Laserfiche WebLink
<br />,; <br />requirements for surface mining.s~ This section is implemented <br />in large part at 30 C.F.R. Part Ft16. <br />Section 516 establishes the regu],.atory requirements for <br />underground coal mining, including provisions for the control of <br />subsidence from underground coal mining.) This section of SMCRA <br />J Section 515 of the Act sets oiit the environmental protection <br />performance standards for surfacE: coal mining, including <br />standards for backfilling and gr~~ding to approximate original <br />contour; revegetation; reconstruction of prime farmlands; <br />impoundments; augering; protecting the hydrologic balance; <br />protecting fish and wildlife valL~ies; disposal of excess spoil, <br />mine waste, and acid-forming and ,toxic materials; use of <br />explosives; and construction .of i.-oads. <br />J SMCRA section 516 provides in relevant part: <br />(a) The Secretary shall pri~mulgate rules and regulations <br />directed toward the surface effects of underground coal <br />mining operations, embodying the following requirements and <br />in accordance with the procE:dures established under section <br />501 of this Act: Provided,~however, That in adopting any <br />rules and regulations the Secretary shall consider the <br />distinct difference between surface coal mining and <br />underground. coal mining .... .: .~ . -. _ _ <br />{b) Each permit issued undE:r any approved State or Federal <br />program pursuant to this Act: and relating.to underground <br />coal mining shall require tY~ie operator to-- <br />(1) adopt measures consistE:nt with known technology in <br />order to prevent subsidence causing material damage to the <br />extent technologically and Economically feasible, maximize <br />mine stability, and maintain the value and reasonably ' <br />foreseeable use of such sure'ace lands, except in those <br />instances. where the mining t;:echnology used requires planned <br />subsidence.in a predictableiand controlled manner: <br />Provided, That nothing in tk~is subsection shall be construed <br />to prohibit the standard method of room and pillar mining; <br />(c).~In order•to protect the stability oP the land,_the_ <br />regulatory authority shall~~;tispend underground coal mining <br />under urbanized areas, citiE:s, towns, and major. <br />impoundments, or'permanent streams if he finds imminent <br />danger to inhabitants of thE: urbanized areas, cities, towns, <br />and communities. <br />(continued...) <br />