U.S. Department of the Interior
Office of Surface Mining
For Immediate Release:		              Jerry Childress (202) 208-7941
Friday, July 12, 2002

OSM EXTENDS COMMENT PERIOD ON ADVANCE NOTICE OF PROPOSED 
RULE MAKING ON FINANCIAL ASSURANCE MECHANISMS 
FOR TREATMENT OF LONG-TERM AMD DISCHARGES

	The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) today 
announced that it is extending the comment period on its advance notice of 
proposed rulemaking to seek comments on bonding issues and other financial 
assurance mechanisms for treatment of long-term acid or toxic mine drainage 
(AMD) that develop as a result of surface coal mining operations.  
	
Jeff Jarrett, director of OSM, said that the comment period will be extended 
through Tuesday, October 15, 2002.  The extension notice will be published in the 
Federal Register of July 16, 2002.
	
	According to Jarrett OSM made the decision to extend the comment period 
"after several requests from coalfield citizens, and industry groups, asking for 
additional time to state their opinions on the issue.  OSM wants to be sure that 
everyone gets the chance to voice their view."

	To assure consideration, OSM must receive all comments by October 15, 
2002.  Comments may be mailed or hand carried to the Office of Surface Mining 
Reclamation and Enforcement, Administrative Record, Room 101, 1951 
Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.  

	For further information contact:  Ruth Stokes, Program Support Directorate, 
OSM, telephone (202) 208-2611.    

-OSM-