[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 10 (Friday, January 14, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-895]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: January 14, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

30 CFR Part 936

 

Oklahoma Permanent Regulatory Program

AGENCY: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), 
Interior.

ACTION: Notice of informal conference.

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SUMMARY: On January 19, 1981, the Secretary of the Interior approved 
Oklahoma's program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act 
of 1977 (SMCRA) (see 46 FR 4902). On November 12, 1993, OSM notified 
the Governor of Oklahoma that it had reason to believe that serious 
problems exist that are adversely affecting the effective 
implementation, administration, maintenance and enforcement of 
Oklahoma's approved regulatory program (see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 
below).
    Under the provisions of OSM's regulations at 30 CFR 733.12(c), OSM 
will hold an informal conference to discuss the facts surrounding such 
a notification if an informal conference is requested by the State. By 
letter dated December 22, 1993, the Oklahoma Department of Mines (ODM) 
requested an informal conference. Accordingly, OSM hereby notifies 
Oklahoma and the public that it will hold an informal conference. All 
interested persons may attend the informal conference.

DATES: OSM has scheduled an informal conference on January 27, 1994, 
beginning at 10 a.m.

ADDRESSES: The conference will be held in room 911 of the Federal 
Building, 200 NW 5th, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102.
    Copies of Administrative Record documents referenced in this notice 
are available for public inspection and copying during normal business 
hours at: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Tulsa 
Field Office, 5100 East Skelly Drive, Suite 550, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. James H. Moncrief, Director, Tulsa 
Field Office, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, 
5100 East Skelly Drive, suite 550, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135, Telephone: 
(918) 581-6430.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On January 19, 1981, the Secretary of the 
Interior conditionally approved the Oklahoma program (46 FR 4902-4911).
    On November 12, 1993, OSM notified the Governor of Oklahoma that it 
had reason to believe that serious problems exist that are adversely 
affecting the effective implementation, administration, maintenance, 
and enforcement of Oklahoma's approved permanent regulatory program 
under SMCRA (OK-945).
    Since the approval of Oklahoma's program, and in keeping with its 
policy of working closely with the State, OSM has had numerous 
discussions with ODM officials about the State's performance. Recent 
discussions and investigations have centered on inadequacies of ODM's 
implementation of the approved program in the areas set forth below.
    1. Citing Violations: ODM has not cited all violations as the State 
program requires.
    2. Unreasonable Extensions of Abatement of Violations: Failure to 
abate cessation orders have not been issued in cases where such would 
have been appropriate. Instead, ODM has repeatedly extended abatement 
periods of violations. Contrary to the approved program, ODM has 
routinely extended the period for abatement of violations cited in 
NOV's beyond 90 days without compelling reasons.
    3. Civil Penalty Reductions: After appropriate initial assessments, 
ODM has frequently reduced penalties without appropriate justification 
when those penalties were challenged in assessment conferences and 
settlement agreements.
    4. Applicant Violator System Not Updated: ODM has not properly 
updated the applicant violator system, which negates the use of the 
system to block approval of permits and revisions for entities that 
have outstanding violations.
    5. Reclamation and Bonding Failure: ODM has allowed mine operators 
to create a disturbed area that is larger than the acreage specified in 
the approved mine plan, thereby leading to inadequate bond.
    6. Permit Defects: ODM has approved permits and permit revisions 
that allow practices that do not comply with the Oklahoma program.
    7. Failure to Enact Program Amendments: Oklahoma has failed to 
promulgate rules approved in amendments to the Oklahoma program that 
were required for the program to be no less stringent than SMCRA and no 
less effective than the Federal regulations.
    8. Inadequate Allowance for Public Participation: ODM has not 
maintained or made available inspection and enforcement files in the 
county of the mining as required by the State program. ODM has not 
thoroughly investigated and acted on citizen's comments on permitting 
actions. ODM discouraged public participation through an improper 
decision that awarded attorney's fees to a mine operator.
    In the November 12, 1993, notification, OSM specified a date for 
ODM to present a plan to correct the deficiencies in the implementation 
of its program.
    Section 733.12(c) of 30 CFR requires OSM to provide the State 
regulatory authority an opportunity for an informal conference. On 
December 22, 1993, the Chief Counsel of ODM requested that OSM hold 
such an informal conference. (OK-945.02)
    The informal conference may pertain to the facts of the 
deficiencies or the time period for accomplishing remedial actions.
    Conference Rules: The informal conference is an opportunity for OSM 
to discuss the status of the implementation of Oklahoma's program with 
Oklahoma officials.
    No testimony from the public will be taken but a verbatim 
transcript of the meeting will be kept.

    Dated: January 10, 1994.
Ed Kay,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and 
Enforcement.
[FR Doc. 94-895 Filed 1-13-94; 8:45 am]
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