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What's New At OSM
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OSM Issues Proposed Rules for the Abandoned Mine Land Program
(Washington DC) – The U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) announced today publication of a proposed rule that would align current regulations with amendments to the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) which the President signed into law on December 20, 2006.
The amendments significantly changed the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program, including dramatically increasing the funds available for reclamation of abandoned coal mines. After an initial phase-in period, approximately 83% of fees collected annually will be allocated for this reclamation. [more]
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Restoring a Heritage…
Deputy Secretary Lynn Scarlett (second from the right) looks at an American chestnut hybrid planted with the aid of local students
(background). To her right is Marshal Case, president of The American Chestnut Foundation (TAFC).
The students planted nearly 1,500 high value, native trees, including the American chestnuts, at the Flint Point Carbon Sequestration
Project in Russell County, Va as part of the Virginia Department of Mines Minerals and Energy Arbor Day Celebration.
The planting site is a former surface coal mine that had been reclaimed using traditional methods. Few of the original trees survived
because the heavy compaction of the soil and heavy over seeding with grasses inhibits tree growth proved detrimental to tree survival.
These new trees were planted using the Forestry Reclamation Approach (FRA) method, developed by OSM’s Appalachian Region Reforestation
Initiative (ARRI). The FRA calls for little or no compaction, reduced seeding of vegetation and use of both fast and slow growing native
tree species.
The Nature Conservancy is using the 86-acre site to study how much carbon dioxide trees take in and sequester thus reducing the
amount of this green house gas in the environment.
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…and Recognizing True Dedication
Deputy Secretary Lynn Scarlett also used the tree planting to present Marshal Case with the Presidential Call to Service Award for
his service to America’s public lands and volunteerism. Mr. Case has given over 4,000 hours of volunteer service during his lifetime,
tirelessly working to inspire children to get outdoors and take pride in their lands.
The American Chestnut Foundation is celebrating its 25th anniversary developing a blight resistant American chestnut. There were
4 billion of these majestic trees in the early 1900’s before a blight nearly wiped them out.
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Two Abandoned Mine Land Projects Are Praised By National Fisheries Experts
(Washington, DC) Two acid mine drainage treatment projects supported by the Office
of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) were recently recognized by the
nation’s leading aquatic conservation authorities as part of the nation’s “10 Waters to Watch.”
[more] [ 74 KB]
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A Children's Workbook, Reclaiming the Land
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The workbook, through pictures, puzzles, and word games, help children to understand the dangers of old
abandoned mines and the positive impact on their communities when the mines are reclaimed. Soccer fields,
playgrounds, and housing for the community are built on reclaimed abandoned mine sites. |
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OSM Technology Transfer
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OSM’s Technology Development and Transfer supports and enhances the technical skills that States and Tribes
need to operate their regulatory and reclamation programs and to effectively implement the Surface Mining Control
and Reclamation Act. |
Visit
http://www.techtransfer.osmre.gov
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NEWS
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Mission Statement
Our mission is to carry out the requirements of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act
in cooperation with States and Tribes. [
more]
Vision Statement
In regulating active coal mining, we will maintain compliance at high levels and ensure
that all mines are properly operated … [
more]
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Our Organization
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Regulatory Grants Distribution Fiscal Year 2008: Click here to view FY08 distributions to States and Tribes.
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Abandoned Mine Land Annual Grants Distribution 2008:
Click here to view information for this fiscal year.
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Abandoned Mine Land Fee Reauthorization:
P.L. 109-432 (SMCRA Amendment Act of 2006) and a comparison of SMCRA and changes made by P.L. 109-432.
[more]
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Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Justification is now available.
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more]
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