OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT

U.S. Department of the Interior

Search conducted by: Joyce Zweben Scall Page 1 of 6

COALEX STATE INQUIRY REPORT - 200

December 1991

Lowell P. Braxton

Associate Director, Mining

Utah Department of Natural Resources

Division of Oil, Gas and Mining

355 West North Temple

3 Triad Center, Suite 350

Salt Lake City, Utah 84180-1203

TOPIC: PHC/CHIA DATA COLLECTION ON PUBLIC ROADS (Includes COALEX Reports 

Nos. 152 & 178)

INQUIRY: Is there any case law or other material on the need for PHC/CHIA data collection 

on public roads being upgraded in conjunction with initiation of coal mining activities? Does the 

public road constitute an "adjacent area" for purposes of data collection?

SEARCH RESULTS: The COALEX Library and other materials available in LEXIS and prior 

State Inquiry Reports were researched for this Inquiry. No materials were located which 

specifically address the Inquiry topic; however, research in elements of the topic retrieved 

relevant cases and Federal Register preambles. Related topics researched include: roads, CHIAs,

definition of "adjacent area" and "affected area" and data collection.

The retrieved material is discussed below. Copies of these items are attached. 

PRIOR COALEX REPORTS

1. COALEX STATE INQUIRY REPORT No. 152, "Challenges to CHIAs", March, 1990.

This Report includes Interior administrative decisions and state and federal opinions that address 

the adequacy and completeness of CHIAs.

2. COALEX STATE INQUIRY REPORT No. 178, "Permitting of a temporary public 

road", May, 1991. 

The decisions in this Report discuss the general issue of when a road is subject to the regulations 

of SMCRA.

INTERIOR ADMINISTRATIVE CASES
OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT

U.S. Department of the Interior

Search conducted by: Joyce Zweben Scall Page 2 of 6

The following Interior administrative cases discuss various aspects of maintaining haul and 

access roads not addressed in the cases included in COALEX Report 178:

3. PEGASUS MINING CORP. v OSM, Docket No. CH 9-37-R (1979).

In answer to the question of when does a "haul road" actually become a haul road, the ALJ 

stated: 

"A haul road or access road therefore is neither a haul road nor an access road within the 

meaning of the Act until construction has been completed to the degree necessary for its 

designed use."

4. ISLAND CREEK COAL CO., 1 IBSMA 275, IBSMA 79-31 (1979).

Island Creek failed to maintain its haul road "in a manner that would prevent adverse impacts on 

the hydrologic balance in general and additional contributions of suspended solids to streamflow 

or to runoff outside the permit area in particular." 

5. BELVA COAL CO. v OSM, Docket No. CH 0-17-P (1980).

The ALJ stated that OSM failed to prove that the presence of a muddy road amounted to a 

violation. The inspectors did not determine whether the road was properly constructed or if the 

runoff was likely to effect the hydrologic balance off the permit property.

6. NATIONAL MINES CORP. v OSM, 104 IBLA 331, IBLA 87-57 (1988).

The Board affirmed the ALJ's ruling that National's access road "was not maintained so as to 

prevent additional contributions of suspended solids to streamflow".

7. PACIFICORP v OSM, Docket No. DV 91-1-PR (1991).

The Board determined that access roads fall within the definition of "surface mining operations" 

and are also included under the definition of "affected area".

FEDERAL SMCRA CASES

These decisions are included for background. 

8. NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION v LUJAN, 1990 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 11541 (D DC 

August 30, 1990).

See Section VIII. Probable Hydrologic Consequences.

9. IN RE PERMANENT SURFACE MINING REGULATION LITIGATION, 620 F Supp 

1519 (D DC July 15, 1985).
OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT

U.S. Department of the Interior

Search conducted by: Joyce Zweben Scall Page 3 of 6

See Sections I. Hydrology and Geology Permitting and XI. Definitions (discussion of "affected 

area").

10. NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION v HODEL, 839 F 2d 694 (DC Cir 1988).

See the court's discussion of "Cumulative Hydrologic Assessment -- What is 'Anticipated 

Mining'?". Section III-E-5.

REGULATORY HISTORY

Relevant Federal Register preambles were identified, generally, under these topics: (1) the 

definition of "affected area"; (2) roads; and (3) hydrology permitting. The enclosed notices are 

listed in chronological order.

11. 44 FR 14902 (MARCH 13, 1979). Permanent Program Final Preamble - Final Rule. 

[Excerpts]

12. 47 FR 27712 (JUNE 25, 1982). Proposed rules. Hydrology Permitting and Performance 

Standards. [Excerpts]

13. 47 FR 33424 (AUGUST 2, 1982). Final rule. Two-Acre Exemption. [Excerpts]

14. 48 FR 14814 (APRIL 5, 1983). Final rule. Definitions and Terminology.

15. 48 FR 22110 (MAY 16, 1983). Final rules. Roads. [Excerpts]

16. 48 FR 43956 (SEPTEMBER 26, 1983). Final rules. 

17. 51 FR 41952 (NOVEMBER 20, 1986). Final rule; suspension. 

18. 52 FR 32764 (AUGUST 28, 1987). Proposed rule. Permit Applications.

19. 52 FR 47352 (DECEMBER 11, 1987). Final rule. Fish and Wildlife Resources 

Information. [Excerpt]

20. 53 FR 36394 (SEPTEMBER 19, 1988). Final rule. Probable Hydrologic Consequences 

Determination.

Also see 53 FR 45190 (NOVEMBER 8, 1988) sent with Report 178.

ATTACHMENTS

1. COALEX STATE INQUIRY REPORT No. 152, "Challenges to CHIAs", March, 1990. 

A. NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL, INC. (NRDC), et al. v OSM, 4 

IBSMA 4, IBSMA 81-83 (1982). 
OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT

U.S. Department of the Interior

Search conducted by: Joyce Zweben Scall Page 4 of 6

B. NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL, INC. (NRDC), et al. v OSM, 

ATLANTIC RICHFIELD CO. AND STATE OF COLORADO, 89 IBLA 1, 

IBLA 83-757 (IBSMA 81-83) (September 27, 1985, as amended by November 

18, 1986 decision). 

C. NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL, INC., et al. v OSM and WEST 

ELK COAL CO., 94 IBLA 269, IBLA 83-757 [IBSMA 81-83] (November 18, 

1986, amends September 27, 1985 decision). 

D. THE HOPI TRIBE v OSM AND PEABODY COAL CO., Docket No. TU 6-3-PR 

(1986). 

E. FRANK STEBLY v OSM, Docket No. DV 7-2-PR (1987). 

F. CITIZENS ORGANIZED AGAINST LONGWALLING v OHIO DEPT. OF 

NATURAL RESOURCES, 41 Ohio App 3d 290, 535 NE 2d 687 (Ohio Ct App 

1987). 

G. VILLAGE OF PLEASANT CITY v DIV. OF RECLAMATION, No. CA-835, 

slip op (Ohio Ct App 1987). 

H. OOTEN, et al. v FAERBER, AS COMMISSIONER, WEST VIRGINIA DEPT. 

OF ENERGY, AND MAGNET COAL, INC, 383 SE 2d 774 (W Va 1989). 

I. Excerpts from NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION (NWF), et al. v HODEL, 

839 F 2d 694 (DC Cir 1988). 

J. LOUISIANA ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIETY (LES) v BRINEGAR, 

SECRETARY, DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION, 407 F Supp 1309 (WD La 

1976). 

K. MINNESOTA PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH GROUP v BUTZ, 541 F 2d 

1292 (8th Cir 1976). 

L. ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND, INC. v COSTLE, 439 F Supp 980 (ED 

NY 1977). 

M. STATE OF MISSOURI, ex rel. v DEPT. OF THE ARMY, CORPS OF 

ENGINEERS, 526 F Supp 660 (WD Mo 1980). 

N. CITIZENS COUNCIL OF DELAWARE COUNTY v BRINEGAR, 619 F Supp 

52 (ED Pa 1985). 

O. OREGON NATURAL RESOURCES COUNCIL (ONRC), v LYNG, 1988 U.S. 

Dist LEXIS 17264, 18 ELR 21503 (D Or 1988). 

2. COALEX STATE INQUIRY REPORT - 178, "Permitting of a temporary public road", 

May, 1991. 

A. SNYDER v COMMONWEALTH OF PENN. DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL 

RESOURCES (DER) AND ED MIKEL COAL CO., PERMITTEE, EHB Docket 

No. 88-277-F, 1989 Pa Envirn LEXIS 93 (1989). 

B. TRINITY COAL CORP. v OSM, Docket No. CH 1-127-R (1982). 

C. ZAPATA COAL CORP., 2 IBSMA 9, IBSMA 79-20, 79-32 (1980). 

D. S.M.A. COAL CO. v OSM, Docket No. CH 1-34-R (1981). 

E. PREECE, MCCLANAHAN & BELCHER COAL CO. v OSM, Docket No. CH 

0-261-R (1980). 

F. KNOX CREEK COAL CORP. v OSM, Docket Nos. CH 1-214-P, CH 0-329-R 

(1981). 

G. SMITH COAL CORP. v OSM, Docket No. Ch 1-53 R (1984). 
OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT

U.S. Department of the Interior

Search conducted by: Joyce Zweben Scall Page 5 of 6

H. WAR FORK COAL CORP. v OSM, Docket No. CH 0-89-R (1984). 

I. JEWELL SMOKELESS COAL CORP., 4 IBSMA 51, IBSMA 81-39, 81-47 

(1982). 

J. FETTEROLF MINING SALES, INC., 4 IBSMA 29, IBSMA 81-58 (1982). 

K. M & J COAL CO., v OSM, Docket No. CH 1-39-P (1981). 

L. RAYLE COAL CO., 3 IBSMA 111, IBSMA 80-88 (1981). 

M. RAPOCA ENERGY CO. v OSM, 89 IBLA 195, IBLA 85-61 (1985). 

N. HARMAN MINING CORP. v OSM, 87 IBLA 369, IBLA 84-279 (1985). 

O. HARMAN MINING CORP. v OSM, 110 IBLA 98, IBLA 86-1505, 86-1544 

(1989). 

P. HARMAN MINING CORP. v OSM, 659 F Supp 806 (WD Va 1987). 

Q. HARMAN MINING CORP. v Hodel, 662 F Supp 629 (WD Va 1987). 

R. IN RE: PERMANENT SURFACE MINING REGULATION LITIGATION, 620 

F Supp 1519 (D DC July 15, 1985). [Excerpts] 

S. 53 FR 45190 (NOVEMBEr 8, 1988). Final rule. Roads. 

3. PEGASUS MINING CORP. v OSM, Docket No. CH 9-37-R (1979). 

4. ISLAND CREEK COAL CO., 1 IBSMA 275, IBSMA 79-31 (1979). 

5. BELVA COAL CO. v OSM, Docket No. CH 0-17-P (1980). 

6. NATIONAL MINES CORP. v OSM, 104 IBLA 331, IBLA 87-57 (1988). 

7. PACIFICORP v OSM, Docket No. DV 91-1-PR (1991). 

8. NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION v LUJAN, 1990 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 11541 (D 

DC August 30, 1990). 

9. IN RE PERMANENT SURFACE MINING REGULATION LITIGATION, 620 F Supp 

1519 (D DC July 15, 1985).

10. NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION v HODEL, 839 F 2d 694 (DC Cir 1988). 

11. 44 FR 14902 (MARCH 13, 1979). Permanent Program Final Preamble - Final Rule. 

[Excerpts] 

12. 47 FR 27712 (JUNE 25, 1982). Proposed rules. Hydrology Permitting and Performance 

Standards. [Excerpts] 

13. 47 FR 33424 (AUGUST 2, 1982). Final rule. Two-Acre Exemption. [Excerpts] 

14. 48 FR 14814 (APRIL 5, 1983). Final rule. Definitions and Terminology. 

15. 48 FR 22110 (MAY 16, 1983). Final rules. Roads. [Excerpts] 

16. 48 FR 43956 (SEPTEMBER 26, 1983). Final rules. 

17. 51 FR 41952 (NOVEMBER 20, 1986). Final rule; suspension. 

18. 52 FR 32764 (AUGUST 28, 1987). Proposed rule. Permit Applications. 

19. 52 FR 47352 (DECEMBER 11, 1987). Final rule. Fish and Wildlife Resources 

Information. [Excerpt] 

20. 53 FR 36394 (SEPTEMBER 19, 1988). Final rule. Probable Hydrologic Consequences 

Determination. 

UPDATES TO CASES SENT AS PART OF COALEX STATE INQUIRY REPORT 200
OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT

U.S. Department of the Interior

Search conducted by: Joyce Zweben Scall Page 6 of 6

VILLAGE OF PLEASANT CITY v KIZER, CHIEF DIV. OF RECLAMATION, OHIO 

DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCES, 1992 Ohio App LEXIS 2197, Case No. 91-CA-10 

(Ohio Ct App 1992).

VILLAGE OF PLEASANT CITY v KIZER, CHIEF DIV. OF RECLAMATION, OHIO 

DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCES, 1992 Ohio App LEXIS 2198, Case No. 91-CA-09 

(Ohio Ct App 1992). 

TRUSTEES FOR ALASKA et al. v GORSUCH, COMMISSIONER, AND ALASKA 

DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCES, 835 P 2d 1239 (Alaska 1992).

[NOTE: Copies of the COALEX and LEXIS research requests and excerpts of the Interior 

administrative decisions they retrieved are included as an attachment. The materials are excerpts 

of those decisions which are not discussed above.]

58 FR 50174 (SEPTEMBER 24, 1993). Proposed rule. Underground mining permit application 

and performance standards.