mining · Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement · MS · Published 1998-01-09 · Effective 1998-01-09 · 63 FR 1342
Document
Document number
98-532
Federal Register citation
63 FR 1342
CFR reference
30 CFR 924
Type
Rule
Action
Final rule; approval of amendment.
Category
mining
Sub-agency
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
State
MS
Publication date
1998-01-09
Effective date
1998-01-09
Interior docket
SPATS No. MS-012-FOR
Abstract
OSM is approving, with exceptions and additional requirements, a proposed amendment to the Mississippi regulatory program (hereinafter referred to as the ``Mississippi program'') under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). Mississippi proposed revisions to the Mississippi Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Law (MSCMRL) pertaining to definitions, reorganization, adoption of rules and regulations, small operator assistance program, permit applications, permit fees, reclamation plans, performance bonds, permit issuance, permit reissuance, permit revision, public participation, public hearings, formal hearings, confidentiality claims, environmental protection performance standards, postmining land use, underground coal mining, mine entrance signs, violations, civil penalties, bond release, bond forfeiture, suspension and revocation of permits, designating lands unsuitable for surface coal mining, and creation of a ``Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Fund.'' The amendment is intended to revise the Mississippi program to be consistent with SMCRA, clarify ambiguities, and improve operational efficiency by incorporating the administrative practices and laws used by other environmental agencies in the State.