OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION & ENFORCEMENT

For release April 25, 1996
Jerry Childress (202) 208-2719
jchildre@osmre.gov

OSM ANNOUNCES REVISED "733" PROCEDURES

     Robert J. Uram, Director of the Interior Department's Office
of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), today
announced new administrative procedures OSM will follow when
considering requests filed under Title 30, U.S. Code of Federal
Regulations, Section 733.12(a)(2).

     The "733" procedures apply when problems adversely affecting
a state's Interior-approved regulatory program for coal mining and
reclamation lead OSM to consider withdrawing approval of the
state's program, entailing loss of primacy in the state.  The new
procedures place overall responsibility for the process at the OSM
regional level, while allowing the Regional Directorate flexibility
in identifying key staff members involved in the process.

     Under CFR Section 733.12(a)(2), any interested person may
request an evaluation of a state surface mining program.  The
request must set forth a concise statement of facts establishing
the need for the evaluation.  The OSM Director then has 60 days to
determine whether an evaluation of the state program will be
conducted.

     Uram said that a team of OSM personnel was assigned in May
1995 to develop the refined procedures, designed to assure OSM's
compliance with the regulations, under terms of a settlement
agreement in a case before the Interior Board of Land Appeals
(National Wildlife Federation and the Citizens Coal Council versus
OSM and the Virginia Coal & Coke Company).

     "The team did a highly commendable job," Uram said.  "The new
procedure will increase accountability and assist us in meeting
deadlines --- thereby providing better service and better
on-the-ground results."

     According to Uram, the procedures:

# Are designed to reflect OSM's serious consideration of all
requests filed under Section 733.12(a)(2) by getting key high-level
officials involved in the process up front.

# Establish a uniform process clearly delineating roles and
responsibilities.

# Enhance and maintain communications throughout the process with
the interested parties and the appropriate state officials.

# Establish early decision milestones to maximize the efficient use
of agency procedures, so that frivolous or unsupported requests may
be dismissed.

     Questions about the new procedures should be addressed to
David Hartos, 733 Procedures Team Leader, (412) 937-2909.

                               -DOI-