[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 6 (Friday, January 9, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1342-1362]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-532]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

30 CFR Part 924

[SPATS No. MS-012-FOR]


Mississippi Regulatory Program

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

ACTION: Final rule; approval of amendment.

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SUMMARY: OSM is approving, with exceptions and additional requirements, 
a proposed amendment to the Mississippi regulatory program (hereinafter 
referred to as the ``Mississippi program'') under the Surface Mining 
Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). Mississippi proposed 
revisions to the Mississippi Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Law 
(MSCMRL) pertaining to definitions, reorganization, adoption of rules 
and regulations, small operator assistance program, permit 
applications, permit fees, reclamation plans, performance bonds, permit 
issuance,

[[Page 1343]]

permit reissuance, permit revision, public participation, public 
hearings, formal hearings, confidentiality claims, environmental 
protection performance standards, postmining land use, underground coal 
mining, mine entrance signs, violations, civil penalties, bond release, 
bond forfeiture, suspension and revocation of permits, designating 
lands unsuitable for surface coal mining, and creation of a ``Surface 
Coal Mining and Reclamation Fund.'' The amendment is intended to revise 
the Mississippi program to be consistent with SMCRA, clarify 
ambiguities, and improve operational efficiency by incorporating the 
administrative practices and laws used by other environmental agencies 
in the State.

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 9, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Arthur W. Abbs, Director, Birmingham 
Field Office, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, 135 
Gemini Circle, Suite 215, Homewood, Alabama 35209, Telephone: (205) 
290-7282.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background on the Mississippi Program
II. Submission of the Proposed Amendment
III. Director's Findings
IV. Summary and Disposition of Comments
V. Director's Decision
VI. Procedural Determinations

I. Background on the Mississippi Program

    On September 4, 1980, the Secretary of the Interior conditionally 
approved the Mississippi program. Background information on the 
Mississippi program, including the Secretary's findings, the 
disposition of comments, and the conditions of approval can be found in 
the September 4, 1980, Federal Register (45 FR 58520). Subsequent 
actions concerning the conditions of approval and program amendments 
can be found at 30 CFR 924.10, 924.15, 924.16, and 924.17.

II. Submission of the Proposed Amendment

    By letter dated May 6, 1997 (Administrative Record No. MS-0338), 
Mississippi submitted a proposed amendment to its program pursuant to 
SMCRA. Mississippi submitted the proposed amendment in response to the 
required program amendment codified at 30 CFR 924.16 and at its own 
initiative. On March 10, 1997, the Governor of Mississippi signed 
Senate Bill No. 2725, which contains both substantive and 
nonsubstantive changes to the Mississippi Surface Coal Mining and 
Reclamation Law.
    OSM announced receipt of the proposed amendment in the July 30, 
1997, Federal Register (62 FR 40773), and in the same document opened 
the public comment period and provided an opportunity for a public 
hearing or meeting on the adequacy of the proposed amendment. The 
public comment period closed on August 29, 1997. Because no one 
requested a public hearing or meeting, none was held.
    During its review of the amendment, OSM identified concerns 
relating to section 53-9-26, small operator assistance program; 
sections 53-9-37, 53-9-39, and 53-9-77 concerning public participation, 
public hearings, and formal hearings; section 53-9-45, environmental 
protection performance standards; and sections 53-9-55 and 53-9-69 
concerning enforcement actions and civil penalties. OSM notified 
Mississippi of these concerns by letters dated October 23, 1997, and 
November 7, 1997 (Administrative Record Nos. MS-0343 and MS-0344, 
respectively).
    By letter dated November 20, 1997 (Administrative Record No. MS-
0346), Mississippi responded to OSM's concerns by submitting additional 
explanatory information. Because the additional information merely 
clarified certain provisions of Mississippi's proposed amendment, OSM 
did not reopen the public comment period.

III. Director's Findings

    Set forth below, pursuant to SMCRA and the Federal regulations at 
30 CFR 732.15 and 732.17, are the Director's findings concerning the 
proposed amendment.

A. Nonsubstantive Changes Proposed for the Mississippi Surface Coal 
Mining and Reclamation Law

1. Nonsubstantive Revisions to Existing Statutes
    Mississippi proposed revisions to the following previously-approved 
statutes that are nonsubstantive in nature and consist of minor wording 
and stylistic changes, minor revisions to reflect new designations of 
responsibility, and revised cross-references and paragraph notations to 
reflect organizational changes resulting from this amendment 
(corresponding Federal statutes are listed in parentheses): section 53-
9-3, legislative findings and declarations (section 101 of SMCRA); 
section 53-9-5, purpose (section 102 of SMCRA); section 53-9-19, 
financial interests of persons employed under this chapter (section 
517g of SMCRA); section 53-9-21, surface coal mining and reclamation 
permit (section 506(a) through (c) of SMCRA) section 53-9-41, coal 
exploration permits (section 512 of SMCRA); section 53-9-47, surface 
effects of underground coal mining operations (section 516 of SMCRA); 
section 53-9-49, authorized departures from performance standards 
(section 711 of SMCRA); section 53-9-51, inspection and monitoring 
(section 517(b), (c), (e), and (f) of SMCRA); section 53-9-61, criminal 
penalties--resisting, preventing, impeding, or interfering with 
performance of duties (section 704 of SMCRA); section 53-9-63, 
nonexclusivity of penalty provisions (section 518(i) of SMCRA); section 
53-9-73, cooperation with the Secretary of the Interior (section 523(c) 
of SMCRA); section 53-9-75, application of chapter to public 
corporations (section 524 of SMCRA); section 53-9-83, lease of state 
coal deposits (section 714(a), (c), (d), (e), and (g) of SMCRA); 
section 53-9-85, enforcement and protection of water rights (section 
717 of SMCRA); and section 53-9-87, training, examination, and 
certification of persons responsible for blasting (section 719 of 
SMCRA).
    Because Mississippi's proposed revisions to these previously-
approved statutes are nonsubstantive in nature, the Director finds that 
the proposed revisions do not render the Mississippi program less 
stringent than SMCRA.
2. Deletion of Existing Statutes
    Mississippi repealed section 53-9-13, creation of Surface Mining 
and Reclamation Operations Section; section 53-9-15, creation of 
Surface Mining Review Board; and section 53-9-17, Director of Bureau of 
Geology and Energy Resources. These sections designated to powers and 
duties of the agencies who would administer and enforce the Mississippi 
program. Mississippi replaced these sections with section 53-9-9, which 
designates the responsibilities of the new or renamed agencies who will 
administer and enforce the Mississippi program. Mississippi repealed 
section 53-9-59, criminal penalties--failure to make or making of false 
statement, representation or certification.
    The substantive provisions of this section were added to section 
53-9-57, Criminal penalties--violation of condition of permit or order. 
Mississippi repealed section 53-9-79, judicial review of decision. The 
substantive provisions of this section were added to section 53-9-77, 
right to formal hearing and appeal. Mississippi repealed section 53-9-
91, fees. The substantive provisions of this section were added to new 
section 53-9-28, fees.

[[Page 1344]]

    Because Mississippi added the substantive provisions of these 
previously-approved statutes to other sections of its program, the 
Director finds that the proposed deletions do not render the 
Mississippi program less stringent than SMCRA.

B. Revisions to the Mississippi Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Law 
That Are Substantively Identical to the Corresponding Provisions of the 
Federal Statutes or Regulations

    The proposed State statutes listed in the table contain language 
that is the same as or similar to the corresponding section of the 
Federal statutes or regulations. Differences between the proposed State 
statutes and the Federal statutes or regulations are nonsubstantive.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Topic                              MSCMRL                          Federal counterpart          
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Definition of approximate original    53-9-7(b).......................  701(2) of SMCRA                         
 contour.                                                                                                       
Definition of coal..................  53-9-7(d).......................  3 CFR 700.5                             
Definition of lignite...............  53-9-7(m).......................  701(30) of SMCRA                        
Definition of unwarranted failure to  53-9-7(aa)......................  701(29) of SMCRA                        
 comply.                                                                                                        
Compliance schedule.................  53-9-25(3)......................  510(c) of SMCRA                         
Transfer, assignment or sale of       53-9-33(4)......................  511(b) of SMCRA                         
 permit rights.                                                                                                 
Review of permits...................  53-9-33(5)......................  511(c) of SMCRA                         
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Because the State statutes listed above are identical in meaning to 
the corresponding Federal statutes or regulations, the Director finds 
that Mississippi's proposed revisions are no less stringent than SMCRA 
and no less effective than the Federal regulations.

C. Other Revisions to the Mississippi Surface Coal Mining and 
Reclamation Law

    Revisions to the following sections which are not specifically 
discussed below concern nonsubstantive wording changes or revised 
cross-references and paragraph notations to reflect organizational 
changes resulting from this amendment.
1. Section 53-9-7, Definitions
    a. Mississippi proposes to delete the previously approved 
definitions for ``act,'' ``administrator,'' ``bureau,'' ``chief,'' 
``director,'' ``division,'' ``Public Law 95-87,'' ``review board,'' and 
``section'' at section 53-9-7(a), (b), (d), (e), (i), (j), (r), (t), 
and (u), respectively.
    The term ``act,'' which was defined at section 53-9-7(a) as the 
Mississippi Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Law, is not referenced 
in any of Mississippi's statutes, so the definition is not necessary to 
the meaning of the statutes. Therefore, the Director finds that the 
proposed deletion will not render the Mississippi program less 
stringent than SMCRA.
    The term ``Pub. L. 95-87,'' which was defined at section 53-3-7(r) 
as the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, was replaced 
by the term ``Federal act'' at new section 53-9-7(i), with no 
substantive change in the definition language. The Director finds that 
the proposed deletion is not inconsistent with any requirements of 
SMCRA or the Federal regulations.
    The definitions of the terms ``administrator,'' ``bureau,'' 
``chief,'' ``director,'' ``division,'' ``review board,'' and 
``section,'' which identified those designated to administer and 
enforce and Mississippi program, were deleted because Mississippi 
redesignated the responsibilities for regulation of surface coal mining 
and reclamation operations in the State to reflect new or renamed 
agencies, and the terms are no longer applicable. The proposed 
deletions are consistent with the repeal of sections 53-9-13, 53-9-15, 
and 53-9-17 discussed above in finding A.2. Therefore, the Director 
finds that the removal of these definitions will not render the 
Mississippi program less stringent than SMCRA.
    b. Mississippi proposed to add a definition for the term appeal at 
new section 53-9-7(a) to mean ``an appeal to an appropriate court of 
the state taken from a final decision of the permit board or commission 
made after a formal hearing before that body.'' Neither the Federal 
regulations nor SMCRA define the term ``appeal.'' However, the 
definition is not inconsistent with section 526(e) of SMCRA, which 
requires actions of a State regulatory authority pursuant to an 
approved State program be subject to judicial review by a court of 
competent jurisdiction in accordance with State law. Therefore, the 
Director finds that the State's definition is consistent with the 
generally accepted meaning of this term in the context of 
administrative law and is approving it.
    c. At section 53-9-7(c), Mississippi defined the terminology ``as 
recorded in the minutes of the permit board'' to mean ``the date of the 
permit board meeting at which the action concerned is taken by the 
permit board.'' The permit board records all of its initial and final 
decisions or actions concerning permit applications, permit suspension 
or revocation, performance bond release, and the performance bond 
forfeiture in the minutes of the meetings held to consider them. Within 
specified times of these recordings, the applicants and interested 
parties may file written requests for formal hearings of the initial 
decisions before the permit board or appeal the final decisions before 
the chancery court. Although there is no Federal counterpart 
definition, the Director finds that the proposed definition is not 
inconsistent with the administrative review requirements of SMCRA.
    d. Mississippi revised or added definitions for the following terms 
to reflect both changes in agency names and the reorganization of the 
State regulatory authority. At 53-9-7(e), the term ``commission'' was 
revised to mean ``the Mississippi Commission on Environmental 
Quality''; at section 53-9-7(f), the term ``department'' was revised to 
mean ``the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality''; at 
section 53-9-7(g), the term ``executive director'' was defined as ``the 
executive director of the department''; at section 53-9-7(q), the term 
``permit board'' was defined as ``the permit board created under 
Section 49-17-28'' (Environmental Quality Permit Board); and at section 
53-9-7(x), the term ``state geologist'' was defined as ``the head of 
the office of geology and energy resources of the department or a 
successor office.'' Since the proposed definitions clarify terms used 
throughout Mississippi's statutes and are not inconsistent with any 
terms used in SMCRA, the Director is approving them.
    e. At section 53-9-7(i), Mississippi defined the term ``Federal 
Act'' as ``the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, as 
amended, which is codified as Section 1201 et seq. of Title 30 of the 
United States Code.'' The Director finds that Mississippi's proposed 
definition is consistent with the Federal definition of the term 
``Act'' at 30 CFR 700.5, and is approving it.

[[Page 1345]]

    f. At section 53-9-7(j), the term formal hearing was defined to 
mean ``a hearing on the record, as recorded and transcribed by a court 
reporter, before the commission or permit board where all parties to 
the hearing are allowed to present witnesses, cross-examine witnesses 
and present evidence for inclusion into the record, as appropriate 
under rules promulgated by the commission or permit board.'' There is 
no direct counterpart Federal definition. However, the Director finds 
that the proposed definition is not inconsistent with the Federal 
definition. However, the Director finds that the proposed definition is 
not inconsistent with the Federal requirements for administrative 
review at section 525 of SMCRA and 30 CFR Part 775 of the Federal 
regulations.
    g. A definition for the term interested party was added at section 
53-9-7(l) to mean ``any person claiming an interest relating to the 
surface coal mining operation and who is so situated that the person 
may be affected by that operation, or in the matter of regulations 
promulgated by the commission, any person who is so situated that the 
person may be affected by the action.'' There is no definition for the 
term ``interested party'' in SMCRA. However, the proposed definition is 
not inconsistent with the use of the terminology ``any person having an 
interest which is or may be adversely affected'' found in section 
513(b) of SMCRA. Therefore, the Director is approving it.
    h. Mississippi proposed to remove the reference to partnership or 
corporation from its definition of ``operator'' at section 53-9-7(n). 
The revised definition defines operator as any person engaged in coal 
mining who removes or intends to remove more than two hundred fifty 
(250) tons of coal from the earth by coal mining within twelve (12) 
consecutive calendar months in any one (1) location.'' Although the 
Federal definition of ``operator'' at section 701(13) contains the 
removed language, Mississippi's definition for ``person'' at section 
53-9-7(r) includes partnerships and corporations. Therefore, the 
Director finds that Mississippi's definition of ``operator'' in 
conjunction with its definition of ``person'' is no less stringent than 
the Federal definition of ``operator.''
    i. At section 53-9-7(p), the term ``permit area'' was revised by 
adding the requirement that the permit area be covered by the 
operator's performance bond. The Federal definition at section 701(17) 
also requires the permit area to be covered by the operator's bond. 
Therefore, the Director finds that Mississippi's revised definition is 
no less stringent than the Federal definition.
    j. At section 53-9-7(r), the term person was revised by adding a 
joint venture, cooperative, and any agency, unit or instrumentality of 
federal, state or local government, including any publicly owned 
utility or publicly owned corporation to those who are considered a 
person. It is now defined as ``an individual, partnership, association, 
society, joint venture, joint stock company, firm, company, 
corporation, cooperative or other business organization and any agency, 
unit or instrumentality of federal, state or local government, 
including any publicly owned utility of publicly owned corporation.'' 
The Director finds that the revised definition at section 53-9-7(r) is 
substantively the same as the Federal definition of ``person'' at 30 
CFR 700.5 and is no less stringent than sections 701(19) and 524 of 
SMCRA.
    k. The terms public hearing, informal hearing, or public meeting 
were defined at section 53-9-7(t) to mean ``a public forum organized by 
the commission, department or permit board for the purpose of providing 
information to the public regarding a surface coal mining and 
reclamation operation or regulations proposed by the commission and at 
which members of the public are allowed to make comments or ask 
questions or both of the commission, department or the permit board.'' 
Section 53-9-37(2)(b) of the Mississippi Surface Coal Mining and 
Reclamation Law allows any interested party to request a public hearing 
and requires the permit board to hold a public hearing before issuance 
of a permit, whether or not one has been requested. Any member of the 
public, not just interested parties, may attend and participate in the 
hearings or meeting. There is no Federal counterpart definition. 
Although SMCRA does not provide for the type of open public process 
which allows participation by all members of the public, section 513(b) 
of SMCRA and 30 CFR 773.13 of the Federal regulations provide for an 
informal conference if requested by any person having an interest which 
is or may be adversely affected or the officer or head of any Federal, 
State, or local government agency or authority. The conference shall be 
conducted by a representative of the regulatory authority, who may 
accept oral or written statements and any other relevant information 
from any party to the conference. Therefore, the Director finds that 
Mississippi's proposed definition is no less stringent than the 
informal conference provisions of section 513 of SMCRA and no less 
effective than the public participation requirements of 30 CFR 773.13, 
and is approving the definition for these terms.
    l. At section 53-9-7(v), the term revision was defined to mean 
``any change to the permit or reclamation plan that does not 
significantly change the effect of the mining operation on either those 
persons impacted by the permitted operations or on the environment, 
including, but not limited to, incidental boundary changes to the 
permit area or a departure from or change within the permit area, 
incidental changes in the mining method or incidental changes in the 
reclamation plan.'' There is no Federal counterpart definition. 
However, the Director finds that the proposed definition is not 
inconsistent with the requirements of section 511 of SMCRA or 30 CFR 
774.13 of the Federal regulations in relation to insignificant permit 
revisions and incidental boundary changes.
2. Section 53-9-9, General Responsibilities of the Department of 
Environmental Quality, the Commission on Environmental Quality, and the 
Environmental Quality Permit Board
    This revised statute replaces previously approved sections 53-9-9, 
53-9-13, 53-9-15, and 53-9-17. It designates the agencies which will 
administer and enforce the Mississippi program. The Department of 
Environmental Quality is designated as the agency to administer the 
Mississippi program. The Commission on Environmental Quality is 
designated as the body to enforce the Mississippi program, including 
the issuance of penalty orders, promulgation of regulations, and 
designation of lands unsuitable for surface coal mining. The 
Environmental Quality Permit Board is designated as the body to issue, 
modify, revoke, transfer, suspend, and reissue permits and to require, 
modify or release performance bonds. The Director, in accordance with 
section 503(a)(3), requires a State to provide authority to establish 
its regulatory authority and set forth its duties and responsibilities 
as in section 201 of SMCRA. The Director finds that section 53-9-9 
meets this requirement, and is approving it.
3. Section 53-9-11, Promulgation of Rules and Regulations by Commission 
on Environmental Quality
    Section 53-9-11(1) was revised to clarify the Commission on 
Environmental Quality's authority and responsibilities for rules and 
regulations. The Commission may

[[Page 1346]]

adopt, modify, repeal, and promulgate rules and regulations after 
notice and hearing and in accordance with the Mississippi 
Administrative Procedures Law. The Commission may also enforce rules 
and regulations and make exceptions to and grant exemptions and 
variances from them where not otherwise prohibited by Federal or State 
law. No exceptions, exemptions or variances shall be less stringent 
than rules and regulations promulgated under SMCRA. Section 53-9-
11(1)(a)(iv) was revised to reflect changes in and add to the list of 
State agencies that are to receive notice of the public hearing that is 
required before the adoption of any rules and regulations. Section 53-
9-11(1)(b) was revised by requiring the publication of the notice of 
the public hearing once a week for three consecutive weeks in one 
newspaper having general circulation in the state. Section 53-9-11(2) 
was revised by adding a provision specifying that failure of any person 
to submit comments within the time period established by the Commission 
would not preclude action by the Commission.
    Although there is no direct Federal counterpart to the revised 
statute, the Director finds that section 53-9-11, as revised, is not 
inconsistent with section 503(a)(7) of SMCRA or the Federal regulations 
at 30 CFR 732.15(b)(10). Section 503(a)(7) requires States to 
promulgate rules and regulations consistent with the Federal 
regulations issued pursuant to SMCRA. The Federal regulation at 30 CFR 
732.15(b)(10) requires States to provide for public participation in 
the development, revision, and enforcement of State regulations and the 
State program consistent with public participation requirements of 
SMCRA and 30 CFR chapter VII. Therefore, the Director is approving the 
above revisions.
4. Section 53-9-23, Permit Reissuance
    Mississippi added a new provision at section 53-9-23(3) that allows 
an operator, if the application was timely filed, to continue surface 
coal mining operations until the permit board takes action on his 
reissuance application. Mississippi requires renewal applications to be 
filed at least 180 days before the expiration of the permit.
    The Federal requirements for renewal of permits at section 
506(d)(1) of SMCRA and 30 CFR 774.15(a) provide that a valid permit 
shall carry with it the right of successive renewal upon expiration 
with respect to areas within the boundaries of the existing permit. 
Neither SMCRA nor the Federal regulations provide guidance on whether 
or not an operator may continue surface coal mining operations until 
action is taken on a renewal application that has been filed in a 
timely manner. However, the Director finds that the proposed provision 
is not unreasonable. If the operator files an application at least 180 
days before his permit expires, Mississippi should have no problems 
completing its approval process, pursuant to its counterparts to 
section 506(d)(1) and 30 CFR 774.15(c), prior to expiration of the 
permit. Therefore, the Director finds that the proposed provision at 
section 53-9-23 will not render the Mississippi program less stringent 
than SMCRA or less effective than the Federal regulations.
5. Section 53-9-25, Contents of Permit Applications
    Previously approved section 53-9-25(1), concerning permit fees, was 
moved to new section 53-9-28, and it is discussed below under finding 
C.8. Section 53-9-25(2) was designated as section 53-9-25(1)(a) and 
revised to require permit applications to contain information 
pertaining to the organization and business of the applicant including 
information regarding the ownership and names and addresses of 
directors, partners, officers, and resident agents; the previous 
experience and performance history of the applicant in surface coal 
mining; and a statement of whether the applicant, subsidiary, affiliate 
or persons controlled by or under common control with the applicant has 
held a mining permit which in the five-year period before the initial 
filing of the application had been suspended or revoked or under which 
the performance bond or deposit has been forfeited. It was also revised 
to require that permit applications contain any other information the 
permit board or commission by regulation may require consistent with 
the Federal Act. Existing section 53-9-25(3) (a) and (b) were 
designated as section 53-9-25 (1)(b) and (1)(c), respectively, with 
nonsubstantive language changes to clarify the existing provisions. 
Previously approved section 53-9-25(4), concerning Mississippi's small 
operator assistance program, was moved to section 53-9-26, and it is 
discussed below in finding C. 6.a. Previously approved section 53-9-
25(5) was designated as section 53-9-25(2)(a) with nonsubstantive 
language changes to clarify the existing provisions. Existing section 
53-9-25(6) was designated as section 53-9-25(2)(b) and revised to 
require that the insurance policy include compensation to persons 
damaged as a result of surface coal mining and reclamation operations, 
including use of explosives, and entitled to compensation under 
applicable State law. Previously approved section 53-9-25(7) was 
designated as section 53-9-25(2)(c) with nonsubstantive language 
changes to clarify the existing provisions. The Director finds that the 
revisions to section 53-9-25 are not inconsistent with and are no less 
stringent than the Federal requirements concerning contents of permit 
applications at section 507 of SMCRA.
6. Section 53-9-26, Small Operator Assistance Program (SOAP)
    a. Mississippi proposes to revise its currently approved provision 
for a small operator assistance program codified at section 53-9-25(4) 
and to add the revised provision at section 53-9-26. This new section 
requires that if the permit board finds that the probable total annual 
production at all locations of a surface coal mining operation will not 
exceed 300,000 tons, the department is to assume the cost of conducting 
activities to obtain and provide the information required to be 
contained in the permit application as determined by the commission. 
The commission's determination is to be consistent with section 507(c) 
of SMCRA. This assumption of cost is subject to the availability of 
Federal or other special funds for that purpose and upon the written 
request of the operator. All work under this section is to be performed 
by a qualified public or private laboratory or other public or private 
qualified entity designated by the department.
    With the exception of a typographical error, the Director finds 
that Mississippi's proposed provision at section 53-9-26 is no less 
stringent than section 507(c) of SMCRA. Section 507(c)(1) of SMCRA 
requires that if the regulatory authority finds that the probable total 
annual production at all locations of a coal surface mining operator 
will not exceed 300,000 tons, the cost of specified activities shall be 
assumed by the regulatory authority. Mississippi's use of the word 
``operation'' in the phrase ``at all locations of a surface cost mining 
operation'' instead of ``operator'' changes the meaning of the 
provision at section 53-9-26 because an operator could have several 
permitted operations throughout the United States from which annual 
production must be considered. Therefore, the Director is approving the 
revision with the requirement that Mississippi correct this 
typographical error.
    b. Section 507(h) of SMCRA and the implementing Federal regulation 
at 30 CFR 795.12(a)(2) require a coal operator that has received 
assistance under a small operator assistance program to

[[Page 1347]]

reimburse the regulatory authority for the cost of the services 
rendered if the program administrator finds that the operator's actual 
and attributed annual production of coal for all locations exceeds 
300,000 tons during the 12 months immediately following the date on 
which the operator is issued the surface coal mining and reclamation 
permit. There is no statutory counterpart to section 507(h) of SMCRA in 
the Mississippi Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Law. The 
Mississippi program does contain a regulation at section 195.18(a) of 
the Mississippi Surface Coal Mining Regulations concerning 
reimbursement of costs, but it is not consistent with section 507(h) of 
SMCRA or 30 CFR 795.12(a)(2) of the Federal regulations since it 
requires reimbursement for the cost of laboratory services if the 
commission finds that the applicant's actual and attributed annual 
production of coal exceeds 100,000 tons. However, in accordance with 
the existing required program amendment at 30 CFR 924.16(a), 
Mississippi is in the process of revising its regulations to meet the 
requirements of SMCRA and the Federal regulations prior to allowing 
coal exploration or surface mining operations in the State. Therefore, 
the Director will ensure that Mississippi amends its regulation at 
section 195.18(a) to require reimbursement for the cost of services if 
the applicant's actual and attributed annual production of coal exceeds 
300,000 tons, or otherwise amend its program to be no less stringent 
than the requirements of section 507(h) of SMCRA and no less effective 
than the requirements of 30 CFR 795.12(a)(2) of the Federal regulations 
prior to Mississippi's implementation of a small operator assistance 
program in the State.
7. Section 53-9-27, Filing of Application for Public Inspection
    Mississippi proposed three revisions at section 53-9-27. (1) 
Mississippi is requiring an applicant to file a copy of the application 
for public inspection within ten days after filing the application with 
the permit board. (2) Mississippi is clarifying where applications are 
to be filed by requiring that a copy of the application be filed with 
the clerk of the chancery court of the county or judicial district 
where the mining is to occur and where real property contiguous to the 
surface coal mining and reclamation operation is located if that 
property is located in more than one county or judicial district. (3) 
Mississippi is clarifying the type of coal seam information that the 
applicant may omit from the copies of the application filed for public 
inspection by specifying that the applicant may omit information 
pertaining to the quality, depth or width of the coal seam or the 
location of the coal seam within the permit area if the information has 
been determined to be confidential by the commission under section 53-
9-43.
    Section 507(e) of SMCRA requires the applicant to file a copy of 
the application for public inspection with the recorder at the 
courthouse of the county or an appropriate public office approved by 
the regulatory authority where the mining is proposed to occur, except 
for that information pertaining to the coal seam. Although there is no 
counterpart to Mississippi's ten-day time frame requirement in SMCRA, 
the Director finds that having a time frame within which an application 
must be filed for public inspection is not inconsistent with the 
requirements of section 507(e) of SMCRA. Mississippi's other proposed 
revisions to section 53-9-27 are consistent with and no less stringent 
than the Federal requirements at section 507(e) of SMCRA. Therefore, 
the Director is approving the three revisions proposed for section 53-
9-27.
8. Section 53-9-28, Permit Fees
    Mississippi proposes to remove its currently approved provision for 
permit fees codified at section 53-9-25(1) and to add a revised 
provision at section 53-9-28. Subsection (1) of this new section 
requires the commission to assess and collect a permit fee for 
reviewing the permit application and administering and enforcing a 
surface coal mining and reclamation permit. It also allows the 
commission to set permit fees for the transfer, modification or 
reissuance of a surface coal mining and reclamation permit. Subsection 
(2) allows the commission to establish a permit fee for the issuance, 
reissuance, transfer or modification of a coal exploration permit and a 
reasonable fee for a copy of a transcript of a formal hearing. 
Subsection (3) requires the commission to set by order the amount of 
any permit fee assessed. Such a permit fee may be less than, but shall 
not exceed the actual or anticipated direct and indirect costs of 
reviewing the permit application and administering and enforcing the 
permit. The commission may establish procedures to allow the assessment 
and collection of the permit fee over the term of the permit.
    The Director finds that section 53-9-28(1) and (3) are consistent 
with and no less stringent than section 507(a) of SMCRA. Section 507(a) 
requires surface coal mining and reclamation permit applications to be 
accompanied by a fee as determined by the regulatory authority. It 
allows the fee to be less than, but requires the fee not to exceed, the 
actual or anticipated cost of reviewing, administering, and enforcing a 
permit. It also authorizes the regulatory authority to develop 
procedures which would enable the cost of the fee to be paid over the 
term of the permit. Although SMCRA contains no counterpart to section 
53-9-28(2) concerning permit fees for coal exploration permits and 
copies of formal hearing transcripts, the Director finds that 
Mississippi's proposed fee payment provision for coal exploration 
permits is not inconsistent with SMCRA's provisions for surface coal 
mining and reclamation permit application fees and finds that 
Mississippi's proposed fee payment provision for formal hearing 
transcripts is not inconsistent with the provisions of 43 CFR 4.23 of 
the Federal regulations concerning fees for hearing transcripts. 
Therefore, the Director is approving the proposed statutory provisions 
at section 53-9-28.
9. Section 53-9-29, Reclamation Plan
    Existing section 53-9-29(1) was revised by reorganizing its 
substantive requirements into an introductory statement and new 
subsections (1) through (5). The introductory language indicates that 
the reclamation plan shall include in the degree of detail as the 
commission may require by regulation the requirements of subsections 
(1) through (6). Subsection (1) requires an identification of lands 
subject to surface coal mining operations over the estimated life of 
those operations. Subsection (2) requires information about the 
condition and variety of uses of the land at the time of the 
application and the proposed uses of the land after reclamation. 
Subsection (3) requires a description of how reclamation is to be 
achieved, including a schedule of and timetable for significant 
reclamation activities. Subsection (4) requires an estimate of 
reclamation costs. Subsection (5) requires information on the steps 
that will be taken to comply with Mississippi's air and water quality 
standards, health and safety standards, and performance standards 
applicable to reclamation. New subsection (6) requires any other 
information consistent with the Federal Act as the permit board or 
commission may require to demonstrate that the reclamation required by 
this chapter can be accomplished. Existing subsection (2), concerning 
confidentiality of specified information, was removed.
    Although the proposed provisions at section 53-9-29 do not contain 
all of the detailed requirements of section 508

[[Page 1348]]

of SMCRA, Mississippi is authorized to require by regulation other 
information consistent with the Federal Act. Therefore, the Director 
finds that section 53-9-29, as revised, is no less stringent than 
section 508 of SMCRA. It is noted that sections 180.18 through 180.37 
of Mississippi's regulations contain the more detailed reclamation plan 
requirements of section 508 of SMCRA. It is further noted that section 
186.15(a)(2) and (3) of Mississippi's regulations contain the 
substantive requirements for confidentiality of information required by 
section 508(a)(12) and (b) of SMCRA. Based on the above discussion, the 
Director is approving the revisions to section 53-9-29.
10. Section 53-9-31, Performance Bond
    Section 53-9-31(1) was revised by clarifying the requirement that 
the performance bond be filed before the issuance of a permit and by 
requiring that the amount of the bond be determined by the permit board 
after consultation with the state geologist. Section 53-9-31(2) was 
revised by adding ``letters of credit'' to the types of bond allowed in 
lieu of a surety bond. The banks which issue the alternative types of 
bond must be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or 
the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation or a similar federal 
banking or savings and loan insurance organization. Section 53-9-31(3) 
was revised by adding the requirement that the permit board's 
acceptance of the bond of the applicant without separate surety shall 
be in accordance with any conditions established by the commission in 
regulations promulgated under this chapter. Section 53-9-31(5) was 
revised by changing the terminology ``bond or deposit'' and ``bond'' to 
``financial assurance.'' Other nonsubstantive wording and stylistic 
changes and minor revisions to reflect new designations of 
responsibility were made throughout this section.
    The Director finds that the proposed provisions of section 53-9-31 
are consistent with and no less stringent than the Federal requirements 
for performance bonds at section 509 of SMCRA.
11. Section 53-9-32, Application Summary
    This new section requires the state geologist to prepare a plain 
language summary of a proposed surface coal mining and reclamation 
operation upon receipt of a complete application. The summary shall be 
made available to the public at the department and at each location 
where the applicant is required to place a copy of the application for 
public inspection.
    Although there is no Federal counterpart requirement, the Director 
finds that the proposed provision will enhance the public participation 
requirements of Mississippi's program and will not render Mississippi's 
program less stringent than SMCRA or less effective than the Federal 
regulations.
12. Section 53-9-33, Requisites for Approval of Application for Permit
    Existing section 53-9-39(1) was revised and added at new section 
53-9-33(1). This revised provision authorizes the permit board to 
issue, deny, or modify a permit based upon a complete application for 
permit or a complete application for modification or reissuance of a 
permit within the time required under section 53-9-37. The permit board 
shall notify the applicant in writing of its action within the time 
required under section 53-9-39. The applicant for a permit or 
modification of a permit shall have the burden of establishing that its 
complete application is in compliance with the requirements of 
Mississippi's program. The action of the permit board shall be 
effective upon the initial decision by the permit board as recorded in 
the minutes of the permit board. The Director finds that the proposed 
provisions of section 53-9-33(1) are consistent with and no less 
stringent than the permit approval or denial provisions of section 
510(a) of SMCRA.
    Existing section 53-9-33(1) was designated as section 53-9-33(2). 
Subsection (2)(e) was revised by providing that any determination made 
by the permit board under paragraph (e) shall not be construed as a 
adjudication of property rights. The Director finds that the proposed 
revision is consistent with and no less stringent than the requirements 
of section 510(b)(6) of SMCRA.
13. Section 53-9-35, Permit Revisions
    Existing subsection (1)(a) was designated as subsection (2) without 
any substantive changes. Existing subsection (1)(b) was designated as 
subsection (2) and it was revised by adding the requirement that a 
decision by the executive director to grant or deny a revision of a 
permit shall be subject to formal hearing and appeal under section 49-
17-29 of the Mississippi Code of 1972. Section 49-17-29 contains 
general administrative practices and procedures used for formal 
hearings in connection with permits issued, denied, modified or revoked 
and for all appeals from decisions of the permit board. The Director 
finds that the proposed revisions are not inconsistent with and are no 
less stringent than the permit decision hearing and appeal requirements 
of section 514(c) and (f) of SMCRA.
    Existing subsection (1)(c) was designated as subsection (3), and it 
was revised by adding the statement that ``[a] revision shall not be 
considered a modification.'' As discussed in finding C.1.m, Mississippi 
defined the term ``revision'' to mean any change to the permit or 
reclamation plan that does not significantly change the effect of the 
mining operation. Mississippi considers modifications as any change to 
the permit or reclamation plant that significantly changes the effect 
of the mining operation. All modifications are subject to permit 
application information requirements and procedures, including notice 
and hearings. The Director finds that the addition of the proposed 
statement is consistent with Mississippi's definition for the term 
``revision'' and is not inconsistent with the revision requirements of 
section 511 of SMCRA. Existing subsections (2) and (3), which pertain 
to transfer, assignment or sale of permit rights and permit review, 
were removed and the substantive provisions added at section 53-9-33(4) 
and (5), respectively. Since the substantive provisions of these 
subsections were added to other portions of Mississippi's program, the 
Director finds that the proposed deletions do not render section 53-9-
35 less stringent than section 511 of SMCRA. Based on the above 
discussion, the Director is approving the revisions to section 53-9-35.
14. Section 53-9-37(1), Public Notice and Written Comments
    Mississippi proposed the following substantive revisions to its 
provisions at section 53-9-37(1).
    a. Mississippi changed the word ``revision'' to ``modification,'' 
and changed its agency reference from ``administrator'' to ``permit 
board'' throughout subsection (1). Changing the word ``revision'' to 
``modification'' is consistent with Mississippi's use of the term 
``revision'' for non-significant changes to the permit or reclamation 
plan and its use of the term ``modification'' for significant changes 
to the permit or reclamation plan. Changing the term ``administrator'' 
to ``permit board'' is consistent with Mississippi's new designations 
of responsibility. The Director finds that these proposed changes are 
not

[[Page 1349]]

inconsistent with any provisions of SMCRA, and he is approving them.
    b. Submission of a complete application. Mississippi added the word 
``complete'' before the word ``application.'' This provision now 
requires that upon submission of a complete application for a permit or 
modification of an existing permit, under this chapter and the 
regulations promulgated under this chapter, the applicant shall submit 
to the permit board a copy of the applicant's advertisement of the 
ownership, precise location and boundaries of the land to be affected. 
The Director finds that Mississippi's use of the word ``complete'' to 
clarify that it expects the applicant to submit an application that 
contains all of the application requirements of its program is no less 
stringent than section 513(a) of SMCRA which requires submission of an 
application for a surface coal mining and reclamation permit, or 
revision of an existing permit, pursuant to the provisions of this Act 
or an approved State program, and is approving this revision.
    c. Newspaper advertisement. Mississippi revised this provision by 
requiring the applicant to place an advertisement of the ownership, 
precise location, and boundaries of the land to be affected in a local 
and regional newspaper of general circulation in the county in which 
the proposed mine is to be located. If no local newspaper of general 
circulation in the county is published, notice shall be published in a 
regional newspaper and in a newspaper of general statewide circulation 
published in Jackson, Mississippi. The Mississippi program currently 
requires publication in only one newspaper. The Director finds that 
Mississippi's proposed revision enhances the public participation 
requirements of its program and is no less stringent than the 
requirement for public notice at section 513(a) of SMCRA.
    d. Notification to local governmental bodies, planning agencies, 
sewage and water treatment authorities. Mississippi changed the term 
``immediately'' to ``as soon as possible'' in its requirement to 
transmit the comments to the applicant, and made other minor wording 
changes to clarify existing requirements. The revised provision reads 
as follows:

    The permit board shall notify local governmental bodies, 
planning agencies, sewage and water treatment authorities, or water 
companies in the county in which the proposed surface coal mining 
will take place of the submission of the complete permit 
application. The permit board shall notify them of the operator's 
intention to surface mine coal on a particularly described tract of 
land, the number of the permit application and where a copy and 
summary of the proposed surface coal mining and reclamation plan may 
be inspected. These local bodies, agencies, authorities or companies 
may submit written comments within a reasonable period established 
by the commission on the effect of the proposed operation on the 
environment which is within their areas of responsibility. The 
comments shall be transmitted as soon as possible to the applicant 
by the permit board and shall be made available to the public at the 
same locations as the surface coal mining and reclamation permit 
application.

    Section 513(a) of SMCRA requires that comments received from local 
bodies, agencies, authorities or companies shall immediately be 
transmitted to the applicant and made available to the public. Although 
Mississippi changed the term ``immediately'' to ``as soon as possible'' 
in its counterpart notification provision at section 53-9-37(1), its 
currently approved implementing regulation at section 186.12(c) does 
require that comments be immediately transmitted for filing and public 
inspection at the public office where the applicant filed a copy of the 
application and to the applicant. Therefore, since Mississippi 
interprets the phrase ``as soon as possible'' to mean ``immediately'' 
in its implementing regulations, the Director finds that this provision 
of section 53-9-37(1) in conjunction with section 186.12(c) is no less 
stringent than the counterpart Federal requirements at section 513(a) 
of SMCRA, and is approving the revision.
    e. Submittal of comments. Mississippi added the following 
preclusion provision at section 53-9-37(1): ``The failure of any person 
to submit comments within the time established by the commission shall 
not preclude action by the commission.'' Although there is no direct 
Federal counterpart, the Director finds that this provision is not 
inconsistent with the provision in section 513(a) of SMCRA that allows 
the regulatory authority to establish a reasonable period of time for 
local bodies, agencies, authorities or companies to submit written 
comments with respect to the effect of the proposed operation on the 
environment or with the provision in section 513(b) of SMCRA that 
allows the filing of written objections within 30 days after the last 
publication of the newspaper notice, and is approving the proposed 
provision.
15. Section 53-9-37(2), Written Objections and Public Hearing
    Mississippi proposed the following substantive revisions to the 
provisions at section 53-9-37(2).
    a. Written objections. At section 53-9-37(2)(a), Mississippi 
changed the term ``immediately'' to ``as soon as possible'' in its 
requirement that written objections concerning a permit application be 
transmitted to the applicant and be made available to the public. 
Section 513(b) of SMCRA requires that objections shall immediately be 
transmitted to the applicant and made available to the public. Although 
Mississippi changed the term ``immediately'' to ``as soon as possible'' 
in its counterpart provision at section 53-9-37(2), its currently 
approved implementing regulation at section 186.13(b) does require that 
written objections be transmitted immediately upon receipt to the 
applicant and a copy filed for public inspection at the public office 
where the applicant filed a copy of the application. Therefore, since 
Mississippi interprets the term ``as soon as possible'' to mean 
``immediately'' in its implementing regulations, the Director finds 
that this provision of section 53-9-37(2) in conjunction with section 
186.13(b) is no less stringent than the counterpart Federal 
requirements at section 513(b) of SMCRA, and is approving the revision.
    b. Public hearing. At section 53-9-37(2)(b), Mississippi added time 
frames for requesting a public hearing, publication of the notice of a 
public hearing, and holding a public hearing. Mississippi added a 
provision that requires the permit board to hold a public hearing 
before issuance of a permit. Mississippi also changed the term 
``informal conference'' to ``public hearing'' and added a requirement 
concerning transcript costs. The revised provision reads as follows:

    Within 45 days after the last publication of the notice 
described in subsection (1) of this section, any interested party 
may request that the permit board conduct a public hearing 
concerning the complete application. If a public hearing is 
requested, the permit board shall hold a public hearing in the 
county of the proposed surface coal mining and reclamation 
operations within ninety (90) days after receipt of the first 
request for a public hearing. Before issuance of a permit, the 
permit board shall hold a public hearing at a suitable location in 
the county of the proposed surface coal mining and reclamation 
operation. The date, time and location of any public hearing shall 
be advertised by the permit board in the same manner as provided for 
the publication of notice for advertisement of land ownership under 
subsection (1) of this section. The last

[[Page 1350]]

public hearing notice shall be published at least thirty (30) days 
before the scheduled public hearing date. An electronic or 
stenographic record shall be made of the public hearing proceeding. 
Any person requesting transcription of the record shall bear the 
costs of the transcription. That record shall be maintained and 
shall be accessible to the public until final release of the 
applicant's performance bond or other collateral. If all persons 
requesting the public hearing stipulate agreement before the 
requested public hearing and withdraw their request, the public 
hearing may be canceled at the discretion of the permit board.

    Mississippi uses its public hearing provisions as a counterpart to 
the informal conference provisions of section 513(b) of SMCRA. As 
discussed in Finding C.1.1, Mississippi's public hearing is more of an 
open public process than the informal conference allowed by SMCRA since 
Mississippi allows any member of the public, not just interested 
parties, to attend and participate in the hearing. Mississippi's 
proposed language which requires the permit board to hold a public 
hearing before issuance of a permit is in accordance with the 
Mississippi law regarding administrative practices and procedures at 
section 49-17-29(4)(a) of the Mississippi Code of 1972. This law 
requires the permit board to conduct a public hearing or meeting to 
obtain comments from the public on a proposed permit prior to its 
issuance even if a public hearing is not requested. Section 513(b) of 
SMCRA provides for written objections and requests for an informal 
conference to be filed within 30 days after the last publication of the 
newspaper notice required by section 513(a) of SMCRA, the informal 
conference is to be held within a reasonable time of the receipt of the 
request, and the date, time and location of the informal conference 
shall be advertised by the regulatory authority at least two weeks 
prior to the scheduled conference. The Director finds that allowing 
interested parties 45 days to request a public hearing enhances 
Mississippi's public participation provisions and holding a public 
hearing within 90 days after receipt of the first request is reasonable 
considering the 45-day comment period and the revised notice of hearing 
provisions. The Director finds that Mississippi's requirement that the 
notice of hearing be published at least once a week for four 
consecutive weeks and that the last notice be published at least 30 
days before the scheduled hearing date is no less stringent than the 
Federal requirement that a notice be published at least two weeks prior 
to a scheduled conference. The Director finds that requiring a person 
to bear the cost of a requested transcript is consistent with and no 
less effective than the Federal requirements for a transcript of 
hearings at 43 CFR 4.23. Based upon the above discussion, the Director 
is approving the proposed revisions at section 53-9-37(2)(b).
16. Section 53-9-37(3), Access to the Proposed Mining Area
    Mississippi revised its existing provision regarding access to the 
proposed mining area and added the revised provision at subsection (3). 
The revised provision requires the permit board to arrange with the 
applicant reasonable access to the area of the proposed operation for 
the purpose of gathering information relevant to the proceeding before 
the public hearing upon request by any interested party requesting a 
public hearing. An exception clause was added to the provision that 
allows access to be provided before the public hearing if requested in 
less than one week of the hearing. Section 513(b) of SMCRA allows the 
regulatory authority the discretion of determining whether to conduct 
visits to areas of proposed mines for the purpose of gathering 
information relevant to the proceeding. Since SMCRA does not 
specifically require the regulatory authority to arrange access, the 
Director finds that section 53-9-37(3), including the exception clause, 
is no less stringent than section 513(b) of SMCRA.
17. Section 53-9-37(4), Permit Decision
    Mississippi revised its existing provisions at section 53-9-39(2) 
and (3) concerning the time frames for making permit decisions, and 
moved them to section 53-9-37(4). Section 53-9-37(4) requires the 
permit board to act upon a complete permit application within 60 days 
after the date of the public hearing. If no public hearing is requested 
or required, the permit board shall act within 60 days after the last 
publication of the applicant's newspaper notice described in subsection 
(1). An exception clause was added that provides that the time frames 
may be extended if agreed in writing by the department and the 
applicant.
    The Director finds that requiring a decision on a permit 
application within 60 days after an administrative proceeding is 
consistent with and no less stringent than the requirements of section 
514(a) of SMCRA and requiring a decision on a permit application within 
60 days after publication of the last public notice if no public 
hearing is requested or required is no less stringent than the 
requirements of section 514(b) of SMCRA. The Director also finds that 
the proposed time-frame extension language is not inconsistent with the 
requirements of section 514(b) of SMCRA, which allows the regulatory 
authority to notify the applicant for a permit of its decision within a 
time frame established by the regulatory authority if no informal 
conference is held.
    On October 23, 1997, OSM notified Mississippi of a concern 
regarding Mississippi's time-frame extension provision as it relates to 
its public hearing provision (Administrative Record No. MS-0343). The 
time-frame extension provision did not appear to take into 
consideration the agreement of interested parties who requested the 
public hearing. In its letter dated November 20, 1997 (Administrative 
Record No. MS-0346), Mississippi explained that the reason it 
anticipates the possible need for an extension to the time frame is 
because a public hearing is mandatory prior to the issuance of a permit 
and its public hearing process allows any member of the public to 
attend and participate, not just interested parties who request a 
hearing. Because anyone can participate in public hearings, similar 
hearings in other Mississippi pollution control programs have resulted 
in voluminous public comment which required more than 60 days for the 
permit board and the department to digest, review, and incorporate into 
the permit as appropriate.
    The Director agrees that if voluminous public comments are received 
at a public hearing, it may take more than 60 days to make a final 
decision on whether to grant or deny the permit. However, the Director 
finds that the proposed time-frame extension language is not consistent 
with the requirements of section 514(a) of SMCRA since it does not 
provide for agreement to the extension by interested parties who 
requested the public hearing. Section 514(a) of SMCRA requires that 
persons who are parties to administrative proceedings also be furnished 
with the written findings of the regulatory authority, and section 53-
9-39(1)(d) of the Mississippi Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Law 
requires that persons who requested the public hearing be notified of 
the permit decision. Therefore, interested parties who requested the 
public hearing, not only the applicant, must agree to an extension of 
the permit decision time frame. As discussed in finding C.1.h, 
Mississippi defines the term ``interested party'' to mean any person 
claiming an interest relating to the surface coal mining operation and 
who is so situated that the person may be affected by that

[[Page 1351]]

operation. If a mandatory hearing is held because no interested party 
requested a public hearing, then agreement by the applicant only would 
not be inconsistent with section 514(a) of SMCRA.
    Based upon the above discussion, the Director is approving the 
revisions to section 53-9-37(4) with the requirement that Mississippi 
propose revisions to section 186.23(b)(2) of the Mississippi Surface 
Coal Mining Regulations, or otherwise amend its program, to require 
agreement to an extension of the 60-day time frame for acting upon a 
complete permit application by the applicant and interested parties who 
requested the public hearing, if a public hearing is requested and 
held.
18. Section 53-9-39, Notification of Permit Decision, Formal Hearings, 
and Appeals
    Mississippi proposed several revisions regarding notification of 
the action taken by the permit board on a permit application, 
administrative review of the action, and appeal of the final action. 
The Director finds that with the exception of the provisions discussed 
below, the revised provisions at section 53-9-39 are substantively the 
same as the Federal counterpart provisions of SMCRA.
    a. Section 53-9-39(1), notification. Mississippi's provisions at 
section 53-9-39(1) require that within 14 days after issuing or denying 
a permit or granting or denying a motification to an existing permit, 
the permit board shall notify by mail the applicant, the mayor of each 
municipality and the president of the board of supervisors of each 
county in which the permit area is located, persons who submitted 
written comments if those persons provided a complete address, and 
persons who requested the public hearing if those persons provided a 
complete address. The notification to the local governmental officials 
shall include a description of the permit area and a summary of the 
mining and reclamation plan.
    (1) Section 510(a) of SMCRA requires that within 10 days after the 
granting of a permit, the regulatory authority shall notify the local 
governmental officials in the local political subdivision in which the 
area of land to be affected is located that a permit has been issued 
and shall describe the location of the land. Although Mississippi's 
revised provisions at section 53-9-39(1)(b) requires notification to 
local governmental officials within 14 days instead of 10 days after 
issuing or denying a permit, the Director finds that the proposed 
revision is no less stringent than section 510(a) of SMCRA because 
Mississippi allows local governmental officials 45 days to request a 
formal hearing at section 53-9-39(3), instead of the 30 days provided 
by section 514(c) of SMCRA.
    (2) Section 514(a) of SMCRA requires that if an informal conference 
has been held, the regulatory authority shall issue and furnish the 
applicant for a permit and persons who are parties to the 
administrative proceedings with the written finding of the regulatory 
authority within 60 days of said hearings. Mississippi's revised 
provisions at section 53-9-37(4) require the permit board to act upon a 
complete permit application within 60 days after the date of the public 
hearing and section 53-9-39(1)(a) and (d) require notification to the 
applicant and persons who requested the public hearing within 14 days 
after issuing a decision on a permit or modification to an existing 
permit. Although Mississippi's revised provisions allow the permit 
board to furnish its permit decision within 74 days of a hearing 
instead of 60 days, the Director finds that Mississippi's revised time-
frame for notification at section 53-9-39(1) (a) and (d) is no less 
stringent than the requirements of section 514(a) of SMCRA because 
Mississippi allows additional time to the applicant and interested 
persons to request a formal hearing. Mississippi's statute at section 
53-9-39(3) allows the applicant or any other interested party to 
request a formal hearing within 45 days after its initial decision to 
issue or deny a permit, while section 514(c) of SMCRA allows the 
applicant or any person with an interest which is or may be adversely 
affected to request a hearing within 30 days after the applicant is 
notified of the final decision.
    Based upon the above discussions, the Director is approving 
Mississippi's proposed revisions at section 53-9-39(1) of the 
Mississippi Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Law.
    b. Section 53-9-39(3), formal hearings. At section 53-9-39(3), 
Mississippi allows the applicant and any other interested party to 
request a formal hearing within 45 days after the permit board makes 
its decision to issue or deny a permit application and requires 
hearings to be conducted within sixty (60) days after receipt of the 
first request for a formal hearing. Mississippi removed its previously 
approved provision from section 53-9-39(7) that allowed judicial appeal 
if the regulatory authority failed to act within the time limits 
specified in its statutes and added a new provision at section 53-9-
39(3) that allows any interested party to request a formal hearing if 
the permit board fails to take action within the time allowed under 
section 53-9-37, which specified the time periods for holding a public 
hearing and for issuing or denying a permit. Mississippi is also 
requiring that at the conclusion of the formal hearing or within 30 
days after the formal hearing, the permit board shall enter in its 
minutes a final decision affirming, modifying or reversing its prior 
decision to issue or deny the permit. The permit board shall mail 
within seven days after its final decision a notice of that decision to 
the applicant and all persons who participated as a party in the formal 
hearing.
    (1) Section 514(c) of SMCRA allows the applicant or any person with 
an interest which is or may be adversely affected to request a hearing 
within 30 days after the applicant is notified of the final decision 
and requires that administrative hearings on final permit decisions be 
held within 30 days of a request for hearing. The Director finds that 
allowing the applicant and interested persons 45 days to request a 
formal hearing will not render Mississippi's administrative review 
process less stringent than the Federal requirements. However, in its 
October 23, 1997, letter, OSM expressed concern that Mississippi's 
requirement for a 60-day rather than a 30-day time frame for holding a 
hearing may not be consistent with the Federal requirements. In its 
letter dated November 20, 1997, Mississippi explained that the 60-day 
period stemmed from the permit board's procedures for holding a formal 
hearing. The formal hearing procedures require that direct testimony be 
submitted in writing, usually in affidavit form, with attached 
exhibits, prior to the hearing. All parties are given 30 days to submit 
initial testimony, and then are given 7 days to submit rebuttal 
testimony. The hearing normally is scheduled for 7 days after the 
filing of rebuttal testimony. At the hearing, cross-examination is 
allowed. This allows members of the public and community or 
environmental groups to participate in formal hearings, because the 
individuals or groups are given time to put their complaints and 
concerns in writing, rather than having to depend on the presentation 
of evidence through oral testimony. Taking into consideration the 
additional time that Mississippi allows the applicant and other 
interested persons to request a hearing and the formal hearing process 
explained above, the Director finds that Mississippi's time frame for 
holding a formal hearing is no less stringent than

[[Page 1352]]

the counterpart Federal provision at section 514(c) of SMCRA.
    (2) Section 514(f) of SMCRA requires that any applicant or any 
person with an interest which is or may be adversely affected who has 
participated in the administrative proceedings as an objector shall 
have the right to judicial appeal if the regulatory authority fails to 
act within the time limits specified in this Act. In its October 23, 
1997, letter, OSM expressed concern that Mississippi had removed its 
counterpart provision from section 53-9-39(7). In its November 20, 
1997, letter Mississippi explained that it had divided the right to 
review the permit board's failure to act within specified time periods 
into separate administrative and judicial forums by allowing affected 
parties to request a formal hearing under section 53-9-39(3). The party 
then may request judicial appeal at section 53-9-39(6) in accordance 
with the requirements of section 53-9-77(1) and section 49-17-29(5) of 
the Mississippi Code of 1972 if the party is aggrieved by the formal 
hearing decision. If the affected party wishes to seek direct judicial 
review of the failure of the permit board to abide by any time frame in 
the Mississippi statutes, the party may file suit pursuant to section 
53-9-67(1)(b), which provides judicial review for the failure of the 
agency to perform any nondiscretionary duty under the Act. SMCRA does 
not provide for a formal hearing on a regulatory authority's failure to 
act within the time limits specified in SMCRA. However, the Director 
finds that Mississippi's provision at section 53-9-39(3) when combined 
with the judicial review requirements of sections 53-9-77(1) and 49-17-
29(5) and the civil action requirements of 53-9-67(1)(b) is no less 
stringent that the Federal requirements at section 514(f) of SMCRA.
    (3) In its letter dated October 23, 1997, OSM expressed its concern 
that Mississippi's proposed language at section 53-9-39(3) that allows 
the permit board a total of 30 days within which to issue a decision on 
a permit and an additional seven days within which to furnish its 
written decision to the proper parties after a formal hearing may be 
less stringent than the Federal requirements. Section 514(c) of SMCRA 
requires that the written decision be issued and furnished within 30 
days after a formal hearing. In its letter dated November 20, 1997, 
Mississippi explained that the seven days in which the permit board 
would be allowed to mail the notice of the decision is a reasonable 
effort to accommodate the combined effect of Mississippi case law and 
the Mississippi Open Meetings Law on the method the permit board uses 
to make and record its permit actions. The permit board's decision 
documents must include an explanation of the specific reasons for an 
agency's decision, if the reasons are not otherwise evident from the 
administrative record (McGowan v. State Oil & Gas Board, 604 So. 2d 312 
(1992)). Since a decision document cannot be prepared until the 
decision is made, it would be very difficult for the permit board to 
issue an order on the same day it is made. Permit actions are taken by 
a vote of the seven-member board and the decision is then entered into 
the meeting minutes. Under Mississippi law, the permit board can take 
action on a permit only at an open meeting, Mississippi Annotated Code 
section 25-41-5 (Rev. 1990), normally scheduled twice monthly. The 
Director finds that since the final permit decision is made at the 
conclusion of the formal hearing or within 30 days after the formal 
hearing at a meeting which is open to the public, including the 
applicant and all persons who participated as a party in the formal 
hearing, Mississippi's provision at section 53-9-39(3) which allows the 
permit board to mail its written decision within seven days after its 
final decision is recorded in the minutes of the permit board is no 
less stringent than the requirements of section 514(c) of SMCRA.
    c. Section 53-9-39(5), transcript of hearings. Section 514(e) of 
SMCRA requires that a verbatim record of each hearing shall be made and 
a transcript made available on the motion of any party or by order of 
the regulatory authority. Mississippi's requirement for a transcript 
was removed from existing section 53-9-39(6) and was not added to the 
revised provision concerning the requirement for a verbatim record at 
section 53-9-39(5). However, Mississippi's currently approved 
regulations at section 187.11(b)(3)(ii), concerning administrative 
review of permit decisions, includes this requirement. Therefore, the 
Director finds that section 53-9-39(5) in conjunction with 
Mississippi's approved regulation at section 187.11(b)(3)(ii) of the 
Mississippi Surface Coal Mining Regulations is no less stringent than 
the Federal requirements for a verbatim record and transcript of a 
hearing at section 514(e) of SMCRA.
19. Section 53-9-43, Confidentiality of Information
    This section was modified by removing the existing provisions 
regarding issued permits meeting all applicable performance standards 
and by adding the existing language from section 53-9-41(2) on the 
confidentiality of information. Mississippi also proposed additional 
requirements. Section 53-9-43 now authorizes the commission to 
determine confidentiality claims and to provide penalties for 
unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. Information 
submitted concerning trade secrets or privileged commercial or 
financial information relating to the competitive rights of an 
applicant and which is specifically identified as confidential shall 
not be available for public examination if the applicant submits a 
written confidentiality claim to the commission before the submission 
of the information and the commission determines the confidentiality 
claim is valid. The confidentiality claim shall include a generic 
description of the nature of the information included in the 
submission. The commission shall promulgate rules and regulations 
consistent with the Mississippi Public Records Act regarding access to 
confidential information. Any information for which a confidentiality 
claim is asserted shall not be disclosed pending the outcome of any 
formal hearing and all appeals. Any person knowingly and willfully 
making unauthorized disclosures of any information determined to be 
confidential shall be liable for civil damages. A person convicted of 
making unauthorized disclosures shall be fined $1,000 and dismissed 
from public office or employment.
    Section 512(b) of SMCRA and 30 CFR 772.15(b) of the Federal 
regulations require that information concerning coal exploration that 
is submitted to the regulatory authority as confidential concerning 
trade secrets or privileged commercial or financial information which 
relates to the competitive rights shall not be available for public 
examination. The Federal regulation at 30 CFR 772.15(c) provides that 
information requested to be held as confidential shall not be made 
publicly available until after notice and opportunity to be heard is 
afforded persons both seeking and opposing disclosure of the 
information. The Director finds that the requirements of section 53-9-
43 are non inconsistent with the requirements of SMCRA or the Federal 
regulations concerning confidentially of information, and is approving 
the proposed revisions to section 53-9-43.

[[Page 1353]]

20. Section 53-9-45, Performance Standards Relating to Surface Mining
    This section was modified by adding the existing language from 
section 53-9-43 concerning content of permits for surface coal mining 
and reclamation operations at subsection (1). Mississippi revised the 
existing language by adding a requirement that any permit issued to 
conduct coal exploration operations, as well as surface coal mining and 
reclamation operations, require such operations to meet all applicable 
environmental protection performance standards of this chapter and such 
other requirements as the commission shall promulgate. This section was 
also amended to make various clarifying language revisions to the 
existing provisions concerning the general environmental protection 
performance standards that the commission shall promulgate by 
regulations, including the following: At section 53-9-45(2)(c), the 
regulations shall assure restoration of the approximate original 
contour of the land with all highwalls, spoil piles and depressions 
eliminated, unless an exception is provided under section 53-9-45. At 
section 53-9-45(2)(g), the operator may elect to impound water to 
provide lakes or ponds for wildlife, recreational or water supply 
purposes if it is a part of the approved mining and reclamation plan 
and if those impoundments are constructed in accordance with applicable 
Federal and state laws and regulations. At section 53-9-45(2)(h), the 
regulations shall govern the proper conduct of augering operations or 
prohibit those operations under certain circumstances. At section 53-9-
45(4)(b)(i) and (ii), additional criteria were added for a variance 
from the requirement to restore to approximate original contour and to 
reclaim the land to an industrial, commercial, residential or public 
use. Notification must be made to appropriate Federal, state, and local 
governmental agencies providing an opportunity to comment on the 
proposed use; the proposed postmining land use must be compatible with 
adjacent land uses and state and local land use planning; and the 
proposed postmining land use must be economically practical.
    Section 515 of SMCRA provides the general performance standards 
that are applicable to all surface coal mining operations. In its 
letter dated October 23, 1997, OSM expressed concern that Mississippi's 
reference at section 53-9-45(4)(b) to subsection (2) in the phrase ``a 
variance from other requirement to restore to approximate original 
contour set forth in subsections (2) or (3) of this section'' could be 
interpreted as an expansion of the variance to non-steep slope 
disturbed areas since subsection (2) contains the general protection 
performance standards that are applicable to all surface coal mining 
and reclamation operations. Section 515(e)(2) of SMCRA grants a 
variance from the requirement to restore disturbed areas to approximate 
original contour only for steepslope surface coal mining and 
reclamation operations. In its letter dated November 20, 1997, 
Mississippi explained that the discrepancy stems from a typographical 
error which is the result of renumbering the provisions. Therefore, the 
Director finds that with the exception of this typographical error, 
Mississippi's proposed revisions at section 53-9-45 are no less 
stringent than the provisions of section 515 of SMCRA, and is requiring 
Mississippi to remove its reference to subsection (2) from section 53-
9-45(4)(b).
21. Section 53-9-53, Mine Entrance Signs
    This section was revised by adding new information requirements for 
mine entrance signs. The signs must also state that questions and 
complaints regarding the operation may be directed to the department, 
and they must show the department's telephone number.
    There is no direct Federal counterpart to Mississippi's proposed 
provision. However, the Director finds that requiring permittees to 
maintain additional information on their mine entrance signs is not 
inconsistent with section 517(d) of SMCRA or 30 CFR 816.11(c)(2) of the 
Federal regulations pertaining to requirements for mine entrance signs.
22. Section 53-9-55, Complaints, Formal Hearing, Service of Notices, 
and Civil Penalties
    This section was amended to add new provisions and make various 
clarifying language revisions to the existing provisions concerning 
violations and assessment of civil penalties.
    a. Section 53-9-55(1), written complaint, formal hearing, and 
service of notices. Existing section 53-9-55 was revised by adding new 
subsection (1), which allows service of a written complaint at 
paragraph (a), affords an opportunity for a formal hearing to alleged 
violators at paragraph (b), and provides for service of notices at 
paragraph (c). These new paragraphs read as follows:

    (a) When the commission or an authorized representative of the 
department has reason to believe that a violation of this chapter or 
any regulation or order of the commission or permit board or any 
condition of a permit has occurred, the commission may cause a 
written complaint to be served upon the alleged violator. The 
complaint shall specify the section, regulation, order or permit 
alleged to be violated and the facts alleged to constitute the 
violation and shall require the alleged violator to appear before 
the commission at a time and place specified in the order to answer 
the complaint. The time of appearance before the commission shall be 
not less than twenty (20) days from the date of the mailing or 
service of the complaint, whichever is earlier.
    (b) The commission shall afford an opportunity for a formal 
hearing to the alleged violator at the time and place specified in 
the complaint or at another time or place agreed to in writing by 
both the department and the alleged violator, and approved by the 
commission. On the basis of the evidence produced at the formal 
hearing, the commission shall enter an order which in its opinion 
will best further the purposes of this chapter and shall give 
written notice of that order to the alleged violator and to any 
other persons who participated as parties at the formal hearing or 
who made written request for notice of the order. The commission may 
assess penalties as provided in this section.
    (c) Except as otherwise expressly provided, any notice or other 
instrument issued by or under authority of the commission may be 
served on any affected person personally or by publication, and 
proof of that service may be made in the same manner as in case of 
service of a summons in a civil action. The proof of service shall 
be filed in the office of the commission. Service may also be made 
by mailing a copy of the notice, order, or other instrument by 
certified mail, directed to the person affected at the person's last 
known post-office address as shown by the files or records of the 
commission. Proof of service may be made by the affidavit of the 
person who did the mailing and shall be filed in the office of the 
commission.

    In its letter of October 23, 1997, OSM expressed a concern that 
Mississippi's provisions at section 53-9-55(1)(a) may conflict with the 
enforcement provisions of section 521(a) of SMCRA and Mississippi's 
counterpart enforcement provisions at section 53-9-69(1). Section 
521(a) requires the Secretary or his authorized representative to issue 
orders of cessation and notices of violation when on the basis of an 
inspection it is determined that a violation exists. Section 53-9-
55(1)(a) authorizes the commission to cause a written complaint to be 
served when the commission or an authorized representative of the 
department has reason to believe that a violation has occurred, without 
mention of an inspection. Section 53-9-55(1)(b) provides the alleged 
violator an opportunity for a formal hearing regarding the written 
complaint. In its letter of November 20, 1997, Mississippi

[[Page 1354]]

explained that section 53-9-55(1) grants optional enforcement authority 
to the commission that is in addition to the mandatory enforcement 
requirements in section 53-9-69(1), which requires the issuance of an 
appropriate cessation order or notice of violation upon discovering a 
violation during an inspection. Section 521(d) of SMCRA provides that 
section 521 of SMCRA shall not be construed so as to eliminate any 
additional enforcement rights or procedures which are available under 
State law to a State regulatory authority.
    Based upon the above discussion, the Director finds that the 
proposed enforcement and hearing provisions at section 53-9-55(1) (a) 
and (b) as such as supplemental to Mississippi's enforcement and 
hearing provisions at section 53-9-69 and are not inconsistent with the 
provisions of section 521 of SMCRA. The Director further finds that 
Mississippi's proposed provision at paragraph (c) is not inconsistent 
with the Federal requirements for service of notices of violation, 
cessation orders, and show cause orders at 30 CFR 843.14 of the Federal 
regulations, which allows service on the person to whom the notice or 
order is directed or by certified mail. Therefore, the Director is 
approving section 53-9-55(1).
    b. Section 53-9-55(2), assessment of a civil penalty. Existing 
section 53-9-55(1) was revised and redesignated as section 53-9-55(2). 
Existing section 53-9-55(2), concerning a civil penalty for failure to 
correct a violation for which a citation had been issued, was removed. 
Mississippi proposed minor clarifying language changes to the existing 
requirements and revised the amount of the civil penalty that may be 
assessed for each violation. Section 53-9-55(2) now authorizes the 
commission, after notice and opportunity for a formal hearing, to 
assess a civil penalty not to exceed $25,000 per violation, 
Mississippi's existing provision and section 518(a) of SMCRA authorize 
the assessment of $5,000 for each violation. However, in In Re: 
Permanent Surface Mining Regulation Litigation, U.S.D.C., District of 
Columbia, Civil Action No. 79-1144 (February 26, 1980), the Court ruled 
that penalty amounts need not be equivalent to those of the Federal 
regulations at 30 CFR Part 845. The Court determined that a State must 
consider the four criteria listed in section 518(a) of SMCRA for 
determining the amount of the penalty and the penalties imposed must be 
no less stringent than those in SMCRA. Mississippi's revised statutory 
language continues to consider the four criteria specified in section 
518(a) in determining the amount of the penalty. Therefore, in 
accordance with section 518(i) of SMCRA, the Director finds that 
Mississippi's program provisions at section 53-9-55(2) incorporates 
civil penalties no less stringent than those set forth in section 
518(a) of SMCRA and contains the same or similar procedural 
requirements relating to them.
    c. Section 53-9-55(3), payment of penalty.
    (1) Mississippi removed its existing statutory language at section 
53-9-55(3) regarding a public hearing and added the substantive 
provisions from section 53-9-55(4) concerning payment of a penalty. The 
opportunity for a formal hearing regarding a civil penalty was added at 
section 53-9-55(2). Section 53-9-55(3) was revised by removing the 
language that specified the amount of interest that must be paid to a 
person cited with a violation on penalties placed in escrow if it is 
determined through administrative or judicial review of the proposed 
penalty that no violation occurred or that the amount of the penalty 
should be reduced. Section 518(c) of SMCRA provides that the person 
cited with a violation can receive 6 percent interest, or interest at 
the prevailing Department of the Treasury rate. Mississippi's revision 
provides for the return of the escrowed amount with ``any interest 
earned.'' However, Mississippi's regulation at section 245.20(c) of the 
Mississippi Surface Coal Mining Regulations requires refund with 
interest from the date of payment into escrow to the date of the refund 
at the rate of 6 percent or at the prevailing Department of the 
Treasury rate, whichever, is greater. Therefore, the Director finds 
that Mississippi's revision at section 53-9-55(3) in conjunction with 
its regulation at section 245.20(c) is no less stringent that section 
518(c) of SMCRA.
    (2) Section 53-9-55(3) was also revised by adding a new provision 
that allows the commission to promulgate regulations regarding a waiver 
from the requirement to post a penalty payment bond upon a showing by 
the operator of an inability to post the bond in order to contest the 
amount of the proposed penalty or fact of the violation.
    In its November 7, 1997, letter to Mississippi, OSM expressed 
concern regarding this requirement because section 518(c) of SMCRA 
specifies that a person who wishes to contest either the amount of the 
penalty or the fact of violation shall prepay the proposed penalty to 
the Secretary, who shall then place it into an escrow account. The 
Federal regulations at 30 CFR 845.19(a) similarly provide that a person 
charged with a violation may contest the proposed penalty or the fact 
of the violation by submitting a petition and an amount equal to the 
proposed penalty to the Department of the Interior's Office of Hearings 
and Appeals. In its November 20, 1997, letter, Mississippi explained 
that a 1996 decision of the United States Supreme Court arising from 
Mississippi, M.L.B. v. S.L.J., 117 S. Ct. 555 (1996) had cast doubt on 
a Mississippi agency's authority to require indigent parties to prepay 
a penalty or the cost of appeal as a prerequisite to conducting the 
appeal and prompted the department to add the provision regarding the 
possible waiver of the prepayment provision. The Director understands 
Mississippi's concern, but recognizes that one of the principal factors 
leading to the adoption of SMCRA's prepayment requirement was 
Congressional concern about the historically low collection rate of 
similar penalties assessed by other governmental agencies. Because of 
this concern, neither SMCRA nor the Federal regulations provide for a 
waiver of the prepayment requirement. Therefore, the Director finds 
that Mississippi's proposal at section 53-9-55(3) for a prepayment 
waiver is inconsistent with SMCRA and the Federal regulations, and is 
not approving it.
    d. Section 53-9-55(4), penalty for willfully and knowingly 
authorizing, ordering or carrying out a violation. The existing 
statutory language at section 53-9-55(5) was moved to section 53-9-
55(4) and revised to read as follows:

    When a permittee violates this chapter or any regulation or 
written order of the commission promulgated or issued under this 
chapter or any condition of a permit issued, any director, officer, 
general partner, joint venturer in or authorized agent of the 
permittee who willfully and knowingly authorized, ordered or carried 
out that violation shall be subject to separate civil penalties in 
the same amount as penalties that may be imposed upon a person under 
subsection (2) of this section.

    The Director finds that the revised statutory requirements at 
section 53-9-55(4) are no less stringent than the requirements of 
section 518(f) of SMCRA relating to civil penalties for directors, 
officers, or agents of corporate permittees.
    e. Section 53-9-55(5), recovery of penalties in a civil action. The 
substantive provisions of existing section 53-9-55(6) were moved to 
section 53-9-55(5) and revised to allow civil penalties to be recovered 
in a civil action in the chancery or circuit court of the First 
Judicial District of Hinds County or in the chancery or circuit court 
of any county in which the surface

[[Page 1355]]

coal mining and reclamation operation exists or in which the defendant 
may be found. The Director finds that section 53-9-55(5) is no less 
stringent than section 518(d), which allows civil penalties to be 
recovered in a civil action.
    f. New section 53-9-55(6) specifies that ``provisions of this 
section and chapter regarding liability for the costs of clean-up, 
removal, remediation or abatement of any pollution, hazardous waste or 
solid waste shall be limited as provided in section 49-17-42 and rules 
promulgated under that section.'' Section 49-17-42 of the Mississippi 
Code of 1972 specifies that ``any lender or holder who maintains 
indicia of ownership primarily to protect an interest in a property, 
facility, or other person, and who does not participate in the 
management of the property, facility, or other persons, shall not be 
considered an owner or operator of that property, facility, or other 
person, nor liable under any pollution control or other environmental 
protection law, or any rule or regulation or written order of the 
commission in pursuance thereof, for the prevention, clean-up, removal, 
remediation or abatement of any pollution, hazardous waste or solid 
waste placed, released or dumped on, in, about or near property, 
facility or other person or caused by any operator on or of the 
property, facility or other person.''
    Although there is no direct Federal counterpart to this provision, 
the Director finds that section 53-9-55(6) is not inconsistent with 
section 518(f) of SMCRA that limits liability for violations of 
corporate permittees to the permittee and the director, officer, or 
agent of the corporation who willfully and knowingly authorized, 
ordered, or carried out such violation.
23. Section 53-9-57, Criminal Penalties
    Mississippi revised this section by incorporating additional 
statutory language from existing section 53-9-59 concerning criminal 
penalties for making false statements, representations, and 
certifications. The revised provision reads as follows:

    Any person who willfully and knowingly violates this chapter or 
any regulation or written order of the commission promulgated or 
issued under this chapter or any condition of a permit, or makes any 
false statement, representation or certification or knowingly fails 
to make any statement, representation or certification in any 
application, record, report, plan or other document filed or 
required to be maintained under a regulation or written order of the 
commission promulgated or issued under this chapter, shall, upon 
conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than Ten Thousand 
Dollars ($10,000.00) or by imprisonment for not more than one (1) 
year, or both.

    The Director finds that Mississippi's revised provision for 
criminal penalties is consistent with and no less stringent than the 
counterpart requirements in section 518(e) and (g) of SMCRA, and is 
approving the revisions to section 53-9-37.
24. Section 53-9-65, Bond Release and Bond Forfeiture
    Section 53-9-65 was revised to authorize the permit board to 
release performance bonds, to clarify the existing public hearing 
provisions, to provide for administrative review and appeal of 
decisions of the permit board, and to establish a procedure for bond 
forfeiture.
    a. Section 53-9-65(1) and (2), application and schedule for bond 
release. Previously approved subsection (1) provides for filing of an 
application for the release of performance bond, public notice of the 
application, and inspection and evaluation of the reclamation work 
involved. Previously approved subsection (2) provides the criteria and 
schedule for release of performance bond. Mississippi revised these 
sections by proposing minor wording and stylistic changes and revisions 
to reflect new designations of responsibility. The Director finds that 
the proposed revisions at section 53-9-65(1) and (2) will not render 
these previously approved statutory provisions less stringent than the 
Federal counterpart provisions at section 519(a) through (d) of SMCRA.
    b. Section 53-9-65(3), public hearing. Mississippi added new 
provisions for a public hearing at subsection (3), removed its 
provision concerning an informal conference at existing subsection (4), 
and removed its provisions concerning the public hearing at existing 
subsection (5). The revised provisions at subsection (3) read as 
follows:

    Any interested party or the responsible officer or head of any 
federal, state or local governmental agency which has jurisdiction 
by law or special expertise with respect to any environmental, 
social or economic impact involved in the operation, or is 
authorized to develop and enforce environmental standards with 
respect to the operations, may submit written comments on the 
proposed release from bond or other collateral, and request a public 
hearing concerning the bond release application under Section 49-17-
29. The failure of any person to submit comments within the time 
required shall not preclude action by the permit board. Any request 
for a public hearing concerning the bond release application shall 
be made in writing within thirty (30) days after the last 
publication of the notice described in subsection (1) of this 
section. The permit board may on its own motion hold a public 
hearing concerning the bond release application. If requested, the 
permit board shall hold a public hearing to obtain comments from the 
public on the application for bond release. The date, time and 
location of the public hearings shall be advertised by the permit 
board in the same manner as provided for the publication of notice 
for advertisement of land ownership under Section 53-9-37. The last 
public hearing notice shall be published at least seven (7), but not 
more than fourteen (14) days before the scheduled public hearing 
date. If all persons requesting the public hearing stipulate 
agreement before the requested public hearing, the public hearing 
may be cancelled at the discretion of the permit board.

    Mississippi's requirements concerning public hearings throughout 
its statutory provisions, including those for the release of 
performance bonds, are used as a counterpart to SMCRA's provisions for 
an informal conference at section 513(b). Section 519(g) of SMCRA 
allows the regulatory authority to establish an informal conference as 
provided in section 513(b) to resolve written objections concerning a 
performance bond release request. Mississippi's proposed statutory 
provisions at section 53-9-65(3) do not contain the substantive 
requirements of section 513(b) of SMCRA that the regulatory authority 
hold an informal conference within a reasonable time of the receipt of 
a request or for an electronic or stenographic record of the conference 
proceedings. However, Mississippi's regulation at section 207.11(e) 
that provides for an informal conference on proposed bond releases 
contains these substantive requirements. Section 207.11(e)(2) requires 
that the informal conference be held within 30 days from the date of 
the notice; section 207.11(e)(3) requires an electronic or stenographic 
record be made of the conference and the record maintained for access 
by the parties, until final release of the bond, unless recording is 
waived by all of the parties to the conference; and section 
207.11(f)(3) provides that if an informal conference has been held, the 
notification of the decision shall be made to the permittee and all 
interested parties within 30 days after conclusion of the conference. 
Therefore, the Director finds that Mississippi's proposed revisions for 
a public hearing at subsection (3) in conjunction with its regulations 
at section 207.11(e) and (f) are no less stringent than the Federal 
provisions for an informal conference at sections 519(g) and 513(b) of 
SMCRA.
    c. Section 53-9-65(4), formal hearing and appeal. Mississippi is 
adding the

[[Page 1356]]

following provision at new subsection (4) that provides for a formal 
hearing on the permit board's initial decision to grant or deny the 
bond release and judicial appeal of its final decision.

    Within thirty (30) days after the permit board takes action on 
the bond release application as recorded in the minutes of the 
permit board, any person who filed a written comment or requested or 
participated in the public hearing under this subsection may request 
a formal hearing before the permit board regarding its initial 
decision to grant or deny the bond release. The formal hearing shall 
be conducted as provided by Section 49-17-29. Upon conclusion of the 
formal hearing, the permit board shall enter into its minutes its 
final decision affirming, modifying or reversing its prior action on 
the bond release application. Any appeal from that decision may be 
taken by any person who participated as a party in the formal 
hearing in the manner provided in Section 49-17-29.

    The Director finds that the provision for a formal hearing at 
section 53-9-65(4) is no less stringent than section 519(d) of SMCRA, 
which provides for a public hearing if the application for release of 
the bond is disapproved, or section 519(f) and (g) of SMCRA, which 
provide for a public hearing on proposed bond releases. The Director 
also finds that the provision for appeal at section 53-9-65(4) is no 
less stringent than section 526(e) of SMCRA, which requires that 
actions of a State regulatory authority shall be subject to judicial 
review by a court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with State 
law.
    d. Section 53-9-65(5), bond forfeiture. Mississippi added the 
following provisions concerning bond forfeiture to new subsection (5).

    (a) If a surface coal mining and reclamation operation is not 
proceeding in accordance with this chapter or the permit, the 
operation represents an imminent threat to the public health, 
welfare and the environment, and the operator has failed, within 
thirty (30) days after written notice to the operator and 
opportunity for a formal hearing, to take appropriate corrective 
action, a forfeiture proceeding may be commenced against the 
operator for any performance bond or other collateral posted by the 
operator.
    (b) A forfeiture proceeding against any performance bond or 
other collateral shall be commenced and conducted according to 
Sections 49-17-31 through 49-17-41.
    (c) If the commission orders forfeiture of any performance bond 
or other collateral, the entire sum of the performance bond or other 
collateral shall be forfeited to the department. The funds from the 
forfeited performance bond or other collateral shall be used to pay 
for reclamation of the permit area and remediation of any offsite 
damages resulting from the operation. Any surplus performance bond 
or other collateral funds shall be refunded to the operator or 
corporate surety.
    (d) Forfeiture proceedings shall be before the commission and an 
order of the commission under this subsection shall be a final 
order. If the commission determines that forfeiture of the 
performance bond or other collateral should be ordered, the 
department shall have the immediate right to all funds of any 
performance bond or other collateral, subject only to review and 
appeals allowed under Section 49-17-41.
    (e) If the operator cannot be located for purposes of notice, 
the department shall send notice of the forfeiture proceeding, 
certified mail, return receipt requested, to the operator's last 
known address. The department shall also publish notice of the 
forfeiture proceeding in the same manner as provided for the 
publication of notice for the advertisement of land ownership under 
Section 53-9-37. Any formal hearing on the bond forfeiture shall be 
set at least thirty (30) days after the last notice publication.
    (f) If the performance bond or other collateral is insufficient 
to cover the costs of reclamation of the permit area or remediation 
of any offsite damages, the commission may initiate a civil action 
to recover the deficiency amount in the county in which the surface 
coal mining operation is located.
    (g) If the commission initiates a civil action under this 
section, the commission shall be entitled to any sums necessary to 
complete reclamation of the permit area and remediate any offsite 
damages resulting from that operation and attorney's fees.

    SMCRA does not address bond forfeiture proceedings. However, the 
Director finds that Mississippi's proposed provisions for bond 
forfeiture proceedings are no less effective than the counterpart 
Federal regulations at 30 CFR 800.50.
25. Section 53-9-67, Civil Action
    a. Mississippi revised previously approved subsections (1) through 
(5) by proposing minor wording and stylistic changes and revisions to 
reflect new designations of responsibility. The Director finds that the 
proposed revisions at section 53-9-67(1) through (5) will not render 
these previously approved statutory provisions less stringent than the 
Federal counterpart provisions at sections 520(a) through (e) of SMCRA.
    b. Mississippi removed its existing provision at section 53-9-
67(6), which provided that a person who is injured in his person or 
property through a violation by an operator may bring an action for 
damages, including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees, only in 
the judicial district in which the surface coal mining operation 
complained of is located. The removal of this limiting provision means 
that a person so injured may initiate a civil action in any judicial 
district. Therefore, the Director finds that the removal of this 
provision will not render Mississippi's provisions at section 53-9-67 
less stringent than section 520 of SMCRA.
    c. New section 53-9-67(6) specifies that ``provisions of this 
section and chapter regarding liability for the costs of clean-up, 
removal, remediation or abatement of any pollution, hazardous waste or 
solid waste shall be limited as provided in section 49-17-42 and rules 
promulgated under that section.'' Although there is no direct Federal 
counterpart to this provision, the Director finds, based on the 
discussion in finding C.22.f, that the proposed provision is not 
inconsistent with the requirements of section 518(f) of SMCRA that 
limit liability for violations of corporate permittees to the permittee 
and the director, officer, or agent of the corporation who willfully 
and knowingly authorized, ordered, or carried out such violation.
26. Section 53-9-69, Inspection--Cessation Order--Suspension or 
Revocation of Permit--Hearing
    a. Mississippi revised section 53-9-69(1) (a) and (b) by changing 
the authority for ordering inspection of a surface coal mining 
operation at which an alleged violation is occurring and for ordering a 
cessation of a surface coal mining and reclamation operation when a 
condition, practice or violation creates an imminent danger to the 
health and safety of the public, or is causing or can reasonably be 
expected to cause significant imminent environmental harm to land, air 
or water resources from the ``administrator'' to the ``executive 
director or state geologist as the executive director's designee.'' 
These revisions are consistent with Mississippi's redesignation of the 
responsibilities for administering and enforcing the Mississippi 
program, which is discussed in finding C.2. Therefore, the Director 
finds that the proposed revisions will not render section 53-9-69(1) 
(a) and (b) less stringent than section 521(a) (1) and (2) of SMCRA.
    b. Mississippi revised section 53-9-69(1)(c), which concerns (1) 
issuance of an enforcement order for a violation that does not create 
an imminent danger to the health and safety of the public or cannot be 
reasonably expected to cause significant imminent environmental harm to 
land, air or water resources and ordering immediate cessation of the 
activities violating or resulting in the violation, and (2) issuance of 
an order of cessation for a violation that was not abated within the 
period of time originally fixed or subsequently extended.
    Mississipi proposed to change the authority for issuing an order of

[[Page 1357]]

violation and an order of cessation for failure to abate the violation 
from the ``administrator'' to the ``commission, executive director or 
the executive director's authorized representative.'' The Director 
finds that this revision is consistent with Mississippi's redesignation 
of the responsibilities for administering and enforcing the Mississippi 
program, which is discussed in finding C.2.
    Mississipi revised section 53-9-69(1)(c)(i) to allow, rather than 
require, the issuance of an order of violation. The Director finds that 
allowing issuance rather than requiring issuance of an order of 
violation for the specified type of violation is less stringent than 
the Federal requirements at section 521(a)(3) of SMCRA, which provides 
that a notice of violation shall be issued to the permittee if he is in 
violation, but such violation does not create an imminent danger to the 
health or safety of the public, or cannot be reasonably expected to 
cause significant, imminent environmental harm to land, air, or water 
resources. There is no Federal counterpart to Mississippi's proposed 
language which allows ordering cessation of the activities that are 
causing this type of violation.
    However, the Director finds that the proposed provision will not 
render the Mississippi program less stringent than SMCRA since the 
ordering of cessation of the activities creating the violation is in 
addition to issuance of the order of violation. Based upon the above 
discussion, the Director is approving the proposed revisions with the 
requirement that Mississippi amend section 53-9-69(1)(c)(i) to require 
the issuance of a violation order for the specified type of violation 
by changing the word ``may'' to ``shall'' in the phrase ``the 
commission, executive director or the executive director's authorized 
representative may issue an order to the permittee or agent of the 
permittee.''
    c. Mississippi revised section 53-9-69(1)(d), which concerns permit 
suspension or revocation, to read as follows:

    When, on the basis of an inspection, the executive director has 
reason to believe that a pattern of violations of this chapter, any 
regulation promulgated under this chapter or any condition of a 
permit exists or has existed, and if the executive director also 
finds that the violations are caused by the unwarranted failure of 
the permittee to comply with this chapter, any regulation 
promulgated under this chapter or any condition of a permit, or that 
the violations are willfully caused by the permittee, the executive 
director shall issue an order to the permittee to show cause as to 
why the permit should not be suspended or revoked by the permit 
board. Upon the permittee's failure to show cause to the 
satisfaction of the executive director or the executive director's 
authorized representative as to why the permit should not be 
suspended or revoked, the executive director or the executive 
director's authorized representative shall present this information 
to the permit board and request that the permit board suspend or 
revoke the permit. The permit board shall decide the executive 
director's request under the procedures of Section 49-17-29(4) and 
(5). Any request by an interested party for a formal hearing 
regarding the permit board's initial decision on suspension or 
revocation of the permit or any appeal of the final decision 
following the formal hearing by any person who participated as a 
party in the formal hearing may be taken as provided under Section 
49-17-29(4) and (5).

    Mississippi's revisions include changing the authority from the 
``administrator or his authorized representative'' to the ``executive 
director or the executive director's authorized representative'' and 
the ``permit board'' for enforcing the requirements of this statute, 
and changing the procedural requirements involved in the determination 
as to whether a permit should be suspended or revoked. The Director 
finds that the change of authority is consistent with Mississippi's 
redesignation of the responsibilities for administering and enforcing 
the Mississippi program and that the revised procedural requirements 
are no less stringent than those of section 521(a)(4) of SMCRA.
    Section 49-17-29, which is referenced in the revised provisions of 
section 53-9-69(1)(d), is a statutory provision codified in the 
Mississippi Code of 1972 that provides general administrative practices 
and procedures regarding hearings and appeals of decisions of the 
permit board. Section 49-17-29(4) provides for an informal public 
hearing or meeting to obtain comments from the public on the proposed 
action and a formal hearing if requested within 30 days after the 
permit board takes action upon a permit revocation request. If a formal 
hearing is held, section 49-17-29(5) provides for an appeal from any 
decision or action of the permit board in a chancery court of the 
county where the surface coal mining and reclamation operation is 
located. The Director finds that Mississippi's revised provisions for 
public notice, hearing, and appeal are no less stringent than the 
requirement for notice and hearing at section 521(a)(4) of SMCRA.
    d. Mississippi removed its existing provision at section 53-9-
69(1)(e) which was a counterpart to section 521(a)(5) of SMCRA and 
added a new provision at section 53-9-69(1)(e) that allows the 
permittee or other interested party to request a formal hearing 
concerning an order of cessation or violation as provided under section 
49-17-41. Section 49-17-41 is a statutory provision codified in the 
Mississippi Code of 1972 that provides general administrative practices 
and procedures relating to hearing and appeal of decisions of the 
commission or executive director. Any person or interested party 
aggrieved by any order of the commission or the executive director 
shall have a right to file a petition under section 49-17-41 for review 
within 30 days after the order is issued. Section 49-17-41 also 
provides for appeal to the chancery court of the final order of 
determination of the commission following the formal hearing. The 
Director finds that Mississippi's new provision at section 53-9-69(e), 
which provides for formal hearing and appeal, is consistent with and no 
less effective than the requirements of the Federal regulations at 30 
CFR 843.16 concerning formal review of citations.
    Section 52(a)(5) of SMCRA provides specific requirements for 
notices of violation and cessation orders including content, service, 
and subsequent actions that may be taken. It also specifies that any 
notice or order which requires cessation of mining by the operator 
shall expire within 30 days of actual notice to the operator unless a 
public hearing is held at the site or within such reasonable proximity 
to the site that any viewings of the site can be conducted during the 
course of the public hearing. This public hearing may be informal in 
nature and is required unless the condition, practice, or violation in 
question has been abated or the hearing has been waived within the 30-
day time frame. Although Mississippi removed its counterpart to section 
521(a)(5) of SMCRA concerning specific requirements for orders of 
violation and cessation including content, service, and subsequent 
actions that may be taken, its currently approved regulations at 
sections 243.11, 243.12, 243.15 of the Mississippi Surface Coal Mining 
Regulations contain these substantive requirements. They provide 
specific requirements for orders and the required public hearing. 
Therefore, the Director finds that the removal of existing section 53-
9-69(1)(e) will not render the Mississippi program less stringent than 
SMCRA.
    e. At section 53-9-69(2), which provides the procedural 
requirements relating to initiating a civil action for relief, 
Mississippi removed all references to the ``administrator'' and added 
references to the ``commission,'' ``permit board,'' and/or ``executive

[[Page 1358]]

director.'' The Director finds that this revision is consistent with 
Mississippi's redesignation of the responsibilities for administering 
and enforcing the Mississippi program.
    At section 53-9-69(2)(a), Mississippi added the First Judicial 
District of Hinds County to the list of chancery courts in which a 
civil action for relief could be initiated. The Mississippi program now 
allows a civil action for relief, including a permanent or temporary 
injunction or any other appropriate order, to be initiated in the 
chancery court of the county or judicial district in which the surface 
coal mining and reclamation operation is located, in which the 
permittee has its principal office, or in the First Judicial District 
of Hinds County. Section 521(c) of SMCRA provides that a civil action 
for relief, including a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining 
order, or any other appropriate order may be initiated in the district 
court of the United States for the district in which the surface coal 
mining and reclamation operation is located or in which the permittee 
has his principal office. Section 521(d) of SMCRA provides that nothing 
in section 521 ``shall be construed so as to eliminate any additional 
enforcement rights or procedures which are available under State law to 
a State regulatory authority but which are not specifically enumerated 
herein.'' Therefore, the Director finds that Mississippi's proposed 
revision will not render the enforcement provisions of section 53-9-
69(2)(a) less stringent than those of section 521(c) of SMCRA.
    At section 53-9-69(2)(b), Mississippi added the following provision 
to the existing requirements concerning the court providing injunctive 
relief.

    The commission may obtain mandatory or prohibitory injunctive 
relief, either temporary or permanent, and in cases of imminent and 
substantial hazard or endangerment to the environment or public 
health, it is not necessary that the commission plead or prove: (i) 
That irreparable damage would result if the injunction did not 
issue; (ii) that there is no adequate remedy by law; or (iii) that a 
written complaint or commission order has first been issued for the 
alleged violation.

    There is no counterpart provision in SMCRA or the Federal 
regulations. However, the proposed revision is not inconsistent with 
any Federal provisions and in accordance with section 521(d) of SMCRA, 
the Director finds that the addition of this new provision will not 
render the enforcement provisions of section 53-9-69(2)(b) less 
stringent than those of section 521(c) of SMCRA.
27. Section 53-9-71, Designation of Lands as Unsuitable for Surface 
Coal Mining Operations
    Section 53-9-71 was amended to modify the procedures for 
petitioning to designate lands unsuitable for surface coal mining and 
reclamation and to revise the provisions for public hearings and formal 
hearings.
    a. At section 53-9-71(1)(a), Mississippi added the provision that 
surface coal mining and reclamation permits may be issued before 
completion of the planning process that is to be established for 
designating lands as unsuitable for surface coal mining operations.
    There is no Federal counterpart to this provision. However, on 
September 4, 1980, the Secretary of the Interior found pursuant to 
section 503(a)(5) of SMCRA that Mississippi had established a process 
for the designation of areas as unsuitable for surface coal mining in 
accordance with section 522 of SMCRA (45 FR 58520). Therefore, the 
Director finds that the addition of the proposed provision will not 
render the Mississippi program less stringent than section 522(a)(1) of 
SMCRA.
    b. Mississippi revised section 53-9-71(1)(b) by changing the 
authority for designating an area as unsuitable for all or certain 
types of surface coal mining operations from the ``administrator'' to 
the ``commission.'' The Director finds that this change of authority is 
consistent with Mississippi's redesignation of the responsibilities for 
administering and enforcing the Mississippi program.
    c. Mississippi revised section 53-9-71(1)(d) by changing the 
authority for the surface coal mining lands review from the 
``administrator'' to the ``state geologist.'' The Director finds that 
this change of authority is consistent with Mississippi's redesignation 
of the responsibilities for administering and enforcing the Mississippi 
program.
    d. At section 53-9-71(2)(a), Mississippi changed the time frame for 
holding a public hearing from ten months to six months after receipt of 
a petition. Section 522(c) of SMCRA requires that a public hearing be 
held within ten months after receipt of a petition. The Director finds 
that Mississippi's requirement for a six-month time frame is within the 
time requirements of SMCRA, and is approving this provision.
    Mississippi also added a provision that allows any interested party 
aggrieved by a decision of the commission to request a formal hearing 
under section 49-17-41 and any person who participated as a party in 
the formal hearing to appeal the final decision under section 49-17-41. 
There is no counterpart provision in section 522 of SMCRA, but section 
526(e) of SMCRA does require that actions of the State regulatory 
authority be subject to judicial review. Therefore, the Director finds 
that Mississippi's proposed provision at section 53-9-71(2)(a) is no 
less stringent than the requirements of section 522(c) concerning a 
public hearing and the requirements of section 526(e) of SMCRA 
concerning judicial review.
    e. At section 53-9-71(2)(b), Mississippi added a new provision that 
requires the commission to promulgate regulations that are no less 
stringent than the Federal regulations concerning procedures for 
designating lands unsuitable for surface coal mining, including 
procedures for the content and submission of petitions and notice and 
public hearing requirements. Although there is no direct counterpart in 
section 522 of SMCRA, section 503(a)(7) of SMCRA requires a State 
program to have rules and regulations consistent with the Federal 
regulations. Therefore, the Director finds that the proposed provision 
is not inconsistent with the requirements of SMCRA, and is approving 
it.
28. Section 53-9-77, Formal Hearings
    This section was amended to provide for administrative review and 
appeal of decisions of the permit board and commission and to provide 
for the powers of the permit board and the commission in conducting 
hearings. With the following exceptions, the Director finds that the 
revised provisions of section 53-9-77 in conjunction with the 
administrative and judicial review requirements at section 49-17-29 and 
49-17-41 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 are no less stringent than the 
requirements of sections 525 and 526 of SMCRA.
    a. Mississippi removed its counterpart to section 525(a)(2) of 
SMCRA at previously approved section 53-9-77(1)(b). Section 525(a)(2) 
requires that the permittee and other interested persons be given 
written notice of the time and place of an enforcement hearing at least 
five days prior to such hearing. Although Mississippi's statute at 
section 53-9-69(1)(e) provides for a hearing under section 49-17-41 of 
the Mississippi Code of 1972 for enforcement actions and section 49-17-
41 requires the commission to fix the time and place of such hearing 
and to notify those who requested the hearing, neither of these 
sections contain a time frame for notification. However, in accordance 
with the required program

[[Page 1359]]

amendment at 30 CFR 924.16(a), Mississippi is in the process of 
revising its regulations to meet the requirements of SMCRA and the 
Federal regulations prior to allowing coal exploration or surface 
mining operations in the State. The Director will ensure that 
Mississippi amends its regulations to provide the permittee and other 
interested persons written notice of the time and place of an 
enforcement hearing at least five days prior to such hearing, or 
otherwise amend its program, to be no less stringent than section 
525(a)(2) of SMCRA and no less effective than the requirements of 30 
CFR 843.16 and 43 CFR Part 4 of the Federal regulations.
    b. Mississippi removed its counterpart to section 525(b) of SMCRA 
at previously approved section 53-9-77(2). Section 525(b) of SMCRA 
requires that where an application for review concerns an order of 
cessation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations, findings 
of fact shall be made and a written decision shall be issued vacating, 
affirming, modifying, or terminating an order of cessation within 30 
days of receipt of the application, unless temporary relief has been 
granted. A counterpart to this provision is not included under section 
49-17-41, the section which is required to be followed for a formal 
hearing on cessation orders, or in Mississippi's currently approved 
regulations. However, in accordance with the required program amendment 
at 30 CFR 924.16(a), Mississippi is in the process of revising its 
regulations to meet the requirements of SMCRA and the Federal 
regulations prior to allowing coal exploration or surface mining 
operations in the State. The Director will ensure that Mississippi 
amends its regulations to require issuance of a written decision within 
30 days of receipt of an application for review where it concerns an 
order for cessation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations, 
unless temporary relief has been granted, or otherwise amend its 
program, to be no less stringent than the requirements of section 
525(b) of SMCRA and no less effective than the requirements of 30 CFR 
843.16 and 43 CFR Part 4 of the Federal regulations.
    c. Section 525(c) of SMCRA requires that in order for temporary 
relief to be granted, three conditions must be met: (1) a hearing, (2) 
a showing by the applicant that there is substantial likelihood that 
the findings of the Secretary will be favorable to him, and (3) a 
finding that such relief will not adversely affect the health or safety 
of the public or cause significant imminent environmental harm. These 
and other Federal requirements concerning temporary relief were 
included in section 53-9-77(3) before Mississippi revised its statute. 
Under Mississippi's proposed statutory scheme at section 53-9-77(4)(b), 
the hearing officer may grant temporary relief ``upon the basis of 
evidence presented at the hearing.'' The Director is approving this 
provision with the requirement that Mississippi amend the Mississippi 
Surface Coal Mining Regulations to include conditions for granting 
temporary relief that are no less stringent than those contained in 
section 525(c) of SMCRA and no less effective than those contained in 
30 CFR 843.16 and 43 CFR Part 4 of the Federal regulations. In 
accordance with the required program amendment at 30 CFR 924.16(a), 
Mississippi is in the process of revising its regulations to meet the 
requirements of SMCRA and the Federal regulations prior to allowing 
coal exploration or surface mining operations in the State. The 
Director will ensure that Mississippi's amended regulations include the 
required conditions for granting temporary relief.
    d. Mississippi removed its provision at section 53-9-77(4) which 
was a counterpart to section 525(d) of SMCRA, which provides hearing 
requirements concerning show cause orders and suspension or revocation 
of a permit. However, Mississippi does provide equivalent provisions 
for issuance of show cause orders and suspension or revocation of 
permits at section 53-9-69(d) of its statutes and at section 243.13(e) 
of its regulations. Therefore, the Director is approving the removal of 
section 53-9-77(4).
    e. Section 525(e) of SMCRA provides that at the request of any 
person, costs and expenses, including attorney fees, resulting from 
administrative or judicial review may be assessed against either party. 
Mississippi removed its counterpart provision at section 53-9-77(6). 
Therefore, the Director is requiring Mississippi to amend section 53-9-
77 to include requirements for court costs and attorney fees that are 
no less stringent than section 525(e) of SMCRA.
    f. Mississippi's requirements for judicial review at section 53-9-
77 do not include a counterpart to the provision in section 526(e) of 
SMCRA that requires the availability of judicial review shall not be 
construed to limit the operation of the rights for civil action 
established in section 520 of SMCRA. Currently approved section 53-9-
79, which included this requirement, was repealed. Therefore, the 
Director is requiring Mississippi to amend its provisions concerning 
judicial review at section 53-9-77 by adding a proviso that the 
availability of judicial review shall not be construed to limit the 
operation of the rights established for civil actions in section 53-9-
67 except as provided therein.
29. Section 53-9-81, Exceptions
    The existing provision at section 53-9-81(c) which excluded the 
extraction of coal incidental to the extraction of other materials 
where coal does not exceed 16\2/3\ percent of the tonnage of materials 
removed for purposes of commercial use or sale from the requirements of 
the Mississippi Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Law was removed. 
OSM interprets the deletion of this provision to mean that Mississippi 
intends to regulate this type of coal extraction. Although section 
701(28)(A) of SMCRA excludes this type of coal extraction from the 
requirements of SMCRA, section 505 of SMCRA provides that any provision 
of any State law or regulation which provides for more stringent land 
use and environmental controls and regulations of surface coal mining 
and reclamation operations than do the provisions of SMCRA or the 
Federal regulations shall not be construed to be inconsistent with 
SMCRA. Therefore, the Director finds that the removal of section 53-9-
81(c) will not render the Mississippi program less stringent than 
SMCRA.
30. Section 53-9-89, Deposit of Funds
    Section 53-9-89 was amended to create the ``Surface Coal Mining and 
Reclamation Fund,'' which includes the ``Surface Coal Mining Program 
Operations Account'' and the ``Surface Coal Mining Reclamation 
Account''; to provide for use of the accounts; and to require certain 
funds to be deposited into the fund. Monies in the ``Surface Coal 
Mining Program Operations Account'' are to be used to pay the 
reasonable direct and indirect costs of administering and enforcing the 
Mississippi program. Monies in the ``Surface Coal Mining Reclamation 
Account'' are to be used to pay for the reclamation of lands for which 
bonds or other collateral were forfeited. The ``Surface Coal Mining 
Program Operations Account'' may receive monies from any available 
public or private source, with the exception of fines, penalties and 
the proceeds from the forfeiture of bonds or other collateral. The 
``Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Account'' may receive monies from 
fines, penalties, the proceeds from the forfeiture of bonds or other 
collateral and interest.
    Section 503(a)(3) of SMCRA requires that a State regulatory 
authority have

[[Page 1360]]

sufficient funding to regulate surface coal mining and reclamation 
operations in accordance with the requirements of SMCRA. The Director 
finds that creation of the ``Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Fund'' 
will help Mississippi to maintain the funding necessary to administer 
and enforce its program, and is approving the provisions of section 53-
9-89.

IV. Summary and Disposition of Comments

Public Comments

    OSM solicited public comments on the proposed amendment, but none 
were received.

Federal Agency Comments

    Pursuant to 30 CFR 732.17(h)(11)(i), the Director solicited 
comments on the proposed amendment from various Federal agencies with 
an actual or potential interest in the Mississippi program. On August 
14, 1997 (Administrative Record No. MS-0341), the Fish and Wildlife 
Service (FWS) responded with comments, questions, and concerns 
regarding the proposed amendment.
    (1) The FWS supported Mississippi's assumption of authority to 
regulate surface coal mining provided there is adequate protection of 
wetlands and fish and wildlife resources, and recommended that the 
Office of Surface Mining retain oversight authority.
    Mississippi's statute at section 53-9-45(2)(u) requires all surface 
coal mining and reclamation operations to assure the minimization of 
disturbances and adverse impacts on fish, wildlife and related 
environmental values using the best technology currently available. 
This is consistent with the requirements of section 515(b)(24) of SMCRA 
concerning environmental protection performance standards for fish, 
wildlife and related environmental values. The Office of Surface 
Mining, in accordance with section 201 of SMCRA, retains the authority 
to administer the programs for controlling surface coal mining and 
reclamation operations pursuant to the requirements of SMCRA and to 
conduct oversight activities, including investigations and inspections 
necessary in ensure compliance with SMCRA.
    (2) The FWS requested that the role of the state commission and 
permit board be clarified and asked how coordination with other State 
agencies would be handled.
    As discussed in finding No. C.2, the Mississippi Legislature at 
section 53-9-9 of the Mississippi Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation 
Law, designated the Commission on Environmental Quality (commission) as 
the body to enforce the Mississippi program, including the issuance of 
enforcement and penalty orders, promulgation of regulations, and 
designation of lands unsuitable for surface coal mining. The 
Mississippi Environmental Quality Permit Board (permit board) was 
designated as the body to issue, modify, revoke, transfer, suspend, and 
reissue permits and to require, modify or release performance bonds. As 
discussed below, representatives from other State agencies are members 
of the permit board. Therefore, coordination would be assured in the 
review and decision processes for all permitting actions.
    The commission was created by the Mississippi Legislature at 
section 49-2-5 of the Mississippi Code of 1972. It is composed of seven 
persons appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the 
Senate, for a term of seven years. One person is appointed from each 
congressional district as constituted January 1, 1978, and two members 
are appointed from the State at large. The commission is composed of 
persons with extensive knowledge of or practical experience in at least 
one of the matters of jurisdiction of the commission. The permit board 
was created by the Mississippi Legislature at section 49-17-28 of the 
Mississippi Code of 1972. The membership of the permit board is 
composed, by law, of the chief of the Bureau of Environmental Health of 
the State Board of Health, or his designee; the Executive Director of 
the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, or his designee; the 
Director of the Bureau of Land and Water Resources of the Department of 
Environmental Quality, or his designee; the Supervisor of the State Oil 
and Gas Board, or his designee; the Executive Director of the 
Department of Marine Resources, or his designee; the Director of the 
Bureau of Geology and Energy Resources of the Department of 
Environmental Quality, or his designee; the Commissioner of Agriculture 
and Commerce, or his designee; a retired professional engineer 
knowledgeable in the engineering of water wells and water supply 
systems, to be appointed by the Governor; and a retired water well 
contractor, to be appointed by the Governor.
    (3) The FWS asked whether state or federal agencies may appeal 
decisions of the commission and permit board.
    Mississippi allows any person claiming an interest relating to the 
surface coal mining operation who is so situated that the person may be 
affected by that operation to submit objections and request a public 
hearing or formal hearing under section 49-17-29 of the Mississippi 
Code of 1972 concerning decisions of the permit board and to submit 
objections and request a formal hearing under section 49-17-41 of the 
Mississippi Code of 1972 concerning decisions of the commission. Both 
sections 49-17-29 and 49-17-41 provide for judicial appeal of final 
orders. Mississiippi's statute at section 53-9-7(r) defines the term 
``person'' to include any agency, unit or instrumentality of federal, 
state or local government.
    (4) With reference to section 53-9-45(4), the FWS commented that 
exemptions or variances should not be granted that result in 
substantial land use changes, especially if such land use changes 
result in significant adverse impacts to fish and wildlife resources 
and expressed concerns regarding the permit board having the authority 
to change postmining land use to a substantially different land use 
compared with premining land use.
    Mississippi's provision at section 53-9-45(4) is consistent with 
the requirements of section 515(e) of SMCRA, which provides authority 
to States to approve land use changes under specified circumstances.
    (5) With reference to section 53-9-71(4)(b), the FWS commented that 
mining on State lands should not be permitted since such actions could 
result in significant adverse impacts to fish and wildlife resources.
    Mississippi's provision at section 53-9-71(4)(b) was previously 
approved by the Secretary of the Interior, and no substantive revisions 
were proposed in this amendment. In acting on State program amendments, 
the Director only addresses those sections of a State's law and 
regulations where substantive revisions are proposed. Section 522(e) of 
SMCRA does not specifically prohibit mining on State lands. In 
accordance with Section 503 of SMCRA, States may, subject to approval 
of the Secretary of the Interior, assume exclusive jurisdiction over 
the regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations on 
non-Federal lands. This would include State lands.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

    Pursuant to 30 CFR 732.17(h)(11)(ii), OSM is required to obtain the 
written concurrence of the EPA with respect to those provisions of the 
proposed program amendment that relate to air or water quality 
standards promulgated under the authority of the Clean Water Act (33 
U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) or the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.).
    None of the revisions that Mississippi proposed to make in this 
amendment pertain to air or water quality standards.

[[Page 1361]]

Therefore, OSM did not request the EPA's concurrence.
    Pursuant to 732.17(h)(11)(i), OSM solicited comments on the 
proposed amendment from The EPA (Administrative Record No. MS-0340). 
The EPA did not respond to OSM's request.

State Historical Preservation Officer (SHPO) and the Advisory Council 
on Historic Preservation (ACHP)

    Pursuant to 30 CFR 732.17(h)(4), OSM is required to solicit 
comments on proposed amendments which may have an effect on historic 
properties from the SHPO and ACHP. OSM solicited comments on the 
proposed amendment from the SHPO and ACHP (Administrative Record No. 
MS-0340). Neither the SHPO nor ACHP responded to OSM's request.

V. Director's Decision

    Based on the above findings, the Director approves, with certain 
exceptions and additional requirements, the proposed amendment as 
submitted by Mississippi on May 6, 1997.
    The Director does not approve, as discussed in finding No. 
C.22.c.(2), the provision in section 53-9-55(3) that allows the 
commission to promulgate regulations concerning a waiver from the 
requirement to post a penalty payment bond in order to contest the 
proposed penalty or the fact of the violation.
    With the requirement that Mississippi further revise its statutes, 
the Director approves, as discussed in finding No. C.6.a, section 53-9-
26, concerning Mississippi's small operator assistance program; finding 
No. C.20, section 53-9-45(4)(b), concerning variances from approximate 
original contour; finding No. C.26.b, section 53-9-69(1)(c)(i), 
concerning issuance of an enforcement order; finding No. C.28.e. and f, 
section 53-9-77, concerning administrative and judicial review.
    With the requirement that Mississippi further revise its 
regulations, the Director approves, as discussed in finding No. C.6.b, 
section 53-9-26, concerning Mississippi's small operator assistance 
program; finding No. C.17, section 53-9-37(4), concerning time frames 
for permit decision; finding No. C.28.a., b., and c., section 53-9-77, 
concerning administrative and judicial review.
    The Federal regulations at 30 CFR Part 924, codifying decisions 
concerning the Mississippi program, are being amended to implement this 
decision. This final rule is being made effective immediately to 
expedite the State program amendment process and to encourage States to 
bring their programs into conformity with the Federal standards without 
undue delay. Consistency of State and Federal standards is required by 
SMCRA.

Effect of Director's Decision

    Section 503 of SMCRA provides that a State may not exercise 
jurisdiction under SMCRA unless the State program is approved by the 
Secretary. Similarly, 30 CFR 732.17(a) requires that any alteration of 
an approved State program be submitted to OSM for review as a program 
amendment. The Federal regulations at 30 CFR 732.17(g) prohibit any 
unilateral changes to approved State programs. In the oversight of the 
Mississippi program, the Director will recognize only the statutes, 
regulations and other materials approved by OSM, together with any 
consistent implementing policies, directives and other materials, and 
will require the enforcement by Mississippi of only such provisions.

VI. Procedural Determinations

Executive Order 12866

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

Executive Order 12988

    The Department of the Interior has conducted the reviews required 
by section 3 of Executive Order 12988 (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 
corresponding 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 corresponding Federal regulations.

Unfunded Mandates

    OSM has determined and certifies pursuant to the Unfunded Mandates 
Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq.) that this rule will not impose a 
cost of $100 million or more in any given year on local, state, or 
tribal governments or private entities.

List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 924

    Intergovernmental relations, Surface mining, Underground mining.

    Dated: December 22, 1997.
Brent Wahlquist,
Regional Director, Mid-Continent Regional Coordinating Center.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 30 CFR part 924 is amended 
as set forth below:

PART 924--MISSISSIPPI

    1. The authority citation for part 924 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.

    2. Section 924.15 is added to read as follows:


Sec. 924.15  Approval of Mississippi regulatory program amendments.

    The following is a list of the dates amendments were submitted to 
OSM, the dates when the Director's decision approving all, or portions 
of these

[[Page 1362]]

amendments, were published in the Federal Register and the State 
citations or a brief description of each amendment. The amendments in 
this table are listed in order of the date of final publication in the 
Federal Register.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Original amendment submission date             Date of final publication             Citation/description    
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May 6, 1997.............................  January 9, 1998.........................  MSCMRL 53-9-3; 5; 7; 9; 11; 
                                                                                     13; 15; 17; 19; 21; 23; 25;
                                                                                     26; 27; 28; 29; 31; 32; 33;
                                                                                     35; 37; 39; 41; 43; 45; 47;
                                                                                     49; 51; 53; 55; 57; 59; 61;
                                                                                     63; 65; 67; 69; 71; 73; 75;
                                                                                     77; 79; 81; 83; 85; 87; 89;
                                                                                     91.                        
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    3. Section 924.16 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 924.16  Required program amendments.

    Pursuant to 30 CFR 732.17(f)(1), Mississippi is required to submit 
to OSM by the specified date the following written, proposed program 
amendments, or a description of the amendments to be proposed, that 
meet the requirements of SMCRA and 30 CFR chapter VII and a timetable 
for enactment that is consistent with Mississippi's established 
administrative or legislative procedures.
    (a) Mississippi prior to allowing coal exploration or surface 
mining operations shall submit and have approved by OSM amendments to 
the Mississippi Surface Coal Mining Regulations that are no less 
effective than the Federal regulations at 30 CFR chapter VII in 
existence at the time.
    (b) By March 10, 1998. Mississippi shall submit either a proposed 
amendment or a description of an amendment to be proposed, together 
with a timetable for adoption of proposed revisions to the Mississippi 
Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Law to correct the following 
typographical errors that would have a substantive impact on 
implementation of the Mississippi program:
    (1) At section 53-9-26 change the word ``operation'' in the phrase 
``at all locations of a surface coal mining operation'' to 
``operator.''
    (2) At section 53-9-45(4)(b) remove the reference to subsection (2) 
in the phrase ``a variance from the requirement to restore to 
approximate original contour set forth in subsection (2) or (3) of this 
section.''
    (c) By March 10, 1998. Mississippi shall submit either a proposed 
amendment or a description of an amendment to be proposed, together 
with a timetable for adoption of proposed revisions to section 53-9-
69(1)(c)(i) of the Mississippi Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Law 
to change the word ``may'' to ``shall'' in the phrase ``the commission, 
executive director or the executive director's authorized 
representative may issue an order to the permittee or agent of the 
permittee.''
    (d) By March 10, 1998.
    (1) Mississippi shall submit either a proposed amendment or a 
description of an amendment to be proposed, together with a timetable 
for adoption of proposed revisions to section 53-9-77 of the 
Mississippi Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Law to provide 
requirements for assessing court costs and attorney fees that are no 
less stringent than those provided in section 525(e) of SMCRA.
    (2) Mississippi shall submit either a proposed amendment or a 
description of an amendment to be proposed, together with a timetable 
for adoption of proposed revisions to section 53-9-77 of the 
Mississippi Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Law, consistent with 
section 526(e) of SMCRA, to provide that the availability of judicial 
review shall not be construed to limit the operation of the rights 
established for civil actions in section 53-9-67 except as provided 
therein.
    (e) By March 10, 1998. Mississippi shall submit either a proposed 
amendment or a description of an amendment to be proposed, together 
with a timetable for adoption of proposed revisions to section 
186.23(b)(2) of the Mississippi Surface Coal Mining Regulations, or 
otherwise amend its program, to require agreement to an extension of 
the 60-day time frame for acting upon a complete permit application by 
the applicant and interested parties who requested the public hearing, 
if a public hearing is requested and held.
    4. Section 924.17 is added to read as follows:


Sec. 924.17  State regulatory program provisions and amendments 
disapproved.

    The proposed language in section 53-9-55(3), as submitted by 
Mississippi on May 6, 1997, that allows the commission to promulgate 
regulations regarding a waiver from the requirement to post a penalty 
payment bond upon a showing by the operator of an inability to post the 
bond is disapproved.

[FR Doc. 98-532 Filed 1-8-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-05-M