Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement 2008

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement 2008 Update

OSM Rulemaking n FY 2006 AML Amendments n Stream Buffer Zone/Excess Spoils n Coal Combustion By-products n Ownership and Control

FY 2006 AML Re-Authorization n Proposed Rule published in December 2007 n Final Rule Published by November 14, 2008 n Effective January 13, 2009 n FY 2009 Funds Distribution on/or about December 15, 2008

Stream Buffer Zone/Excess Spoils n Proposed Rule and Draft EIS published August 24, 2007 n Four Public Hearings held on October 24, 2007 n Comment period closed November 24, 2007 n Final Rule expected in late 2008

Coal Combustion By-Products n Notice of Proposed Rulemaking March 14, 2007 n Comment period closed May 14, 2007 n Proposed Rule is pending a review by OMB.

Ownership and Control Transfer, Sale, Assignment of Rights n Proposed O & C Rule published on December 29, 2003 n Proposed TSA Rule published on January 26, 2005 n Re-proposed O & C and TSA Rule published October 10, 2006 n Replaces the two previous proposed rules n Proposed Rule is based on Settlement Agreement with NMA n Final Rule was published in early December 3, 2007 § OSM working with States in 2009 to determine what changes may be required

Technology and Training n Applied Science n Underground Mine Mapping n Reforestation n National Technical Training Program (NTTP) n Technical Innovation and Professional Services (TIPS) n MCR Technical Assistance n MCR Technology Transfer

Applied Science Projects FY 2007 – FY 2008 n FY 2007 – 11 projects funded ($950, 683) n n University of Illinois $99, 991 (Crop Yield Prediction) Northern Illinois University $53, 237 (Longwall Impact Hydrology) n FY 2008 – 11 projects funded ($1, 343, 743) n University of Illinois $113, 583 for (Crop Yield Prediction)

2007 Applied Science Project Status STATE INSTITUTION PI $ OSM SUBJECT STATUS IL Univ of IL Dunker $99, 991 Crop Yield Prediction Phase III Complete IL Northern IL Univ Booth $53, 237 Longwall Impact Hydrology Data Collection KY Univ of KY Lusk $100, 000 Blasting Impacts on Structures Data Collection NM Aimone - Martin Aimone Martin $48, 320 Blasting Measurement Data Analysis PA Penn State Burgos $99, 702 AMD Passive Treatment Project Complete TN Univ of TN Schwarz $96, 367 Sediment Measurement Data Analysis VA VA Tech Karmis $100, 000 Subsidence Prediction & Control Data Analysis VA VA Tech Daniels $99, 301 Coal Refuse Leach Prediction Data Collection WV WV Univ Vandivort $53, 800 AMD Mitigation Data Collection WV WV Univ Petty $99, 997 Stream & Wetland Mitigation Data Collection WV WV Univ Fletcher $99, 967 Model Underground Mine Hydrology Data Collection

2008 Applied Science Project Status STATE INSTITUTION PI $ OSM SUBJECT STATUS IL Univ of IL Dunker $113, 583 Crop Yield Prediction Phase III complete CO U. S. Forest Service Musselman $90, 835 Weed Fabric for revegetation Data collection FL Spellman College Ibeanusi $172, 014 Analysis of Mining Impact Data Collection KY University of Kentucky Sweigard $199, 927 Best Practices in Steep Slope Mining Data Analysis OH Ohio DNR Kell $200, 000 Web Access of Water Data Project complete TN University of TN Drumm $149, 682 Sediment control on steep slopes Data Analysis TN University of TN Franklin $170, 616 Forest Establishment on Steep Slopes Data Analysis VA VA Tech Burger $86, 744 American Chestnut FRA Data Collection VA American Chestnut Paris $200, 000 American Chestnut Performance Data Collection WV WV Univ Skousem $36, 588 FRA West Virginia Data Collection WV WV Univ Pena $49, 482 Forest Hydrology Data Collection

Mine Map Scanning Projects Purpose: Acquire and scan mine maps often available only in paper copy. The maps are then available electronically to users. Advantages: • • • Improved images Preservation of information Fast retrieval of information Fast application to current problems Increase/fast distribution of mine related information

FY 2009 Applied Science & Mine Mapping Project Award Process n October 1, 2008 project solicitation began n January 16, 2009 project solicitation ends n May 2009 projects are selected n After June 30, 2009 anticipate project funding distribution n Applied Science – approximately $900, 000 available n Mine Mapping – approximately $300, 000 available Ø For details visit: www. techtransfer. osmre. gov

Reforestation Initiative n OSM’s Primary Program Objective in 2008 n Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (http: //arri. osmre. gov) n MCR Reforestation Goals n n Conducted outreach meetings in 2008 Begin a study assessing the quality trees on reclaimed areas Collect information on acres reclaimed to trees Work with State agencies to identify and remove regulatory impediments to reforestation

National Technical Training Program (NTTP) Purpose is to provide opportunities for State, Federal and Tribal personnel to: n Increase basic knowledge of technical subjects n Increase technical competency and skills n Stay abreast of technological changes n Foster State/Tribal/Federal partnerships

National Technical Training Program FY 2007 Program Attendance OSM 16% Other 21% Tribes 1% States 62%

National Technical Training Program (NTTP) FY 2009 Training Plans • Conduct 55 Classes • Co-Sponsor benchmarking, forums & workshops • New OSM Website to be rolled out soon • Course references and other materials on-line (http: //www. tips. osmre. gov) • Support/Develop Reforestation Courses

FY 2009 TIPS Training Courses n 27 TIPS Core Software Packages n n n AMD Pollution Abatement Cost Estimation Data Base Management Geographic Information System (GIS) Geologic Modeling Mapping / Engineering Site Design Mobile Computing-GPS Remote Sensing Statistical Analysis Surface and Ground Water Modeling Slope Stability Analysis Water Quality Analysis n 35 TIPS Classes Offered n n 24 Classroom Courses 11 On-line Courses n 83 ESRI Online Courses and Online Workshops Available

OSM MCR Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance Project Categories' provided by MCR n Geospatial Technologies n Hydrology n Engineering n Natural Resources

MCR Technology Transfer Products & Services n National Technology Transfer Website www. techtransfer. osmre. gov n MCR Website (www. mcrcc. osmre. gov) n n n MCR AMD 2010 Workshop MCR Technology Transfer Workshops MCR Reforestation Initiatives

MCR Technology Transfer Activities 16 14 12 10 8 2007 2008 6 4 2 0 Workshops Held Tech Transfer Display Presentations/ Papers/Posters

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement 2008 Update