FEDERAL REGISTER: 43 FR 21458 (MAY 18, 1978)

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR  
AGENCY: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM)

30 CFR Parts  715 and 717
General Performance Standards and  Underground Mining General Performance Standards  

ACTION: Rescission of rule relating to regulation of manganese in alkaline waters.  

SUMMARY: The Office of Surface Mining is withdrawing the manganese effluent limitations for alkaline waters for
surface and underground coal mining and reclamation operations.  This action is taken under section 201(c) of the
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977.  The Secretary has concluded that there are insufficient data
to justify effluent limitations for manganese in alkaline waters during the interim regulatory program.  

DATES: This rescission is effective May 18, 1978.  

ADDRESS: Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Department of the Interior,
Washington, D.C. 20240, 202-343-4237.  

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Walter N. Heine, 202-343-4237.  

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to section 201(c) of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation
Act of 1977, Pub.L. 95-87, the Secretary has reconsidered the regulation of manganese in alkaline waters.  Based
upon a review of the administrative record supporting this rule, the Secretary has concluded that there are insufficient
data to justify effluent limitations for manganese in alkaline waters during the interim regulatory program. 
Therefore, the Secretary hereby rescinds that portion of Sec. Sec.  715.17(a) and 717.17(a) which requires the
removal of manganese in alkaline water.  The effluent limitations regulating manganese in acidic water remain
unchanged.  

DRAFTING INFORMATION: Principal authors of this regulation are Walter N. Heine, Director, Office of Surface
Mining and Gerald P. Dodson, Attorney, Office of the Solicitor. 

Dated: May 10, 1978.  
WALTER N. HEINE,  Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.  

{21458} 
In 30 CFR Sec.  715.17, paragraph (a) is amended by adding a new subparagraph (3) to read as follows:  

Sec.  715.17 Protection of the hydrologic system.  

(a) * * *  

     (3) The effluent limitations for manganese shall be applicable only to acid drainage.  

In 30 CFR Sec.  717.17, paragraph (a) is amended by adding a new subparagraph (3) to read as follows:  

{21459} Sec.  717.17 Protection of the hydrologic system.  

(a) * * *  

     (3) The effluent limitations for manganese shall be applicable only to acid drainage.  

[FR Doc. 78-13528 Filed 5-17-78; 8:45 am]