Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Annual Evaluation Report for the Regulatory and Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Programs Administered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for Evaluation Year 2009 (July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009)

摘要

The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) created the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) in the Department of the Interior. SMCRA provides authority to OSM to oversee the implementation of and provide Federal funding for State regulatory programs that have been approved by OSM as meeting the minimum standards specified by SMCRA. This report contains summary information regarding the Pennsylvania Program and the effectiveness of the Pennsylvania Program in meeting the applicable purposes of SMCRA as specified in Section 102. This report covers the 2009 evaluation year, from July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2009. Detailed background information and comprehensive reports for the program elements evaluated during the period are available for review and copying at OSMs Harrisburg Office of the Pittsburgh Field Division (PFD). The OSM Harrisburg Office develops an annual work plan in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), to review and assess Pennsylvanias administration of its approved Abandoned Mine Reclamation, and Coal Mining Regulatory programs. The work plan also focuses on technical and program assistance activities jointly undertaken by OSM and PADEP staff to improve the effectiveness of Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) and Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) reclamation, and coal mining regulatory programs. A copy of the 2009 work plan is available from the OSM Harrisburg Office.