CMM Environmental Reclamation Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under SMCRA, what is the primary purpose of the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) reclamation fund?
- To fund new mining permits in priority areas
- To reclaim lands and waters adversely affected by coal mining before 1977 (Correct answer)
- To compensate landowners for surface damage from active mining
- To finance environmental impact statements for new mines
Correct 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.
Question 2: Which regulatory agency administers the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) at the federal level?
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
- Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) (Correct answer)
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Correct 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.
Question 3: What does the term 'approximate original contour' (AOC) mean in surface mine reclamation?
- Restoring the land to its pre-mining elevation and contour as closely as possible (Correct answer)
- Grading land to a flat, stable plateau regardless of original topography
- Matching the contour of adjacent undisturbed land only
- Creating a contour that maximizes post-mining land use potential
Correct 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.
Question 4: Under SMCRA's performance standards, what minimum gradient must reclaimed slopes generally not exceed to prevent erosion?
- 1:1 (45 degrees)
- 2:1 (horizontal to vertical) (Correct answer)
- 3:1 (horizontal to vertical)
- 4:1 (horizontal to vertical)
Correct 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.
Question 5: A reclamation bond is released in phases under SMCRA. Phase I bond release occurs when:
- The mine reaches full production capacity
- Backfilling, grading, and drainage control are complete (Correct answer)
- The vegetative cover equals that of the surrounding area
- Five years have passed since final revegetation
- The permit is transferred to a new operator
Correct 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.
Question 6: Which document must an operator file to demonstrate financial ability to complete reclamation before mining begins?
- Reclamation performance bond (Correct answer)
- Environmental impact statement
- Hydrologic impact assessment
- Post-mining land use plan
Correct 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.
Question 7: Under SMCRA, which mining operation type is specifically exempt from approximate original contour requirements when the regulatory authority approves a variance?
- Mountaintop removal mining with a suitable post-mining land use (Correct answer)
- Underground mining with subsidence potential
- Placer mining in alluvial valley floors
- In-situ leach mining operations
Correct 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.
CMM Environmental Reclamation Standards 2
Under SMCRA, what is the primary purpose of the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) reclamation fund?