For Release  March 14, 1996                  Jerry Childress (202) 208-2719
                                             jchildre@osmre.gov


OSM DIRECTOR ANNOUNCES COAL MINE "BLOWOUT" SURVEY RESULTS

Robert J. Uram, Director of the Interior Department's Office of Surface Mining
Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), today announced results of a nationwide
survey on coal mine "blowouts" -- sudden, violent surface outrush of water
impounded in underground coal mines, usually caused by breach of unmined outcrop
barriers or faulty mine seals.

Uram said that the survey was prompted by the May 1995 blowout of a water-filled
coal mine in Buchanan County, Virginia, which resulted in a fatality.  OSM
coordinated the survey, which included a federal and state technical study of 33
recent blowouts from flooded underground mines.

The study concludes blowouts are an Appalachian regional phenomenon due to steep
slopes and numerous above-drainage underground mines.  Unexpected release of
water from underground coal mines often occurs because of active surface or auger
mining that intercepts adjacent underground workings, according to the study.

Uram approved the study findings and the blowout study team's conclusion that
technical guidelines, utilizing the "best science" approach, are needed to adequately
plan, design, and evaluate outcrop barriers and mine seals for above-drainage mines. 
"The guidelines will also focus on minimizing the potential hazards when active
surface or auger coal mining operations are located adjacent to flooded underground
mine workings," Uram said.

     "This technology study should increase awareness and prevent future
problems,"  Uram said. "If further technical study shows that new rules are needed,
the rulemaking process will be started."  

     "The study found that emergency Federal regulations are not required to
prevent future blowouts at active underground mining operations in Appalachia --
inasmuch as existing state regulations, guidelines, and procedures address blowout
potential through the coal mine permitting process," Uram said.

     OSM plans to invite the Interstate Mining Compact Commission, the National
Mining Association, and academia to nominate scientists to join with technical staff
from OSM and the Labor Department's Mine Safety and Health Administration to
develop guidelines and make recommendations on the need for revision of permitting
and performance standards to ensure the application of "best science" contained in
the guidelines.  

     In addition to the guidelines, Uram has asked the technical team to assess:

     --    The feasibility of predicting blowout potential from abandoned
           underground coal mines.

     --    Enforcement procedures and civil penalties when blowouts occur in
           active mines.

     --    The effectiveness of the up-dip mining prohibition in the Surface Mining
           Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA).

     "This type of planned partnership with the States and coal industry will go a
long way toward assuring that the intent of SMCRA is fulfilled in one very crucial
area," Uram said.  "We must all work together to protect the citizens of the coalfields
from blowouts, and to minimize hazards to surface miners working in the vicinity of
flooded abandoned underground mines."

     For further information about the blowout survey, contact Ann Stewart-Murphy,
OSM Appalachian Regional Coordinating Center, (412) 937-2158.

                                  -DOI-