Alaska Regulatory Program

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) is approving, with certain exceptions and additional requirements, a proposed amendment to the Alaska regulatory program (hereinafter referred to as the ``Alaska program'') under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). Alaska proposed revisions to and additions of rules pertaining to fees for services, general permitting requirements, general permit application information requirements, environmental resource information requirements, reclamation and operation plan requirements, processing of permit applications, permitting for special categories of mining, exploration, the small operator assistance program, bonding, performance standards, inspection and enforcement, and general provisions. The amendment revised the Alaska program to be consistent with the corresponding Federal regulations, to clarify ambiguities, and to improve operational efficiency.