Public hearings set by OSM to allow comment on stream fill issue

摘要

The U.S. Office of Surface Mining has scheduled five public hearings to give the public an opportunity to comment on its proposed rules to enhance environmental protection applicable to excess spoil fill construction arid clarify the circumstances in which coal mining activities may be allowed within 100 feet of a stream. OSM is also extending the deadline for submitting written comments on the proposed rules by 30 days. The comment period was originally scheduled to close on March 8 but will now be extended until April 7 due to a number of requests for additional time. OSM has scheduled public hearings to receive comments in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Tennessee and Washington, D.C.