# West Virginia Regulatory Program
> **Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement** · Final rule; approval of amendment. · Published 1999-10-01 · Effective 1999-10-01 · 64 FR 53200
## Document
- **Document number:** 99-25551
- **Category:** mining
- **Sub-agency:** Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
- **State:** VA
- **Federal Register citation:** 64 FR 53200
- **CFR reference:** 30 CFR 948
- **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.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/1999/10/01/99-25551/west-virginia-regulatory-program)
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