Surface Mining Section


Murray J. Balk, Section Chief
4033 Parkview Drive, Frontenac, Kansas 66763
(620) 231-8540, FAX (620) 231-0753
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Purpose of Surface Mining Section

The Surface Mining Section (SMS) of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's Bureau of Environmental Remediation consists of three basic programs; the Administration and Enforcement (A&E) Program which is responsible for the issuance of new coal mining permits, the inspection of active permitted coal mines, and the enforcement of all regulations pertaining to active coal mining operations; the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Program which reclaims coal mines abandoned prior to the passage of PL 95-87; and the Emergency Program which abates coal mining related hazards which have an immediate and eminent impact on the health and safety of the public.

Stay Out and Stay Alive - Abandon Mines Video
| Stay Out and Stay Alive
Abandon Mine Safety and Awareness Video (50MB)