.100 Contemporaneous reclamation

b. 817.102 Backfilling and grading: General requirements

c. 817.106 Backfilling and grading: Previously mined areas

d. 817.107 Backfilling and grading: Steep slopes

e. 817.133 Postmining land use

5. 30 CFR 715.14 Initial Program Regulations; Backfilling and grading

C. OSM Directive, Subj. No. INE-39, Transmittal No. 543 (June 7, 1989)

D. 53 FR 43970 (October 31, 1988)

E. Interstate Mining Compact Significant Issue Report No. One - Elimination of

Highwalls

F. Indiana Regulations and Statutes

1. 310 IAC 12-3-97 AOC variance for steep slope mining; permits

2. 310 IAC 12-3-99 Variances for delay in contemporaneous reclamation

requirements in combined surface and underground mining operations

3. 310 IAC 12-5-53 Contemporaneous reclamation

4. 310 IAC 12-5-54.1 Backfilling and grading; Timing and distance limitations

5. 310 IAC 12-5-55.1 Backfilling and grading; General requirements

6. 310 IAC 12-5-57.1 Backfilling and grading; Thick overburden

7. 310 IAC 12-5-150.1 Steep slopes; backfilling and grading

8. 310 IAC 12-5-117 Underground mining; Contemporaneous reclamation

9. 310 IAC 12-5-119.1 Underground mining; Backfilling and grading; General

requirements

G. Tennessee Regulations and Statutes

1. 30 CFR 942.785 Requirements for permits for special categories of mining

2. 30 CFR 942.816 Performance standards - Surface mining activities

3. 30 CFR 942.817 Performance standards - Underground mining activities

4. 0400-1-6-.06 Permits incorporating variances from AOC restoration requirements

for steep slope mining

5. 0400-1-6-.08 Variances for delay in contemporaneous reclamation requirements

in combined surface and underground mining operations

6. 0400-1-16-.05 Compliance with variance terms

7. 0400-1-14-.55 Concurrent reclamation
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8. 0400-1-14-.56 Timing of backfilling and grading

9. 0400-1-14-.57 Backfilling and grading; General grading requirements

10. 0400-1-14-.59 Backfilling and grading: Thin overburden

11. 0400-1-14-.60 Backfilling and grading: Thick overburden

12. 0400-1-20-.04 Steep slopes; Performance standards

13. 0400-1-20-.05 Steep slopes; Limited variances

14. 0400-1-20-.06 Steep slopes; Multiple seam

15. 0400-1-15-.52 Concurrent reclamation

16. 0400-1-15-.53 Backfilling and grading: General requirements

17. 0400-1-15-.54 Backfilling and grading: General grading requirements

H. West Virginia Regulations and Statutes

1. 54 FR 22783 (May 26, 1989)

2. 6B.07 Performance standards; Method of operation

3. 6B.09 Performance standards; Backfilling and regrading

4. 8B.09 Performance standards; Backfilling and regrading

5. 8B.07 Performance standards; Method of operation

6. 7B.08 Performance standards; Method of operation

7. 7B.11 Performance standards; Backfilling and regrading

8. E.09 Performance standards; Materials removal

9. W. Va. Code Sec. 22A-3-12 Underground Coal Mine Safety Laws: General

environmental protection performance standards for surface mining; Variances

10. W. Va. Code Sec. 22A-4-13 Obligations of the operator

11. W. Va. Code Sec. 20-6-8a Natural Resource Laws: Limitation on the issuance of

new permits for surface mining

12. W. Va. Code Sec. 20-6-13a Requirements regarding surface-mined areas where

benches do not result

I. Wyoming Regulations and Statutes

1. Chap. I, Sec. 2 Authorities and definitions [excerpted]

2. Chap. IX, Sec. 1 Variances for surface coal mining operations; Content of

requests

3. Chap. IX, Sec. 3 AOC; Criteria for any variance approved under Sec. 1

4. Chap. III, Sec. 4 Permits for special categories of surface coal mining; Combined

surface and underground mining operations

5. Chap. IV, Sec. 2 General environmental protection performance standards

6. Chap. IV, Sec. 3 Special environmental protection performance standards

applicable to surface coal mining and reclamation operations

7. Chap. V, Sec. 7 Remining

8. Chap. VII, Sec. 2 Environmental protection performance standards applicable to

underground mining operations

9. Wyo. Stat. Sec. 35-11-401 Wyoming Environmental Quality Act - Compliance

generally; exceptions

10. Wyo. Stat. Sec. 35-11-402 Establishment of standards

J. Montana Regulations and Statutes

1. 54 FR 21228 (May 27, 1989)

2. 26.4.501 General backfilling and grading requirements
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3. 26.4.515 Highwall reduction

4. 26.4.518 Buffer zones

5. 56.4.512 Box cut spoils

6. 26.4.511 Thick overburden

7. 26.4.824 Alternate reclamation: Alternate postmining land use

8. Mont. Code Ann. Sec. 82-4-231 Montana Strip and Underground Mine

Reclamation Act - Submission of and action on reclamation plan

9. Mont. Code Ann. Sec. 82-4-232 Area mining required -- bond -- alternate plan