The Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation, and Enforcement's (OSMRE) proposes to revise the Permanent Program Regulations Implementing the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 Concerning the Creation and Disposal of Excess Spoil and Coal Mine Waste and Stream Buffer Zones.
What does that mean?
For the past 30 years this rule has prohibited mining activities within 100 feet of perennial or intermittent streams, which serve as habitats to a vast array of aquatic life and provide drinking water to local communities.
The rewrite of this rule could allow for waivers and effectively eliminate the buffer, giving mining companies the green light to mine through streams across the Appalachian region.
Download the proposal here and submit your comments there too.
Comments are due Nov. 23.
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Hawaii
14 years ago
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