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Natural Resources Compliance 15 items

SMCRA Surface Coal Mine Reclamation Checklist

Verify reclamation and environmental protection performance standards for a surface coal mining operation under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act.

SMCRA30 CFR 816OSMRE

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Permit and Bonding

  • Is a current SMCRA permit in place covering all disturbed areas of the operation? *
  • Is performance bond posted in an amount sufficient to complete reclamation if the operator defaults? *
  • Is the approved reclamation plan available and being followed? *

Backfilling and Grading

  • Is disturbed land backfilled and graded to restore the approximate original contour (AOC)? *
  • Are highwalls eliminated and spoil stabilized to prevent slides? *
  • Are final graded slopes stabilized and configured to control erosion? *

Topsoil and Revegetation

  • Is topsoil removed, stored, and protected separately for later redistribution? *
  • Is a diverse, effective, permanent vegetative cover established on regraded areas? *
  • Is revegetation success being monitored over the applicable responsibility period? *

Hydrologic Protection

  • Are sediment control structures and drainage installed to minimize disturbance to the hydrologic balance? *
  • Is surface and groundwater monitoring conducted per the approved plan? *
  • Are acid-forming and toxic materials handled to prevent water pollution? *

Inspection and Bond Release

  • Are the operation and reclamation subject to the required regulatory authority inspections? *
  • Has the phased bond release process been documented where reclamation milestones are met? *
  • Are any notices of violation and cessation orders tracked and abated within required timeframes? *

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