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MISSISSIPPI
Birmingham Field Office
- STATE OVERVIEW
- OVERSIGHT
Coal Production
Mississippi's estimated five billion tons coal reserves consist entirely of lignite. Economically significant lignite in Mississippi is found in the Eocene, Wilcox, and Claiborne groups which arc across the State from just east of Memphis, Tennessee, into Alabama. Typically, those beds that can be economically mined range from two to nine feet thick. Mississippi lignite resources equal about 13 percent of the total U.S. lignite reserves of 40 billion tons. Lignite is primarily used to generate electricity. Exploratory drilling of the lignite fields began in the mid-1970s. The State issued its first and only mining permit in August 1998.
Regulation
Michael Bograd of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has responsibility for SMCRA activities related to active coal mining in the State of Mississippi.
Reclamation
Michael Bograd of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has responsibility for SMCRA activities related to abandoned coal mines in the state of Mississippi.
Grants
Mississippi 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
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality - Mining and Reclamation Division
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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