Digest of Federal Resource Laws of Interest to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (30 U.S.C. 1201-1328; 91 Stat. 445) -- Approved
August 3, 1977, Public Law 95-87, as amended by Public Laws 95-240 (92 Stat. 107,109),
approved March 7, 1978;95-343 (92 Stat. 473), approved August 11, 1978; 95-617 (92 Stat.
3166), approved November 9, 1978; 96-511 (94 Stat. 2826), approved December 11, 1980;
96-517 (94 Stat. 3026), approved December 12, 1980; 97-98 (95 Stat. 1344), approved December
22, 1981; 97-377 (96 Stat. 1918), approved December 21, 1982; 98-146 (97 Stat.938), approved
November 4, 1983; 98-181 (97 Stat. 1294), approved November 30, 1983; 98-409 (98 Stat.
1536), approved August 24, 1984; 98-473 (98 Stat. 1847), approved October 12, 1984; 100-34
(101 Stat. 300), approved May 7, 1987; 100-71 (101 Stat. 416), approved July 11, 1987; 100-202
(101 Stat. 1329-226), approved December 22, 1987; and 101-508 (104 Stat. 1388).
This Act establishes a program for the regulation of surface mining activities and the
reclamation of coal-mined lands, under the administration of the Office of Surface Mining,
Reclamation and Enforcement, in the Department of the Interior.
The law sets forth minimum uniform requirements for all coal surface mining on Federal and
State lands, including exploration activities and the surface effects of underground mining. Mine
operators are required to minimize disturbances and adverse impact on fish, wildlife and related
environmental values and achieve enhancement of such resources where practicable. Restoration
of land and water resources is ranked as a priority in reclamation planning.
Service comments on surface mining permits include concerns related to contaminant issues.
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