Abandoned Mine Land Inventory System

Description

Purpose

An inventory of land and water impacted by past mining (primarily coal mining) is maintained by OSM to provide information needed to implement the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). The inventory contains information on the location, type, and extent of AML impacts, as well as, information on the cost associated with the reclamation of those problems. The inventory is based upon field surveys by State, Tribal, and OSM program officials. It is dynamic to the extent that it is modified as new problems are identified and existing problems are reclaimed. The Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Act (AMRA) of 1990, amended SMCRA. The amended law expands the scope of data OSM must collect regarding AML reclamation programs and progress. In addition, section 403(c) of SMCRA now requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish standardized procedures for updating and maintaining the data base. On a regular basis, but not less than annually, the projects completed under OSM's AML program shall be so noted on the inventory. This requirement includes additional reclamation programs established in the 1990 amendment such as acid mine drainage plans, coal interim site funding, and coal insolvent surety site funding.

Who maintains the information in the AML Inventory?

The information is developed and/or updated by the States and Indian Tribes managing their own AML programs under SMCRA or by the OSM office responsible for States and Indian Tribes not managing their own AML problems.

Where is the AML Inventory Kept?

OSM maintains the AML Inventory on a computerized system called the Abandoned Mine Land Inventory System (e-AMLIS).

Types of Problems

"High Priority"
The most serious AML problems are those posing a threat to health, safety and general welfare of people (Priority 1 and Priority 2, or "high priority"). These are the only problems which the law requires to be inventoried. There are 17 Priority 1 and 2 problem types.

Emergencies

Most AML problems have existed for some time and the States/Indian tribes and OSM have plans for reclaiming them. But, some AML problems occur suddenly. A person may wake up to find a subsidence hole in their front yard, or heavy rain may trigger a slide of old mine spoil material down onto homes, roads, railroads and streams. These suddenly occurring problems are addressed by the emergency program. Initially OSM carried out all of the emergency AML reclamation. Thirteen States are now responsible for their own emergency reclamation. Currently information is only kept in the AML Inventory on State-managed emergency projects (completed projects). Information on Federally-managed emergency problems is kept elsewhere.

Environmental

AML problems impacting the environment are known as Priority 3 problems. While SMCRA does not require OSM to inventory every unreclaimed priority 3 problem, some program States and Indian tribes have chosen to submit such information. Information for priority 3 problem types is required when reclamation activities are funded and information on completed reclamation of priority 3 problems is kept in the inventory.

Other Coal Mine Related Problems

Information is also kept on lower priority coal related AML problems such as lower priority coal-related projects involving public facilities, and the development of publicly-owned land. The lower priority problems are also categorized-- priority 4 and 5 problem types.

Non-coal Mine Related AML Problems

The non-coal problems are primarily problems reclaimed by States/Indian tribes that have "Certified" that they have addressed all known eligible coal related problems. States and Indian tribes managing their own AML programs may also reclaim non-coal problems prior to addressing all their coal related problems under SMCRA SEC. 409-- FILLING VOIDS AND SEALING TUNNELS at the request of the Governor of the state or the governing body of the Indian tribe if the Secretary of the Department of the Interior determines such problems meet the criteria for a priority 1, extreme hazard, problems.

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