mining · Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement · VA · Published 2003-07-07 · 68 FR 40157
Document
Document number
03-17080
Federal Register citation
68 FR 40157
CFR reference
30 CFR 948
Type
Rule
Action
Final rule; approval of amendment.
Category
mining
Sub-agency
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
State
VA
Publication date
2003-07-07
Interior docket
WV-098-FOR
Abstract
We are approving, with one exception, a proposed amendment to the West Virginia surface coal mining regulatory program (the West Virginia program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). The program amendment consists of changes to the Code of West Virginia (W. Va. Code) as contained in House Bills 2881 and 2882, and changes to the State's Coal Related Dam Safety Rules at Code of State Regulations (CSR) 38-4, and West Virginia's Surface Mining Reclamation Regulations at CSR 38-2 as contained in House Bill 2603. The amendment concerns a variety of topics including bond release, dam safety, permit application requirements, drainage and sediment control systems, fish and wildlife considerations, revegetation, performance standards, inspection and enforcement, coal refuse, and performance standards applicable to remining operations. The amendment is intended to improve the effectiveness of the West Virginia program and to render the West Virginia program no less effective than the Federal regulations.