Opinion ID: 501787
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Thin and Thick Overburden

Text: 235 Section 515(b)(3) of the Act directs mine operators to return land to its approximate original contour. 62 The provision contains an exemption, however, for situations where the spoil is either so thin or thick relative to the coal seam that there is insufficient or too much spoil to permit return to approximate original contour. See supra note 62 (SMCRA Sec. 515(b)(3)). 63 In 1979, the Secretary issued regulations that defined numerically when a variance from the approximate original contour requirement for too little or too much spoil could be granted. 30 C.F.R. Sec. 816.104 and Sec. 816.105 (1982). 64 236 In 1983, the Secretary eliminated the numerical definition, permitting a variance whenever the mine operator demonstrates that spoil is either insufficient or more than sufficient to restore land to its approximate original contour. 30 C.F.R. Sec. 816.104 and Sec. 816.105 (1986). 65 The sole support we have found for this revision is the Secretary's cryptic observation that [t]he mathematical limit ... has proved to be impractical because of its preciseness. 47 FED.REG. 26764 (1982). We do not know from this unadorned statement why no adjusted (less precise) or alternate nationwide rule was ordered in place of the one found impractical. Absent fuller statement of the reason for the revision, we cannot intelligently determine whether the Secretary has a satisfactory explanation for his action. 66 237