The Reclamation Division of the North Dakota Public Service Commission administers the State's program regulating the surface mining of coal. The Reclamation Division evaluates surface mining permit applications, permit revision and renewal applications, makes recommendations to the Commissioners regarding permit issuance, and carries out inspections of coal mines to ensure compliance with the program's requirements. Since 1980, North Dakota's regulatory program has been a partnership effort between the State and the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.

The Reclamation Division strives to administer the surface coal mining and reclamation program mandated by state and federal law to achieve optimum results in a cost-effective and fair manner, and to ensure that mining operations subject to this program are conducted in such a way that they: are environmentally sound and minimize adverse effects; protect public interest and the rights of property owners; return mined lands to beneficial uses; and restore the productivity of mined agricultural lands to premine levels.

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Outreach for Review of the Proposed Oversight Performance Agreement

We are soliciting comments from citizens, environmental groups, and industry regarding our proposed 2014 annual oversight performance agreement for North Dakota. Please submit your comments for our consideration from May 1 - May 15, 2013 to Jeff Fleischman or in writing to Office of Surface Mining, Casper Area Office, Dick Cheney Federal Building, POB 11018, 150 East B Street,Casper, Wyoming 82601-7032. If you are for interested in discussing specific comments on the proposed performance agreement, please contact the Field Office Director at the address above.

The final work plans will be available July 16, 2013. Copies of the documents will be available on this web page or may be requested by emailing or by writing to the address above.

Thank you for your participation in this important process.

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North Dakota Oversight Documents

The Oversight Document System (ODocs) is a new depository library OSMRE developed containing oversight documentation related to State/Tribes oversight program. To access ODocs, click on the link provided below. For more information on Oversight, visit Oversight of Surface Coal Mining. If you have questions, please reference the individual listed under Contact Information.

Website

View the North Dakota Public Service Commission website at http://www.psc.nd.gov/.