Opinion ID: 501787
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Variances From Original Contours

Text: 136 Under the SMCRA, mining operators are expected generally to restore their land to its approximate original contour. The Act, however, grants a limited variance for lands whose slope exceeds 20 degrees. In his 1983 regulations, however, Secretary Watt broadened this variance to include lands whose slope was below 20 degrees, a step NWF has challenged as inconsistent with Congress' intent that mined lands be returned to a state that closely resemble[s] its pre-mining condition. See SMCRA Sec. 701(2). 19 137 The district court concluded that NWF had standing to challenge this variance, see Findings on Standing, at 26-28, a finding Industry protests. It focuses upon the affidavit of Granville Burchard, heavily relied on by the district court. According to Industry, this affidavit misinterprets what the regulations allow and complains more about past than threatened harm. Whatever the inadequacies in Mr. Burchard's affidavit, however, other NWF affidavits satisfactorily plead injury. See, e.g., Ford Aff. (expressing concern over granting [of] any variances to allow leaving highwalls on non-steep slopes on land near her home because [s]uch a variance would adversely impact my enjoyment of the natural vistas of these hills). Accordingly, we find NWF has standing to challenge the Secretary's regulation. 138