Environmental Reclamation Standards Flashcards

Under SMCRA, what is the primary purpose of the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) reclamation fund?

Answer: To reclaim lands and waters adversely affected by coal mining before 1977

The AML fund, established by SMCRA, uses fees from active coal mining operations to reclaim lands and waters damaged by pre-1977 coal mining.

Which regulatory agency administers the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) at the federal level?

Answer: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE)

OSMRE, within the Department of the Interior, is the federal agency responsible for administering SMCRA and overseeing state programs.

What does the term 'approximate original contour' (AOC) mean in surface mine reclamation?

Answer: Restoring the land to its pre-mining elevation and contour as closely as possible

AOC requires backfilling and grading mined areas to restore the land to its pre-mining elevation, configuration, and contour as closely as possible.

Under SMCRA's performance standards, what minimum gradient must reclaimed slopes generally not exceed to prevent erosion?

Answer: 2:1 (horizontal to vertical)

SMCRA performance standards generally require reclaimed slopes not to exceed 2:1 (two horizontal to one vertical) to ensure stability and prevent excessive erosion.

A reclamation bond is released in phases under SMCRA. Phase I bond release occurs when:

Answer: Backfilling, grading, and drainage control are complete

Phase I bond release (60% of bond) occurs after successful completion of backfilling, regrading, and drainage control measures.

Which document must an operator file to demonstrate financial ability to complete reclamation before mining begins?

Answer: Reclamation performance bond

A performance bond must be filed and approved before a surface mining permit is issued, ensuring funds are available for reclamation if the operator defaults.

Under SMCRA, which mining operation type is specifically exempt from approximate original contour requirements when the regulatory authority approves a variance?

Answer: Mountaintop removal mining with a suitable post-mining land use

Mountaintop removal mining may receive an AOC variance if the operator demonstrates a suitable post-mining land use such as industrial, commercial, or residential development.