[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 233 (Tuesday, December 5, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 62229-62233]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-29509]



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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

30 CFR Part 913

[SPATS No. IL-089-FOR]


Illinois Regulatory Program

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

ACTION: Proposed rule; reopening and extension of public comment period 
on proposed amendment.

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SUMMARY: OSM is announcing receipt of revisions and additional 
explanatory information pertaining to a previously proposed amendment 
to the Illinois 

[[Page 62230]]
regulatory program (hereinafter referred to as the ``Illinois 
program'') under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 
(SMCRA). The revisions and additional explanatory information for 
Illinois' proposed regulations pertain to termination of jurisdiction, 
permit fees, definitions, coal exploration, permitting, environmental 
resources, reclamation plans, special categories of mining, small 
operator assistance, bonding, performance standards, inspection, 
enforcement, civil penalties, administrative and judicial review, and 
certification of blasters. The amendment is intended to revise the 
Illinois program to be consistent with the corresponding Federal 
regulations, incorporate the additional flexibility afforded by 
recently revised Federal regulations, provide additional safeguards, 
clarify ambiguities, and improve operational efficiency.

DATES: Written comments must be received by 4:00 p.m., e.s.t., January 
4, 1996. If requested, a public hearing on the proposed amendment will 
be held on January 2, 1996. Requests to speak at the hearing must be 
received by 4:00 p.m., e.s.t., on December 20, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and requests to speak at the hearing should 
be mailed or hand delivered to Roger W. Calhoun, Director, Indianapolis 
Field Office at the address listed below.
    Copies of the Illinois program, the proposed amendment, a listing 
of any scheduled public hearings, and all written comments received in 
response to this document will be available for public review at the 
addresses listed below during normal business hours, Monday through 
Friday, excluding holidays. Each requester may receive one free copy of 
the proposed amendment by contacting OSM's Indianapolis Field Office.

Roger W. Calhoun, Director Indianapolis Field Office, Office of Surface 
Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Minton-Capehart Federal Building, 
575 North Pennsylvania Street, Room 301, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204, 
Telephone: (317) 226-6700.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Mines and Minerals, 
524 South Second Street, Springfield, Illinois, 62701-1787, Telephone: 
(217) 782-4970.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roger W. Calhoun, Director 
Indianapolis Field Office, Telephone: (317) 226-6700.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background on the Illinois Program

    On June 1, 1982, the Secretary of the Interior conditionally 
approved the Illinois program. Background information on the Illinois 
program, including the Secretary's findings, the disposition of 
comments, and the conditions of approval can be found in the June 1, 
1982, Federal Register (47 FR 23883). Subsequent actions concerning the 
conditions of approval and program amendments can be found at 30 CFR 
913.15, 913.16, 913.17.

II. Discussion of the Proposed Amendment

    By letter dated February 3, 1995 (Administrative Record No. IL-
1615), Illinois submitted a proposed amendment to its program pursuant 
to SMCRA. Illinois submitted the proposed amendment in response to an 
August 5, 1993, letter (Administrative Record No. IL-1400) that OSM 
sent to Illinois in accordance with 30 CFR 732.17(c), in response to 
the required program amendments at 30 CFR 913.16(s), (t), and (u), and 
at its won initiative. The provisions of Title 62 of the Illinois 
Administrative Code (IAC) that Illinois proposes to amend are 62 IAC 
1700, General; 62 IAC 1701.Appendix A, Definitions; 62 IAC 1761.11, 
Areas where mining is prohibited or limited, 62 IAC 1772, Requirements 
for coal exploration; 62 IAC 1773, Requirements for permits and permit 
processing; 62 IAC 1774.13, Permit revisions; 62 IAC 1778.15, Right of 
entry information; 62 IAC 1779, Surface mining permit applications--
minimum requirements for information on environmental resources; 62 IAC 
1780.23, Reclamation plan: per-mining and post-mining information; 62 
IAC 1783, Underground mining permit applications--minimum requirements 
for information on environmental resources; 62 IAC 1784.15, Reclamation 
plan: pre-mining and post-mining information; 62 IAC 1785, Requirements 
for permits for special categories of mining; 62 IAC 1795, Small 
operator assistance; 62 IAC 1800, Bonding and insurance requirements 
for surface coal mining and reclamation operations; 62 IAC 1816, 
Permanent program performance standards--surface mining activities; 62 
IAC 1817, Permanent program performance standards--underground mining 
activities; 62 IAC 1825.14, High capability lands: soil replacement; 62 
IAC 1840, Department inspections; 62 IAC 1843, State enforcement; 62 
IAC 1845.12, When penalty will be assessed; 62 IAC 1847, Administrative 
and judicial review; 62 IAC 1845.5, Notice of hearing; and 62 IAC 1850, 
Training, examination and certification of blasters.
    OSM announced receipt of the proposed amendment in the February 27, 
1995, Federal Register (60 FR 10522) and invited public comment on its 
adequacy. The public comment period ended March 29, 1995.
    During its review of the amendment, OSM identified concerns 
relating to 62 IAC 1701. Appendix A, definition of wetlands; 62 IAC 
1773.20, general procedures for improvidently issued permits; 62 IAC 
1773.23, review of ownership or control and violation information; 62 
IAC 1773.24, procedures for challenging ownership or control shown in 
the Applicant Violator System; 62 IAC 1785.17, prime farmlands; 62 IAC 
1816/1817.13 and 1816/1817.15, casing and sealing of drilled holes; 62 
IAC 1816/1817.116(a)(3)(F) and 62 IAC 1816.116(a)(4)(A)(ii), 
revegetation standards for small isolated areas; 62 IAC 
1816.116(a)(4)(D), revegetation standards for hay production; 62 IAC 
1816/1817.116(a)(5), wetlands revegetation; 62 IAC 1816/1817.116(c), 
revegetation reference areas; and 62 IAC 1816.Appendix A, permit 
specifics yield standards. OSM notified Illinois of the concerns by 
letters dated April 28 and August 3, 1995 (Administrative Record Nos. 
IL-1649 and IL-1660, respectively). Illinois responded in a letter 
dated November 1, 1995 (Administrative Record No. IL-1663), by 
submitting a revised amendment and additional explanatory information.
    Throughout the revised amendment, Illinois proposes to change its 
references of the ``Illinois Department of Mines and Minerals'' to the 
``Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Mines and 
Minerals'' in order to reflect a reorganization change which was 
effective July 1, 1995, and to change its references of the ``Soil 
Conservation Service'' and ``S.C.S.'' to the ``Natural Resources 
Conservation Service.'' Illinois, also, corrected typographical errors, 
revised cross-references, and revised paragraph notations to reflect 
organizational changes within the amended regulations. In addition, 
Illinois proposes revisions to and/or additional explanatory 
information for the following specific regulations.

A. 62 IAC 1701.Appendix A  Definition of Wetlands

    In its letter dated April 28, 1995 (Administrative Record No. 
1649), OSM requested Illinois to provide a statement which explains the 
meaning of the last sentence of the ``wetlands'' definition [Areas 
which are restored or created as 

[[Page 62231]]
the result of mitigation or planned construction projects and which 
function as a wetland are included within this definition even when all 
three wetland parameters are not present]. At the May 31, 1995, meeting 
(Administrative Record No. 1654), Illinois stated that it was using the 
definition of wetlands contained in the Illinois Interagency Wetland 
Policy Act of 1989 (20 ILCS 830/1-6). Illinois explained that the 
definition applies to created wetlands which are functioning as a 
wetland ``* * * even when all three wetland parameters are not 
present.'' Illinois further explained that generally the ``hydric'' 
soil profile may not be fully developed in an artificial wetland.
    Illinois submitted a copy of the ``Interagency Wetlands Policy Act 
of 1989'' to OSM (Administrative Record No. 1650A).

B. 62 IAC 1773.20  Improvidently Issued Permits: General Procedures

    At 62 IAC 1773.20(c)(4), Illinois proposes to change the word 
``rescind'' in the sentence ``If the Department decides to rescind the 
permit, it shall give at least 30 days written notice to the 
permittee'' to the word ``suspend.''

C. 62 IAC 1773.23  Review of Ownership or Control and Violation 
Information

    At 62 IAC 1773.23(a), Illinois proposes to change its regulation 
reference from ``1773.22(b)'' to ``1773.22.''
    At 62 IAC 1773.23(b)(2)(B), Illinois proposes to change its 
regulation reference from ``1773.15(b)'' to ``1773.15(b)(1).''

D. 62 IAC 1773.24  Procedures for Challenging Ownership or Control 
Links Shown in the Applicant Violator System

    At 62 IAC 1773.34(a)(1), Illinois proposes to change the regulation 
reference from ``subsections (b) through (d) below and Section 
1773,25'' to ``30 CFR 773.24(b) through (d) and 30 CFR 773.25.''
    At 62 IAC 1773.24(a)(2), Illinois proposes to change the regulation 
reference from ``subsections (b) through (d)'' to ``30 CFR 773.24 (b) 
through (d).''
    At 62 IAC 1773.24(a)(3), Illinois proposes to replace the language 
``the State program for the State that issued the violation notice'' 
with subsections (b) through (d) below and Section 1 773.25.''
    At 62 IAC 1773.24 (b) through (d), Illinois proposes to replace the 
originally proposed procedures for those persons eligible under 
subsections (a)(1) or (a)(2) to challenge the status of an ownership or 
control link shown in the AVS or the status of federal violations with 
procedures for those persons eligible under subsection (a)(3) to 
challenge the status of state violations. The revised regulations read 
as follows:
    (b) Any applicant or other person who wishes to challenge an 
ownership or control link shown in AVS or the status of a state 
violation, and who is eligible to do so under the provisions of 
subsection (a)(3) above, shall submit a written explanation of the 
basis for the challenge, along with any relevant evidentiary materials 
and supporting documents.
    (c) The Department shall review any information submitted under 
subsection (b) above and shall make a written decision whether or not 
the ownership or control link has been shown to be erroneous or has 
been rebutted and/or whether the violation covered by the notice 
remains outstanding, has been corrected, is in the process of being 
corrected, or is the subject of a good faith appeal within the meaning 
of Section 1773.15(b)(1).
    (d) Notice to applicant.
    (1) If, as a result of the decision reached under subsection (c) 
above, the Department determines that the ownership or control link has 
been shown to be erroneous or has been rebutted and/or that the 
violation covered by the notice has been corrected, is in the process 
of being corrected, or is the subject of a good faith appeal, the 
Department shall so notify the applicant or other person and, if an 
application is pending, OSM, and shall correct the information in AVS.
    (2) If, as a result of the decision reached under subsection (c) 
above, the Department determines that the ownership or control link has 
not been shown to be erroneous and has not been rebutted and that the 
violation covered by the notice remains outstanding, the Department 
shall so notify the applicant or other person and, if an application is 
pending, OSM, and shall update the information is AVS, if necessary.
    (3) The Department shall serve a copy of the decision on the 
applicant or other person by certified mail, or by any means consistent 
with the rules governing service of a summons and complaint under Rule 
4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Service shall be complete 
upon tender of the notice or of the mail and shall not be deemed 
incomplete because of a refusal to accept.
    (4) The applicant or other person may appeal the Department's 
decision within 30 days of service of the decision in accordance with 
62 Ill. Adm. Code 1847.3. The Department's decision shall remain in 
effect during the pendency of the appeal, unless temporary relief is 
granted in accordance with 62 Ill. Adm. Code 1847.3(k).

E. 62 IAC 1785.17  Prime Farmlands

    At 62 IAC 1785.17(d)(1), Illinois proposes to reinstate the 
sentence ``The State recognizes that the permit cannot be issued 
without the required consultation with USDA.''

F. 62 IAC 1816  (Surface Mining Activities) and 1817 (Underground 
Mining Activities) Permanent Program Performance Standards

    Since most of the surface mining and underground mining regulations 
in these parts are identical, the revisions are being combined for 
discussion purposes, unless otherwise noted.
1. 62 IAC 1816.13 and 1816.15  Casing and Sealing of Drilled Holes and 
62 IAC 1817.13 and 1817.15 Casing and Sealing or Exposed Underground 
Openings
    Illinois proposes to withdraw its originally proposed requirements 
that exposed underground openings be backfilled.
2. IAC 1816.116(a)(2)(F)/1817.116(a)(2)(F)  Revegetation Standards for 
Success: Augmentation
    a. At 62 IAC 1816/1817.116(a)(2)(F)(i), Illinois proposes to 
reinstate the existing language from 62 IAC 1816/1817.116(a)(2)(F)(ii) 
and add some clarification language. This revised provision reads as 
follows:

    The five (5) year period of responsibility shall not recommence 
after deep tillage on areas where the operator has met the 
revegetation success standards of subsection (a)(3)(E) below.

    b. Originally proposed 62 IAC 1816/1817.116(a)(2)(F) is 
redesignated 62 IAC 1816/1817.116(a)(2)(F)(ii), and Illinois proposes 
to add the follow exception to its provision that considers the 
application of chemical treatments or fertilizers to wetland areas as 
augmentation.

    Except that wetlands managed as wildlife food plot areas using 
agricultural techniques shall not be considered augmented when 
normal husbandry practices, such as routine liming and 
fertilization, are used.
3. 62 IAC 1816.116(a)(3)(F)/1817.116(a)(3)(F)  Revegetation Standards 
for Success: Non-contiguous Areas
    If response to issues raised in OSM's letters dated April 28 and 
August 3, 1995 (Administrative Record Nos. IL-1649 and IL-1660, 
respectively), Illinois proposes to revise 62 IAC 1816/
1817.116(a)(3)(F) to read as follows.


[[Page 62232]]

    Non-contiguous areas less than or equal to four acres which were 
disturbed from activities such as, but not limited to, signs, 
boreholes, power poles, stockpiles and substations shall be 
considered successfully revegetated if the operator can demonstrate 
that the soil disturbance was minor, i.e., the majority of the 
subsoil remains in place, the soil has been returned to its original 
capability and the area is supporting its approved post-mining land 
use at the end of the responsibility period.

    Also, Illinois' amendment transmittal letter dated November 1, 
1995, contains a justification statement with an attached map 
(Administrative Record No. IL-1663). The map, which is marked as 
Exhibit #4, shows an example of several small substations which served 
an underground mine and which had minor disturbances and which were 
returned to cropland use. In its statement, Illinois references In Re: 
Permanent Surface Mining Regulation Litigation (Civil Action No. 79-
1144, May 16, 1980) as justification for the proposed regulation. 
Illinois also attached a memorandum dated September 1, 1995, from the 
Illinois Department of Agriculture which concurred with the four acre 
threshold relative to the testing of small isolated areas for 
revegetation success.
4. 26 IAC 1816.116(a)(4)(A)(ii) Revegetation Standards for Success: 
Proof of Productivity for Non-Contiguous Areas
    Illinois proposes to revise its proposed provision at 62 IAC 
1816.116(a)(4)(A)(ii) which would allow the productivity results of a 
larger field to represent small isolated areas to read as follows.

    The Department may approve a field to represent non-contiguous 
areas less than or equal to four acres of the same capability if it 
determines that the field is representative of reclamation of such 
areas. These areas shall be managed and vegetated in the same manner 
as the representative field.

    In its letter dated November 1, 1995 (Administrative Record No. IL-
1663), Illinois stated that ``* * * These areas will be vegetated and 
managed in the same manner as their associated larger field under 
approved and proper management practices.''
5. 62 IAC 1816.116(a)(4)(D)  Revegetation Standards for Hay Production
    At 62 IAC 1816.116(a)(4)(D), Illinois proposes to withdraw the 
following previously proposed language.

    Prior successful hay production shall not be affected by deep 
tillage for crop production.

6. 62 IAC 1816.116(a)(5)/1817.116(a)(5) Wetland Revegetation
    In its letter dated April 28, 1995 (Administrative Record No. 
1649), OSM requested Illinois to provide a statement and technical 
support for 62 IAC 1816/1817.116(a)(5) which justifies why a minimum 
areal coverage of 30 percent for wetlands will be consistent with the 
revegetation standards for ground cover for areas to be developed for 
fish and wildlife habitat at 30 CFR 816/817.116(a)(3)(iii).
    At the May 31, 1995, meeting (Administrative Record No. 1654), 
Illinois described a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Biological 
Services Program, publication on the qualitative values of wetlands 
with various degrees of emergent vegetation at the 20 to 70 percent 
levels. The study ranked 70 percent cover as having the lowest value, 
50 percent as having the highest value, and 30 percent as having a 
middle value. Illinois stated its belief that attainment of the 30 
percent level of areal vegetation cover is adequate to establish a 
valuable wetland which is likely to improve with time, justifying its 
use as a revegetation success standard.
    Illinois submitted the publication, which was entitled 
``Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United 
States,'' U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Biological Services Program, FWS/OBS-79/31, December 1979, to OSM on 
June 8, 1995 (Administrative Record No. 1653). Illinois, also, 
submitted two additional reference documents in support of its wetlands 
revegetation standards: (1) Vol. II of ``Wetland Creation and 
Restoration--The Status of the Science,'' U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency, Environmental Research Laboratory, EPA 600/3-89/038b, October 
1989, (Administrative Record No. IL-1650) and (2) Journal of Wildlife 
Management, 1981, University of Michigan Study, Dabbling Duck and 
Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Responses to Manipulated Wetland Habitat, J. 
Wildl. Manage.45(1):1981 (Administrative Record No. IL-1650B).
7. 62 IAC 1816.116(c) and 1817.116(c) Use of Reference Areas for 
Determining Revegetation
    Illinois proposes to withdraw its proposed regulations at 62 IAC 
1816.116(c) and 1817.116(c) concerning the use of a reference area in 
lieu of the Agricultural Lands Productivity Formula Target Yields to 
determine the success of revegetation for cropland and hayland.
8. 62 IAC 1816.Appendix A  Agricultural Land Productivity Formula
    a. Under the heading ``Permit Specifics--Yield Standard'', Illinois 
proposes to modify sections (a) and (b) to clarify that target yields 
are calculated by ``pit'' rather than ``permit.'' Therefore, Illinois 
proposes to change the words ``permit,'' ``mine permit area,'' and 
``permit area'' to ``pit.''
    Illinois, also, submitted examples for the justification of 
consolidating yield targets by pit rather than permit in its November 
1, 1995, submittal (Administrative Record No. IL-1663). Exhibit #1 is a 
composite map identifying 18 pits which are included in ten permits 
whose reclamation plans are developed on a pit basis to balance prime 
farmland, and high capability land liability. Exhibit #2 is a printout 
of the base yield targets from a mine with a pit which was originally 
contained under three separate contiguous permits. Later, all three 
permits were repermitted under one large permit. As a result, the yield 
targets were consolidated due to the repermitting. The yield 
differences between permits and the mean varied approximately 5 
percent. Exhibit #3 is a printout of the base yield targets from a mine 
with a pit which was originally contained under two separate contiguous 
permits. These permits were not consolidated under one permit; however, 
as the small acreage permit represented just the last few years of 
mining and included the final cut impoundment, some of the cropland 
liability was located into the older permit. In other words, the actual 
soils and liability accrued were moving across permit lines. A 
composite yield target based on a pit concept reflects the actual way 
the soil was handled.
    b. Illinois proposes to change previously proposed section (e) to 
(c) and proposes to revise the language as follows:

    After mining operations have ceased, the Department shall 
recalculate the yield standards for the pit based solely on the 
soils which were disturbed. Recalculated targets shall be applicable 
to all areas tested for productivity subsequent to the 
recalculation. Approved significant revisions after permanent 
cessation of mining shall cause the targets to be recalculated and 
applied to productivity fields tested after the recalculation.

    c. Illinois proposes to withdraw previously proposed sections (c), 
(d), and (f).

G. 62 IAC 1848.5  Notice of Hearing

    At 62 IAC 1848.5(f), Illinois proposes to withdraw the following 
previously proposed sentence.

 
[[Page 62233]]

    Any deviations from the requirements of this subsection 
attributable to the publishing newspaper shall not be grounds for 
postponement or continuance of the hearing, nor will such errors 
necessitate that the notice be republished.

III. Public Comment Procedures

    OSM is reopening the comment period on the proposed Illinois 
program amendment to provide the public an opportunity to reconsider 
the adequacy of the proposed amendment in light of the additional 
materials submitted. In accordance with the provisions of 30 CFR 
732.17(h), OSM is seeking comments on whether the proposed amendment 
satisfies the applicable program approval criteria of 30 CFR 732.15. If 
the amendment is deemed adequate, it will become part of the Illinois 
program.

Written Comments

    Written comments should be specific, pertain only to the issues 
proposed in this rulemaking, and include explanations in support of the 
commenter's recommendations. Comments received after the time indicated 
under ``DATES'' or at locations other than the Indianapolis Field 
Office will not necessarily be considered in the final rulemaking or 
included in the Administrative Record.

Public Hearing

    Persons wishing to speak at the public hearing should contact the 
person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT by 4:00 p.m., 
e.s.t., on December 20, 1995. The location and time of the hearing will 
be arranged with those persons requesting the hearing. If no one 
requests an opportunity to speak at the public hearing, the hearing 
will not be held.
    Filing of a written statement at the time of the hearing is 
requested as it will greatly assist the transcriber. Submission of 
written statements in advance of the hearing will allow OSM officials 
to prepare adequate responses and appropriate questions.
    The public hearing will continue on the specified date until all 
persons scheduled to speak have been heard. Persons in the audience who 
have not been scheduled to speak, and who wish to do so, will be heard 
following those who have been scheduled. The hearing will end after all 
persons scheduled to speak and persons present in the audience who wish 
to speak have been heard.
    Any disabled individual who has need for a special accommodation to 
attend a public hearing should contact the individual listed under FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

Public Meeting

    If only one person requests an opportunity to speak at a hearing, a 
public meeting, rather than a public hearing, may be held. Persons 
wishing to meet with OSM representatives to discuss the proposed 
amendment may request a meeting by contacting the person listed under 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. All such meetings will be open to the 
public and, if possible, notices of meetings will be posted at the 
locations listed under ADDRESSES. A written summary of each meeting 
will be made a part of the Administrative Record.

IV. Procedural Determinations

Executive Order 12866

    This proposed rule is exempted from review by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) under Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory 
Planning and Review).

Executive Order 12778

    The Department of the Interior has conducted the reviews required 
by section 2 of Executive Order 12778 (Civil Justice Reform) and has 
determined that, to the extent allowed by law, this rule meets the 
applicable standards of subsections (a) and (b) of that section. 
However, these standards are not applicable to the actual language of 
State regulatory programs and program amendments since each such 
program is drafted and promulgated by a specific State, not by OSM. 
Under sections 503 and 505 of SMCRA (30 U.S.C. 1253 and 1255) and 30 
CFR 730.11, 732.15, and 732.17(h)(10), decisions on proposed State 
regulatory programs and program amendments submitted by the States must 
be based solely on a determination of whether the submittal is 
consistent with SMCRA and its implementing Federal regulations and 
whether the other requirements of 30 CFR Parts 730, 731, and 732 have 
been met.

National Environmental Policy Act

    No environmental impact statement is required for this rule since 
section 702(d) of SMCRA (30 U.S.C. 1292(d)) provides that agency 
decisions on proposed State regulatory program provisions do not 
constitute major Federal actions within the meaning of section 
102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 
4332(2)(C)).

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rule does not contain information collection requirements that 
require approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 
3507 et seq.).

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Department of the Interior has determined that this rule will 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). 
The State submittal which is the subject of this rule is based upon 
counterpart Federal regulations for which an economic analysis was 
prepared and certification made that such regulations would not have a 
significant economic effect upon a substantial number of small 
entities. Accordingly, this rule will ensure that existing requirements 
previously promulgated by OSM will be implemented by the State. In 
making the determination as to whether this rule would have a 
significant economic impact, the Department relied upon the data and 
assumptions for the counterpart Federal regulations.

List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 913

    Intergovernmental relations, Surface mining, Underground mining.

    Dated: November 20, 1995.
Brent Wahlquist,
Regional Director, Mid-Continent Regional Coordinating Center.
[FR Doc. 95-29509 Filed 12-4-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-05-M