mining · Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement · VA · Published 1999-10-01 · Effective 1999-10-01 · 64 FR 53200
Document
Document number
99-25551
Federal Register citation
64 FR 53200
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
1999-10-01
Effective date
1999-10-01
Interior docket
WV-082-FOR
Abstract
OSM is announcing its approval of amendments and its decision concerning the State's request that we reconsider certain decisions on a previous program amendment to the West Virginia permanent regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). The amendment revises the West Virginia surface mining regulations concerning definitions of ``area mining operations'' and ``mountaintop mining operations;'' variances from approximate original contour in steep slope areas; subsidence control plans; permit issuance; construction tolerance; surface owner protection; and primary and emergency spillway designs. The previous amendment being reconsidered concerns subsidence regulations. The amendment is intended to improve the operational efficiency of the State program, and to make the regulations consistent with the counterpart Federal regulations.