OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT

For Release September 28, 1994

Jerry Childress (202) 208-2719

SURFACE MINING DIRECTOR PROPOSES ACID MINE DRAINAGE POLICY

Robert J. Uram, Director of the Interior Department's Office of
Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), today released
a
draft report prepared by the OSM Acid Mine Drainage Policy Team
detailing proposed policy for what he called "one of OSM's
highest
environmental priorities" -- controlling and avoiding acid mine
drainage (AMD) at coal mine sites nationwide.

Inviting public review and comment, Uram described the proposed
policy as "one of OSM's key efforts to achieve responsible
environmental management of coal

"A management guidance plan I adopted in March 1994 included a
provision for an AMD policy team to develop an effective AMD
policy
based on existing law and regulation," Uram said. "This proposal
is
an important part of our initiative to work with the states to
prevent AMD by means of the permitting process and to improve
permitting, enforcement, and bonding requirements on active mine
sites with potential AMD problems. The team effort complements
the
work of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and other states in seeking
solutions to AMD."

The proposal describes the policy of OSM for protection Of' the
hydrologic balance from the effects of AMID. It summarizes the
requirements of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act
(SMCRA)and its implementing federal regulations, and provides a
framework for program implementation.

With respect to AMD prevention, team co-leaders Art Abbs and Jim
Chisolm said the policy statement also:

--Explains how permitting, inspection, enforcement, and bond
release requirements are interrelated;

--Demonstrates the scientific and legal basis of OSM policy for
managing AMD and other acidic impacts within the overall
hydrologic-balance protection concepts of SMCRA and federal
regulations;

--Establishes a framework for systematic and consistent program
implementation by state and federal surface mining regulators;

--Explains the role of water-quality treatment in AMID
remediation
as well as when mining is done in potential AMD areas;

--Emphasizes long-term reclamation objectives established in
SMCRA;
and
--Improves understanding by state and federal regulatory program 
administrators, citizens, industry, and other stakeholders of
SMCRA
requirements related to AMD.

"AMD from active and abandoned coal mines has already destroyed
over 7,000 miles of streams nationwide. Yet 17 years after SMCRA
became law, precious little has been done to abate it or reverse
the AMD damages of the past," Uram said. "That makes policy
measures to prevent AMD all the more important for the future."

The proposed AMD policy and OSM's recently announced Appalachian
Clean Streams initiative represent OSM's continuing commitment to
find permanent solutions to AMD.

OSM will decide whether to adopt the team's report after the team
reviews public comments and makes a final recommendation.

Copies of the AMD policy statement can be obtained from OSM
Public
Affairs, 1951 Constitution Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20240,
phone (202) 208-2719, F:AX (202) 219-0256.

-DOI-