SOLICITATION OF PUBLIC COMMENT FOR THE COLLINS REFUSE PROJECT
The Kentucky Division of Abandoned Mine Lands (KYDAML) is soliciting public comment on a proposed Abandoned Mine Land Enhancement Rule Reclamation Project in the community of Southdown, in Letcher County. The project is being proposed pursuant to the guidelines in 30 CFR 874.17, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Plan. The division will accept comments from the public until close of business Jan. 6, 2010. Any person or group may submit comments in writing through the U.S. Postal Service or via e-mail.
The project involves a proposed cooperative reclamation effort between the Kentucky Department for Natural Resources (DNR) and a contractor to remove coal refuse material from an abandoned coal refuse dump located adjacent to Craft Colly Church. The refuse material was deposited by previous pre-law mining operations. The project proposes to remove the refuse material via suitable equipment and transport it via KY 2034 to a local permitted preparation plant. After refuse removal operations are complete, the former dump area will be regraded and vegetated in a manner described in the project narrative.
A description of the proposed project and plan maps (map1, map2) can be viewed and downloaded, or call 502-564-2141 and request to have a copy of the project proposal mailed to you.
Comments may be mailed to:
Kentucky Division of Abandoned Mine Lands
Collins Refuse Project
2521 Lawrenceburg Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
Comments may be e-mailed to:bill.overman@ky.gov
Please put Collins Refuse Project in the subject line of the e-mail.
Johnson County to Receive Waterline Project
The Department for Natural Resources’ Division of Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) announced today the commencement of construction for the Butcher Hollow Water Supply Project for Johnson County. On-site construction will begin Aug. 17 with a projected completion date of January 2010.
Press Release Date: Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009
Division of Abandoned Mine Lands Announces Water Supply Project for Knott County
The Department for Natural Resources’ Division of Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) announced today the commencement of construction for the Irishman Creek Phase IV Water Supply Project for Knott County, Kentucky.
Press Release Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2009
AML FEE REAUTHORIZATION APPROVED FOR 15 YEARS
Overview of SMCRA Amendments 2006
Comprehensive legislation reauthorizing the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program under Title IV of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) was passed by the congress on Dec. 9, 2006, and was signed by the president on Dec. 20, 2006. This bill represents the culmination of years of work by the states, federal government and others to address the future of the AML program. The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act Amendments of 2006 were contained in the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-342). The new legislation extends federal AML fee collection authority to 2021 at reduced rates and addresses a host of other provisions to the AML program. Once implemented, the new changes in federal law will result in substantial increases in AML funding to states and tribes and focus AML reclamation on projects that benefit public health and safety.
Other notable changes made by the 2006 amendments include:
- AML fee collection extended for 15 years.
- AML fees reduced by 20 percent over the duration of the extension.
- Unappropriated State Share balances paid out to states and tribes over a seven-year period.
- AML allocation formula modified to direct more funds to areas with most historic coal-related problems.
- AML funds distributed annually outside congressional appropriation process.
- Acid Mine Drainage Abatement Set-Aside allotment increased from 10 percent to 30 percent of grant.
- Thirty percent cap on waterline allotment lifted. States no longer limited by cap on waterline funding.
- Lien provisions streamlined.
- Redefines priorities for AML funding.
- Increases and stabilizes funding for the UMWA Combined Benefit Funds.
These changes will result in dramatic and far-reaching effects to the AML program. The states, tribes and federal Office of Surface Mining are working cooperatively to ensure a smooth implementation of the 2006 amendments in a way that benefits the citizens of the nation’s coalfields.
