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LOUISIANA
Birmingham Field Office
- STATE OVERVIEW
- OVERSIGHT
Coal Production
Louisiana's estimated 1.0 billion tons of coal reserves consist entirely of lignite. The deposits are located in the northwest part of the State, a moist, temperate region with highly erodible soils. Lignite was recognized in Louisiana as early as 1812. The first documented use occurred at the Confederate arsenal near Shreveport during the Civil War. By the late 1800s, its use by blacksmiths, steamboats, and railroads was common.
Permitted coal production in the State began at the Dolet Hills Lignite Mine in September 1985. This is a mine-mouth operation that uses a seven-mile-long conveyor to transport lignite to the power plant. A second permitted surface operation, the Oxbow Lignite Mine, began production in 1989, transporting its production by truck to the same power plant.
Regulation
Judi Stoute of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources has responsibility for SMCRA activities related to active coal mining in the State of Louisiana.
Reclamation
Judi Stoute of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources has responsibility for SMCRA activities related to abandoned coal mines in the State of Louisiana.
Grants
Louisiana grant reports and related documents are contained in the official grant file maintained at the:
Mid-Continent Regional Office
501 Belle Street, suite 216
Alton, IL 62002
They can be reviewed during normal business hours. Alternatively, these documents can be requested through the Birmingham Field Office and a copy of the grant file will be made available. The copy may be requested in paper or electronic format.
More Information
Public Participation and Outreach
OSM along with respective State and Tribal Programs jointly develop an Annual Performance Agreement* July 1 to June 30 to establish how oversight is conducted. We are responsive to public and industry concerns, and desire input and involvement in our oversight activities. We will use this page to announce Oversight Outreach Development and Review Periods as they occur. All of our REG-8 Oversight documents, proposed and final, can be found by searching our REG-8 Oversight Database.
*Some states develop "bi-annual" performance plans.
Oversight Documents
To view oversight documents see ODOCS, OSM's REG-8 Oversight Database:| OSM defines "oversight", as the "process of evaluating and assisting states [and tribes] in the administration, implementation, and maintenance of approved programs. In collaboration with each state/tribe, OSM develops a Performance Agreement/Evaluation Plans tailored to the unique conditions of each state/tribe program. Performance Agreements/Evaluation Plans between OSM and the states establish how oversight is conducted during each evaluation year. |
For more information on OSM's oversight process see Oversight of Surface Coal Mining.
For more information please contact:
Birmingham Field Office Director |
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