Source: http://dmme.virginia.gov/DMLR/docs/operatormemos.shtml
Timestamp: 2015-05-27 23:36:24
Document Index: 759770021

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Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy - Operator Memos
Home>> Division of Mined Land Reclamation >> Operator Memos Contact Us | Search this Site:
Conrad T. Spangler, III
Operator Memos Guidance Memoranda
DMLR Memos to Operators and Guidance Memoranda Summary List - (Word) (PDF)
Joint Mining (CSMO) and Monitoring (NPDES) Permits - Public Participation - (37-12) Coal Removal from Government Financed Construction Projects - (36-11) Receipt of Electronic Correspondence from the Agency - (35-11) Monitoring Fill Underdrains - (34-11) Permitting Guidance for Surface Coal Mining Operations to Protect Virginia’s Narrative Water Quality Standards - 32-10 Abandoned Mined Land Refuse/Gob Piles – Exploration and Recovery - (31-10)
Engineering Review of Sediment Basin Design; Excavated Basins - (30-10) Roads - Maintenance and Fugitive Dust Control - (29-09)
Application Processing Time Limits - (28-09) Electronic Permitting - Mapping Guidelines Approved - (27-09) Aquatic Species-Specific Protective Measures Guide to Permitted Coal
Mining Activities in Virginia - (26-09) NPDES Permit and Anniversary Fees - (25-08) Clarification of “Depth to Water” for Ground Water Monitoring Wells - (24-08) Revisions: Insignificant vs. Significant; Acreage Amendments; and Incidental Boundary (23-08) Forestry Reclamation Approach (22-08)
Impoundments - Underground Mining (17-07) Permitting and Bonding of Shared Structures/Facilities (16-07)
Approximate Original Contour Guidelines
Reduction/Release Applications & Completion Reports (7-03) Ground Control Plan (11-05) Permit
Applications / Priority Reviews (3-01) - (Word) (PDF)
Fees (6-03)
Permit Signs & Markers (12-05) Permitting Process - Watersheds with Adopted Total Maximum Daily Loads (14-05) Requirements for Haulroad Construction & Design (10-05) Requirements for
Permit Transfer (#9-04) Memorandums to Operators
Following is a list of Memorandums
to Operators (MTOs) by subject matter. Copies of MTOs can be obtained by contacting
(276) 523-8100 or e-mail.
Air Pollution Control Plan (#8-82)
NPDES Monitoring and Reporting (#7-94)
(Corrections) Submittal;
Anniversary Fees (#12-94)
Notice of Effluent Non-Compl. Discharges (#4-85)
Sites or Historic Places (#11-82)
Fees (#6-03)
Processing Time Limit (#13-86)
Permit Renewals (#4-84) Baseline
Hydrologic Data Requirements (PHC Assessment) (#1-90)
Permit Streamline Procedures (#3-98) Biosolids Use Guidelines (#6-95)
Permit Streamline Procedures - Forms (#9-98) Cert.
of Deposit (#3-83)
Public Notice & Comment Periods (#11-94) Coal Combustion By-Prod. Guidelines (#2-95) Public Notices (#7-92) Company Structure Master File (#9-93) Reclamation Fees (#5-84) Confidential Information (#2-85) Remining Incentives (#4-98) Contractor Information in Public Notices (#5-93) Standardized Reporting Form (Qtrly Acid-Base Monitoring) (#3-90) Cost Bond - Long term Facilities (#2-91) Storm Water Discharges (#8-92) DMLR Blaster Endorsement Cert. (#9-92) Updating Ownership & Control Information (#3-92) Filing Appl. - Public Participation Process (#3-89) Waiver to Mine Within 300 Feet (#6-88) Groundwater Monitoring Frequency (#3-99) Highwall Settlement Guidelines (#5-95) Mining Operations Near Facilities (#9-89) NPDES Enforcement Policy (#8-85) GUIDANCE MEMORANDUM1 No. 9-04 Issue Date: February 17, 2004
process and to incorporate this activity into the electronic permitting process,
this memorandum identifies the information that is needed in an application for
permit transfer. The application for permit transfer (succession) should contain forms: DMLR-PT-034p, DMLR-PT-034e, and DMLR-PT-034o (only if adding an operator).
ALL the Yes/No questions throughout the application as they pertain to the
the appropriate code (A, C or D) to information contained in the following
items: 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.12, 4.2, 5.3, 5.7, 5.12, 5.15, 7.1, 7.6,
10.3, 11.2, 12.2, 14.1, and 17.1.
all information in Sections I, II, III, V, XIX and XXI.
a current certificate of liability insurance, and rider (4 VAC 25-130-778.18 and
4 VAC 25-130-800.60) - attach in Item 2.5.
a sample public notice (example attached) - attach in Item 2.6.
f. Include
the original Certificate of Publication[1] - attach in Item 2.7.
g. Include
a completed relinquishment form (DMLR-PT-027) - attach in Item 3.13.
h. Include
a completed DMLR-PT-128 (NPDES application form) - attach in Item 5.15.
a completed Coal Surface Mining Reclamation Fund[2] application form (DMLR-PT-162), if applicable - attach in Item 19.1.
a brief narrative describing the bonding plan and amounts - attach in Item 19.1.
k. Include
a notarized statement that the applicant will assume the terms and conditions of
the original permit # ____________, presently permitted to
______________________ - attach in Item 21.1.
l. Include
a notarized statement that the new permittee will abate any existing violations
within a period acceptable to DMLR - attach in Item 21.1.
m. Include
a proof of consummation (example attached: Section 4 VAC 25-130-774.17
(e)(2)) - attach in Item 21.1.
NOTE: Items “k, l, and m” may be included in one document and attached in Item
n. Include
a completed application certification form (DMLR-PT-034d) - attach in Item 21.1.
o. Include
a certified map that identifies the remaining coal reserves (underground only)
-attach in Item 21.2.
all items concerning the operator information as requested.
If a new operator is being added at the time of transfer, the appropriate
information should be included in the public notice. If an existing operator is to be removed, that should be done prior to
getting the data download for the transfer application.
The transfer application material
should be completed and submitted to the Inspector for review. This would include the electronic copy along with the package containing
the original signature documents. If
the application is submitted in paper format the original and one copy should be
After review of the application material and completion of the public
comment period, the following items will be required for final decision on the
permit transfer application:
i. A current original affidavit for proof of payment of reclamation fees
(DMLR-PT-244) (a new affidavit is required for the previous quarter, 30 days
following the end of that quarter)
ii. Replacement of bond (current bond will be released to the original
permittee when the transfer application is approved and bond replaced). iii. Permit fees at $26.00 per acre and any portion thereof.
a permit renewal application is currently in review, the renewal should be
approved prior to requesting a data download for the transfer application.
a permit renewal application is submitted while a transfer application is being
reviewed, the Division’s decision on the permit renewal application will be
made first. The transfer
application would have to be updated to reflect any changes made as a result of
the renewal application approval.
there are two or more applications submitted for the permit being transferred
(e.g., transfer or revision applications):
the transfer application is approved and processed prior to the Division’s
decision on the other application(s), the pending application(s) will be denied. The applicant or consultant would need to obtain a new data download for
the pending application(s) using the new permit number.
the additional application(s) is/are approved and processed (for the existing
permit) prior to the Division’s decision on the transfer application, the
applicant or consultant will be directed to incorporate the new data from the
approved application(s) into the transfer application (in order to ensure all
data has been captured).
Should you have any questions regarding permit transfer process or the
electronic permitting requirements, please contact the Division of Mined Land
Reclamation’s Reclamation Program Manager at (276) 523-8202.
BASIC PUBLIC NOTICE FORMAT (1
week/30 day comment)
EXAMPLE - Transfer, Assignment, Sale of Permit
Rights - Application
OR SALE OF PERMIT RIGHTS
CHAPTER 19, TITLE 45.1 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA
(Company Name and Business Address) is
applying for the transfer, assignment, or sale of the permit rights of (Current
Permittee and Business Address) concerning
Permit No. located in County (Precise
Location) as provided by 4 VAC
25-130-774.17 of the Virginia Coal
Surface Mining Reclamation Regulations. Any
person with a valid legal interest which might be adversely affected by this
application to transfer, assign, or sell the permit rights of the aforementioned
permit, may within 30 days of (Date of Publication) submit written comments concerning the application to the Division of Mined Land
Reclamation. All correspondence concerning the application should be submitted
to the attention of the Division of Mined Land Reclamation’s Permit Section at
Post Office Drawer 900; Big Stone Gap, Virginia 24219. Written comments may be e-mailed to the Division at DmlrPublicNotice@dmme.virginia.gov
concerning the application review process may be directed to the Permit Section
at (276) 523-8202. DMLR-PT-219
purpose of this succession application is to transfer Virginia Division of Mined
Land Reclamation Permit Number xxxxxxx from (Relinquishing
Company Name) to (Succession Company Name).
application (#xxxxxxx) is based upon an (agreement, contract, lease,
etc.) dated (Date) between (Relinquishing Company Name) and (Succession
Company Name) to:
the terms and conditions of listed Virginia Division of Mined Land
Bond xxxxxxx acres by (type of bond, surety, letter of credit,
any existing violations associated with the listed Virginia Division of
Mined Land Reclamation permit in a timely manner.
______________________ Title: ______________________
Subscribed and sworn/affirmed to before
me by _______________________________ this ____ day of _______________,
20_____, in the State of _______________ City/County of
Notary Public Signature (attach
SEAL) [1] Upon obtaining a
publication number from the field inspector, the public notice should be
published in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality of the
operation for one (1) week. A
30-day public comment period will commence on the date of the publication. A copy of the application should be at the DMLR’s Big Stone Gap
office on the first day of publication. The original Certificate of Publication is to be submitted as an
attachment in Item 2.7.
[2] The company may apply to
participate in the Coal Surface Mining Reclamation Fund if coal production
will occur under the new permit.
Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME), Division of Mined Land Reclamation (DMLR)
through this guidance memorandum is implementing the following guideline concerning permitting/anniversary fees. The 2003 session of the
General Assembly amended Section 45.1-235(E) of the Code of Virginia to increase
the permit application fee of $12 to “$26 per acre for the area of land to be
affected by the total operation for which plans have been submitted.” In addition the anniversary fee of $6 per acre for areas
disturbed was increased to $13 per acre. These
rate increases will be effective as of July 1, 2003. DMLR has mailed
correspondence to a number of operations requesting permit application or
anniversary fees with anniversary or effective dates before July 1, 2003, to be
submitted at the current rates. Please be advised that if payment of the fees is
not submitted by the close of business on June 30, 2003, the new rates will be
applicable effective July 1, 2003. In addition, the permit fee
that will be applicable on a permit’s anniversary or renewal date must be
submitted. For example, if the anniversary date is July1, 2003 or later and you
wish to submit payment before that date, the new rate effective July 1 ($13 per
acre) must be submitted.
1This Memorandum is to be considered a
guideline issued under the authority of § 45.1-230.A1 of the Code of
Virginia which reads: "In addition to the adoption of regulations
under this chapter, the Director may at his discretion issue or distribute
to the public interpretative, advisory or procedural bulletins or guidelines
pertaining to permit applications or to matters reasonably related thereto
without following any of the procedures set forth in the Administrative
Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.). The materials shall be clearly designated
as to their nature, shall be solely for purposes of public information and
education, and shall not have the force of regulations under this chapter or
under any other provision of this Code."
MEMORANDUM # 8-82 Air Pollution Control
Plan (issued 3/31/82, updated 10/1/01)
In accordance with §§4 VAC 25-130-780.18(b)(9) and 4 VAC
25-130-784.13(b)(9) of the Virginia Coal Surface Mining Reclamation Regulations,
the Department of Environmental Quality (http://www.deq.virginia.gov/ - Air Compliance Office) will review the Air Pollution Control Plan of
each coal surface mining and reclamation operation permit application and have
the opportunity to submit comments pursuant to §4 VAC 25-130-773.13 of the
regulations. The Air Pollution Control Plan should include, at a minimum, the
following information: 1.
control plan for haul-roads (all the way to the pit) and for the equipment
use in the mining process, particularly dust collectors on drills.
disturbances of Underground operations -
control plan for haul-roads (all the way to the underground mine face),
open stockpiles, storage silos (particularly rock dust silos).
Plants, Tipples, and Refuse areas’
control plan for haul-roads and areas associated with these facilities.
§§4 VAC 25-130-816.95 and 4 VAC 25-130-817.95 set forth the performance
standard requirements for air pollution control. These do not supersede any requirements administered by the DEQ’s Air
MEMORANDUM # 11-82 Archaeological Sites
or Historic Places (issued 6/7/82, updated 10/1/01)
The Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR) should be contacted
for a determination of the archaeological significance of the area proposed for
a coal surface and reclamation permit http://www.dhr.state.va.us/. The contact will aid the company in addressing the information
requirements of §4 VAC 25-130-761.12(f) of the Virginia Coal Surface Mining
Reclamation Regulations. The following information should be provided to VDHR to
assist its research – Delineation of the area disturbed within the proposed mining area;
Information on the slope grade (in per cent) of the proposed area to be
affected by the mining operation; and,
A 7.5 minute quadrangle topographic (USGS) map – quad identified -
outlining the proposed mining operation.
A copy of correspondence sent to
VDHR should be incorporated into the coal surface mining and reclamation permit
application. MEMORANDUM # 3-83 Certificates of
Deposit (issued 2/10/83, updated 10/1/01)
§4 VAC 25-130-800.16 of the regulations require that performance bonds,
such as certificates of deposit, be made payable to the “Commonwealth of
Virginia, Director-Division of Mined Land Reclamation”.
The Division will not accept interest payments. Interest payments for the certificates of deposit should be made payable
to the party putting up the certificate. There
may be other means available for handling interest payments. The Division does not have to approve methods for handling interest
payments. MEMORANDUM # 4-84
Permit Renewals (issued 5/23/84, updated 10/1/01 & 04/21/08) §4VAC25-130-774.15 provides that a valid permit carries with it the right of successive renewal, within the approved boundaries of the existing permit, upon the expiration of the permit term. Permittee will receive 180 days in advance notice of permit’s pending expiration date. Permittee should notify the DMLR if it does not intend to conduct mining after the permit’s expiration date.
MEMORANDUM # 5-84 Reclamation Fees (issued 5/25/84, updated 10/1/01) Pursuant to §4 VAC 25-130-773.17(g), the permittee shall submit proof
that all reclamation fees lawfully required under Title IV of the Federal Act
have been paid. The permittee may
utilize form DMLR-PT-244 in providing the necessary proof. Only one original affidavit will be required during the quarter. For subsequent permit or revision applications that quarter, the
permittee should attach a copy of the affidavit. MEMORANDUM # 2-85
Confidential Information (issued 2/8/85, updated 10/1/01 & 04/21/08) §4VAC25-130-773.13(d)(3) describes the information which may be kept confidential in a permit application. Confidential information must be bound separately and clearly identified as “Confidential”. Any information submitted as confidential and deemed by the DMLR not to be confidential will be returned to the permittee to incorporate into the electronic application.
of Effluent Non-Compliance Reports (issued 2/25/85, updated 10/1/01) Pursuant
to §§4 VAC 25-130-816.42 and 4 VAC 25-130-817.42 and the approved NPDES
permit, permittees are required to notify the DMLR of any instance when NPDES
surface water effluent limitations are exceeded. The permittee is required to –
1. Immediately report by telephone the non-compliance to the DMLR’s water
2. Submit a written Notice of Effluent Non-Compliance (DMLR-PT-084) to the
DMLR within 5 days. In
instances where the water monitoring is handled through a contracting
laboratory/service, the permittee is still responsible to ensure the reporting
procedure is complied with. Failure
to report in a timely manner could result in enforcement action. MEMORANDUM # 8-85 NPDES
Enforcement Policy (issued 4/7/85, updated 10/1/01) The
permittee is strictly liable for any violation of the NPDES permit; however,
this policy will focus on those repeat effluent violations of sufficient
magnitude and duration to be considered for regulatory review or response.
Division will use EPA’s definitions of “Significant Non-Compliance” (SNC)
and “Chronic Non-Compliance” (CNC) as guidelines in considering enforcement
action for effluent violations reported by the permittee on the monthly
Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs: DMLR-PT-119). §§4 VAC 25-130-816.42 and 4 VAC
25-130-817.42
Reported effluent
characteristics in excess of the monthly average limitation will be evaluated in
regard to its magnitude and duration. SNC
and CNC will be considered as a violation of 45.1.254, subject to enforcement
non-compliance (SNC)– monthly average limitation is exceeded by 40% or
more for any 2 months in a consecutive 6-month period.
non-compliance (CNC)- monthly average limitation is exceeded for any 4 months of a consecutive 6-month period. Violations of pH or settleable solids limitations in 4 months
of a consecutive 6-month period.
Review Criteria (TRC) – 40% excess of limitation for total suspended
solids, iron, and manganese parameters. (Settleable
solids and pH do not have monthly average limitations; therefore, are not
evaluated using this criteria.) Parameter
Iron (existing
source) (TFe)
Iron (new
NPDES monitoring and reporting required of the permittee will remain unchanged,
and there will be no change in the policy regarding single event and short term
non-compliance that is reported by the permittee. The field inspector upon the next routine inspection will address all
daily maximum and monthly average violations that are noted on the DMRs. However, violations deemed to be serious shall be investigated and
addressed immediately. MEMORANDUM # 13-86 Application
Processing Time Limit (issued 12/18/86, updated 10/1/01)
VAC 25-130-774.13(b)(1) of the regulations requires the Division to establish a
time period for its review and approval/disapproval of a revision application. The time period has been set as 12 months from the date of initial
submittal. The
Division will administratively deny revision applications that have been
submitted in excess of 12 months (with no recent action on the permittee’s
part). This denial does not prevent
the permittee from updating the application package and submitting it as a new
for new permits will be acted upon (approval or disapproval) within 18 months
from the date of submittal. MEMORANDUM # 6-88 Waiver to Mine Within
300 Feet (issued 5/6/88, updated 10/1/01)
§4 VAC 25-130-761.11(e) of the regulations allows a company to mine
within 300 feet of an occupied dwelling if the owner(s) of the structure has
provided a written waiver consenting to surface coal mining operations closer
than 300 feet. The waiver must be
executed and approved by the Division prior to the company’s land disturbing
activities within 300 feet of the dwelling. The
permittee may utilize form DMLR-PT-223 in obtaining the written waiver. The waiver should also provide for the transfer of the permit to
subsequent applicants without requiring new waivers. MEMORANDUM # 3-89 Filing
Application – Public Participation Process (issued 3/17/89, updated 10/1/01 & 04/21/08)
§4VAC25-130-773.13(a) (2) of the regulations requires that the applicant for a permit make the application available for public review and copying at a public office of the county/city where the mine site is located. In order to ensure public access and prevent delays in the application decision process, the Division will require the applicant to obtain a receipt or other documentation from the public office to verify the application was properly filed and made available for public inspection (from the 1st date of public notice publication through the end of the public comment period. The applicant can use form DMLR-PT-236. Subsequent changes and corrections required by DMLR during the review and public participation process must also be placed in the copy for public display and review.
This requirement applies to each permit, significant revision, and renewal application. MEMORANDUM # 9-89 Mining
Operations Near Facilities (issued 6/9/89, updated 10/1/01) §§4
VAC 25-130-816.180 and 4 VAC 25-130-817.180 of the regulations require that all
surface coal and underground mining activities be conducted in a manner that
minimizes damage, destruction, or disruption of services provided by oil, gas,
and water wells; oil, gas, and coal slurry pipelines; railroads; electric and
telephone lines; and water and sewage lines which pass over, under, or through
the permit area, unless otherwise approved by the owner of those facilities and
of August 1, 1989, permittees are required to provide advance notification to
owners, the Division, and appropriate regulatory agencies exercising
jurisdiction over the facilities prior to beginning operations within 300 feet
of the facilities. MEMORANDUM # 1-90 Baseline
Hydrologic Data Requirements (PHC Assessment) (issued 1/17/90, updated 10/1/01 & 04/21/08)
According to §§4VAC25-130-780.21 and 4VAC25-130-784.14 of the regulations, permit applications must provide data sufficient to make a Probable Hydrologic Consequences (PHC) determination. The surface and ground water monitoring plans are based upon that determination, as well. In addition, the Division uses this data in developing the Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Assessment (CHIA). The process for developing these plans should –
Design the operation to minimize impacts within the permit and adjacent areas and to prevent material damage to the hydrologic balance outside the permit area; Prepare the PHC determination; and, Design a water monitoring plan to quantify actual impacts.
(Existing data may be extrapolated and used in compiling the required information.) Ground Water Baseline Data –
The surface and ground water compliance monitoring plans should be developed to determine if the impacts are as anticipated by the PHC after the baseline conditions have been established, the mining plan developed, and the PHC determination made. MEMORANDUM
# 3-90 Standardized
Reporting Form (Quarterly Acid-Base Monitoring) (issued 6/28/90, updated
10/1/01) As
of July 1, 1990, the Division required the use of a standard reporting form for
quarterly acid-base monitoring reports (DMLR-PT-239), to be filled out by the
company or laboratory performing the analysis.
the end of each calendar quarter, 2 copies of the report form should be
submitted to the Division’s Big Stone Gap office. (Even if no material was placed during the quarter or the facility was
inactive, the report form should still be submitted stating such.) A separate
reporting form should be submitted for each sample taken and analyzed. The area inspector does not have to review and initial the reports. MEMORANDUM # 2-91 Cost
Bond – Long Term Facilities (issued 2/5/91, updated 10/1/01 & 4/21/08) §4VAC25-130-800.17(b)(2) of the regulations specifies the cost of removing the facilities associated with the long-term disturbances shall be considered in the performance bond calculation. The Division may exclude the cost of removing facilities that will remain on the site after the operation is completed when the facilities retention is necessary to achieve the post mining land use. MEMORANDUM # 3-92
Ownership and Control Information (issued 4/28/92, updated 10/1/01 & 4/21/08)
To delete the name of an owner, officer, director, principal stockholder, or other company official from the Division’s record, the permittee must submit an affidavit, notarized letter, or notarized Board resolution describing the change. The document should specify the effective date of the change. The permittee would also need to submit an application to update the permit records. To add or delete the names of the owners, officers, directors, principal stockholders, or other company officials, the permittee would need to submit –
DMLR-PT-034p, for changes to the permittee’s ownership and control. DMLR-PT-034o, for changes to the operator’s (contractor) ownership and control. MEMORANDUM # 7-92 Public
Notices (issued 9/11/92, updated 10/1/01 & 4/21/08) The Division is responsible for seeing that the public is adequately informed concerning the location and nature of a proposed or existing coal surface mining operation based upon what appears in the public notice required by §4VAC25-130-773.13(a)(1) of the regulations.
����������� The public notice must be reviewed by the field inspector. Once approved, the inspector will assign a publication number that must be added to the notice for publication.
����������� MEMORANDUM # 8-92 NPDES
Permits – Storm Water Discharges (issued 9/25/92, updated 10/1/01)
water discharges will be addressed in the NPDES permit application (DMLR-PT-128). The application must include, at the minimum, monitoring representative
of the entire site for 1 storm event. Applications
for proposed operations should use estimated parameter values based on
discharges from operations similar in nature and submit site specific storm
water analysis for discharges when the operation starts (Terms of Issuance). Operations with multiple discharges may use representative monitoring
sites for pond and haulroad discharges that are substantially identical.
Storm water analyses (in addition to the coal industry parameters of pH,
TSS, Fe, & Mn) will also monitor the parameters of oil and grease; COD;
BOD5; total phosphorus; total Kjeldahl nitrogen; and nitrate plus nitrite
MEMORANDUM # 9-92 DMLR
Blasters Endorsement Certification (issued 12/1/92, updated 10/1/01 & 4/21/08) Effective January 1, 1993, the Division of Mines (DM) began processing and issuing original applications and renewals of coal surface mine blaster certifications. DM also began conducting endorsement training and tracking all data and information related to the certification and endorsement procedures. DMLR continues to issue the blaster endorsement certifications and enforce blasting enforcement standards (including suspension or revocation of the endorsement certification, as needed). Function
Information in Public Notices (issued 6/14/93, updated 10/1/01) Information
that a contractor will be doing the actual mining on a proposed mining operation
should be included in the public notice required
under §4 VAC 25-130-773.13 of the regulations. The information should also provide the contractor’s name and address. MEMORANDUM
# 9-93 Company
Structure Master File (issued 11/17/93, updated 10/1/01)
permittee is required to update the ownership and control information whenever a
change occurs in the company structure for the permittee and operator. Forms DMLR-PT-034p and DMLR-PT-034o are to be used to update the relevant
order to reduce copying and costs for the permittee, the Division has
established a company structure master file for the permittee information. Future permit applications may reference the permittee’s master file if
no changes have occurred in the company’s legal structure since the last
update. The permittee would only
need to submit an affidavit (DMLR-PT-250) with the application materials
certifying that no changes have occurred from the previous information filed
permittee must maintain and make available a duplicate copy of the master file
at the appropriate courthouse(s) or public office(s) where the permit
application (including significant revisions and renewals) is filed for public
inspection. MEMORANDUM # 7-94
Monitoring and Reporting Requirements (issued 8/29/94, updated 10/1/01) Effective January 1, 1995 –
Results of NPDES
monitoring shall be reported quarterly on the Discharge Monitoring Reports
(DMLR-PT-119). The monitoring
results shall be reported for each discharge within 30 days after the end of the
active mining areas shall be sampled 2 times per calendar month. Discharges from reclamation areas shall be sampled 1 time per calendar
month. Discharges from underground
mine drainage shall be sampled 2 times per calendar month. All samples shall be collected at least 7 days apart.
Qualifying rainfall
event for the purposes of determining the eligibility of a discharge for the
alternate storm limitations are– Qualifying Rainfall Events for
Notice and Comment Periods (issued 11/21/94, updated 10/1/01)
rate and comment periods:
· Published once a week for 4 consecutive weeks with a 30 day
comment period from the last date of publication –
permit applications * Significant Revisions*
permit renewals* Bond Releases ** · Published once a week for 2 consecutive weeks with a 30 day
comment period from the 1st date of publication – Transfer
applications ** NPDES renewals/revisions
revisions** * Copy placed at courthouse (approved public office) for public inspection
** Copy displayed at DMLR’s Big Stone Gap office. MEMORANDUM # 12-94
(Corrections) Submittal; Anniversary Fees (issued 12/5/94, updated 10/1/01 & 4/21/08)
Anniversary fees – the permittee needs to submit the required anniversary fees to the DMLR office once notified of the permitting and technical review approval of the anniversary report application. MEMORANDUM # 2-95
Combustion By-Products Guidelines (issued 1/30/95, updated 10/1/01 & 4/21/08)
The Division will implement the requirements of §9VAC20-85-10 et seq. for the use of coal combustion by-products on permits issued under the Virginia Coal Surface Mining Reclamation Regulations (4VAC25-130-700.1 et seq.). The Coal Combustion By-Products Guidelines are to be used in conjunction with the aforementioned regulations. MEMORANDUM # 5-95
Settlement Guidelines (issued 8/3/95, updated 10/1/01) The
following guidelines set forth the procedures to be used by DMLR to determine
whether or not a settled highwall must be re-eliminated. (§§4 VAC
25-130-816.102 and 4 VAC 25-130-817.102) 1. Completion of initial backfilling and grading per 4 VAC
25-130-816/817.102
2. Inspector will confirm compliance (photos & inspection report) before
backfilling and grading approval is granted.
3. 1 year after backfilling, Inspector will document occurrence and extent
of each area of backfill settlement, noting – areas of settlement less than 3
feet; in excess of 3 feet; those with stability problems; and where land use
problems may exist. 4. Inspector will document each occurrence and extent of backfill settlement
during each complete inspection (quarterly). 5. DMLR to evaluate each occurrence of settlement to determine if stability
or land use problems exist.
6. Re-exposure of highwall result of instability – DMLR will require
mitigation, including re-elimination of highwall as soon as possible.
7. After 18 months, should DMLR determine settlement interferes with
postmining land use implementation, permittee will be instructed to mitigate
settlement, total highwall re-elimination (45 days, with extensions possible
based upon site-specific situation). Failure
to comply may result in enforcement action (4 VAC 25-130.816/817.133(a)).
8. Post 18 months - settlement in excess of 3 feet deemed impediment to the
post mining land use and final bond release would not be considered until areas
of wall exceeding 3 feet are re-eliminated. DMLR will instruct mitigation of settlement in areas exceeding 3 feet (45
days, with extensions possible based upon site-specific situation). Failure to comply may result in enforcement action (4 VAC
25-130.816/817.133(a)).
9. Areas re-disturbed to eliminate settlement will be evaluated by DMLR to
determine whether any portion or all of the permit must have the bond liability
period extended per 4 VAC 25-130.816/817.116. The full period of liability will be applied if more than 10% of the
applicable area is significantly re-disturbed. (see Normal
Husbandry Practices).
b. A certification from a professional engineer is submitted to the DMLR
attesting that the highwall is stable and no stability problems exist.
c. There are no other existing violations associated with the highwall
backfill. MEMORANDUM # 6-95
Use Guidelines (issued 8/9/95, updated 10/1/01 & 4/21/08)
The Division will implement the requirements of §12VAC5-585 et seq. for the use of biosolids on permits issued under the Virginia Coal Surface Mining Reclamation Regulations (4VAC25-130-700.1 et seq.). The Biosolids Use Guidelines are to be used in conjunction with the aforementioned regulations.
Permit Streamline
Procedures (issued 6/16/98, updated 10/1/01 & 4/21/08)
Inspector’s Copy of Completed/Approved Permit Application The permittee must submit the Inspector’s copy of the complete and correct application upon completion of the application review (same time the OSM copy is provided to DMLR). 4VAC25-130-773.15
Midterm Reviews DMLR shall conduct the comprehensive review of the permit at the middle of the permit’s term. 4VAC25-130-774.11
If the permittee wishes to renew an existing permit under its current boundaries and conditions – Application for permit renewal DMLR-PT-034e – (type of application code = TJ). If there are no changes to the existing plans, only the applicable portions of Sections 1 through 3. DMLR-PT-034D – certification.
Remining Permit Streamline Procedures Application content – provide standard application information and any information to detail the various mining incentives (e.g., AML features to be reclaimed, reasonable available spoil to be used to reclaim AML features).
permittee can qualify for a reduction in the responsibility period for
successful revegetation by clearly distinguishing between remined areas and the
other areas of the permit. The
timing of bond release on the remined segments can be reduced from 5 to 2 years
following the date of last augmented seeding. In order to qualify for the other
incentives, a permittee or applicant must provide the applicable information
required under Part 4 VAC 25-130-785. Remining
incentives cannot apply to an existing permit until a permit revision is
submitted and approved. MEMORANDUM # 9-98
Streamline Procedures - Forms (issued 12/17/98, updated 10/1/01 & 4/21/08) As of March 1, 1999, the Division will require permitting action be submitted on the following electronic forms. (If you are just revising permittee or operator information, you need only submit the completed DMLR-PT-034o or DMLR-PT-034p, as applicable.) The certification form (DMLR-PT-034D) needs to be submitted with each application package.
Application for Coal Surface Mining and Reclamation Operations. General and Technical Information DMLR-PT-034eg
Application Guide. (The
guide will identify the other permitting forms which may be used.)
Application for Coal Surface Mining and Reclamation Operations Permittee
DMLR-PT-034pg
for Guide – Permittee Information
Application for Coal Surface Mining and Reclamation Operations - Operator
DMLR-PT-034og
for Guide – Operator Information
DMLR-PT-034D
of Application The DMLR permitting forms are available through the Internet (http://www.dmme.virginia.gov/divisionmlr.shtml) in Acrobat and Microsoft Word versions.
DMLR-PT-034e – (type of application code = TJ). If there are no changes to the existing plans, only the applicable portions of Sections 1 through 3. DMLR-PT-034D – certification.
adequate and no permit revision is required; adequate; however, an updated PHC assessment report is required; or
inadequate; the letter will list the sections (under DMLR-PT-034e) that need to be revised. MEMORANDUM # 3-99
Monitoring Frequency (issued 11/5/99, updated 10/1/01)
frequency for sampling and analyzing groundwater monitoring points for field
parameters is changed from bi-weekly to twice each month, at least 7 days apart.
the permit’s groundwater monitoring plan contains any other frequency, this
memorandum does not modify the plan. Any
other frequency change(s) must be requested through an appropriate revision
application. Form DMLR-PT-101 was
revised to reflect the frequency change.