[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 233 (Friday, December 4, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 66983-66987]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-32350]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

30 CFR Part 901

[SPATS No. AL-068-FOR]


Alabama 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 an amendment to the Alabama regulatory 
program (Alabama program) under the Surface Mining Control and 
Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). Alabama proposed revisions to and 
additions of rules concerning definitions, petitions to initiate 
rulemaking, license applications, operation plans, reclamation plans, 
subsidence control, lands eligible for remining, permit applications, 
small operator assistance program, performance bond release, hydrologic 
balance, coal mine waste, backfilling and grading, revegetation, soil 
removal and stockpiling, inspections, and hearings. Alabama intends to 
revise its program to be consistent with the corresponding Federal 
regulations.

EFFECTIVE DATE: December 4, 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. Internet: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background on the Alabama 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 Alabama Program

    On May 20, 1982, the Secretary of the Interior conditionally 
approved the Alabama program. You can find background information on 
the Alabama program, including the Secretary's findings, the 
disposition of comments, and the conditions of approval in the May 20, 
1982, Federal Register (47 FR 22062). You can find later actions 
concerning the Alabama program at 30 CFR 901.15 and 901.16.

II. Submission of the Proposed Amendment

    By letter dated August 4, 1998 (Administrative Record No. AL-0584), 
Alabama submitted an amendment to its program under SMCRA. Alabama 
submitted the amendment in response to a May 20, 1996, letter 
(Administrative Record No. AL-0555) and a June 17, 1997, letter 
(Administrative Record No. AL-0568) that we sent to Alabama in 
accordance with 30 CFR 732.17(c) and at its own initiative.
    We announced receipt of the amendment in the August 25, 1998, 
Federal Register (63 FR 45192). In the same document, we opened the 
public comment period and provided an opportunity for a public hearing 
or meeting on the adequacy of the amendment. The public comment period 
closed on September 24, 1998. Because no one requested a public hearing 
or meeting, we did not hold one.
    During our review of the amendment, we identified regulation 
reference errors at 880-X-2A-.06, definitions of material damage and 
occupied residential dwellings and structures related thereto, and at 
880-X-8I-.10, subsidence control plans. We notified Alabama of these 
concerns by telephone on October 1, 1998, and by letter dated October 
15, 1998 (Administrative Record No. AL-0587).
    During our telephone conversation on October 1, 1998, Alabama 
indicated that it would not be able to address the regulation reference 
errors during the

[[Page 66984]]

current State rulemaking. Therefore, we are proceeding with this final 
rule Federal Register document.

III. Director's Findings

    Following, under SMCRA and the Federal regulations at 30 CFR 732.15 
and 732.17, are our findings concerning the amendment.
    Any revisions that we do not discuss below are about minor wording 
changes, or revised cross-references and paragraph notations to reflect 
organizational changes resulting from this amendment.

1. Revisions to Alabama's Rules That Have the Same Meaning as the 
Corresponding Provisions of the Federal Regulations

    The State rules listed in the table contain language that is the 
same as or similar to the corresponding sections of the Federal 
regulations. Differences between the State rules and the Federal 
regulations are minor.

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                Topic                         State regulation                                  Federal counterpart regulation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Definition of drinking, domestic or    880-X-2A-.06.................  30 CFR 701.5.
 residential water supply.
Definition of lands eligible for       880-X-2A-.06.................  30 CFR 701.5.
 remining.
Definition of non-commercial building  880-X-2A-.06.................  30 CFR 701.5.
Definition of previously mined area..  880-X-2A-.06.................  30 CFR 701.5.
Definition of program administrator..  880-X-2A-.06.................  30 CFR 795.3.
Definition of qualified laboratory...  880-X-2A-.06.................  30 CFR 795.3.
Definition of replacement of water     880-X-2A-.06.................  30 CFR 701.5.
 supply.
Definition of unanticipated event or   880-X-2A-.06.................  30 CFR 701.5.
 condition.
Surface Mining; Operations Plan:       880-X-8F-.08 (1)(e), (1)(l)    30 CFR 779.24(e), 779.25 (a)(8) and (a)(9).
 Permit Map(s).                         and (1)(o).
Surface Mining; Reclamation Plan:      880-X-8F-.09(2)(d)...........  30 CFR 780.18(b)(4).
 General Requirements.
Surface Mining; Reclamation Plan:      880-X-8F-.11 (1), (1)(b),      30 CFR 780.25 (a), (a)(2), (a)(3), (b), (c)(3) and (f).
 Siltation Structures, Impoundments,    (1)(c), (2), (3)(c) and (6).
 Banks, Dams, and Embankments.
Surface Mining; Additional Cross       880-X-8F-.20.................  30 CFR 779.25(a) (1) through (4), (6) and (10).
 Sections, Maps, and Plans.
Underground Mining; Description of     880-X-8H-.06(1)(e)3.(iv).....  30 CFR 784.14(e)(3)(iv).
 Geology and Hydrology and
 Determination of the Probable
 Hydrologic Consequence (PHC).
Underground Mining; Operations Plan:   880-X-8I-.07 (1)(e), (1)(l)    30 CFR 783.24(e), 783.25 (a)(8) and (a)(9).
 Permit Map(s).                         and (1)(o).
Underground Mining; Subsidence         880-X-8I-.10 (1), (2), (2)(b)  30 CFR 784.20 (a), (b), (b)(2) and (b)(7).
 Control Plan.                          and (2)(g).
Underground Mining; Reclamation Plan:  880-X-8I-.12 (1), (1)(b),      30 CFR 784.16 (a), (a)(2), (a)(3), (b), (c)(3) and (f).
 Siltation Structures, Impoundments,    (1)(c), (2), (3)(c) and (6).
 Banks, Dams, and Embankments.
Underground Mining; Additional Cross   880-X-8I-.20.................  30 CFR 783.25.
 Sections, Maps, and Plans.
Lands Eligible for Remining..........  880-X-8J-.13.................  30 CFR 785.25.
Review of Permit Applications........  880-X-8K-.10 (2)(d) and        30 CFR 773.15 (b)(4) and (c)(13).
                                        (3)(m).
Small Operator Assistance Program;     880-X-8N-.07(c)..............  30 CFR 795.6(a)(2).
 Eligibility for Assistance.
Small Operator Assistance Program;     880-X-8N-.10.................  30 CFR 795.9.
 Data Requirements.
Small Operator Assistance Program;     880-X-8N-.13 (1), (1)(c),      30 CFR 795.12 (a), (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3) and (b).
 Applicant Liability.                   (1)(e), (1)(f) and (2).
Procedures for Seeking Release of      880-X-9D-.02(1)(c)...........  30 CFR 800.40(a)(3).
 Performance Bond.
Surface Mining; Hydrologic Balance:    880-X-10C-.17 (1)(c) and       30 CFR 701.5 and 816.46(c)(2).
 Siltation Structures.                  (3)(b).
Surface Mining; Impoundments.........  880-X-10C-.20 (1)(a), (1)(d),  30 CFR 816.49 (a)(1), (a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(6)(i), (a)(9)(ii)(a), (a)(9)(ii)(c),
                                        (1)(e), (1)(f)1.,              (a)(12), (c)(2)(i) and (c)(2)(ii).
                                        (1)(i)2.(i), (1)(i)2.(iii),
                                        (1)(l), (3)(b)1. and (3)(b)2.
Surface Mining; Coal Mine Waste:       880-X-10C-.38(1).............  30 CFR 816.81(a).
 General Requirements.
Surface Mining; Backfilling and        880-X-10C-.54................  30 CFR 816.104.
 Grading: Thin Overburden.
Surface Mining; Backfilling and        880-X-10C-.55................  30 CFR 816.105.
 Grading: Thick Overburden.
Surface Mining; Revegetation:          880-X-10C-.62(3).............  30 CFR 816.116(c) (1) and (2).
 Standards for Success.
Underground Mining; Hydrologic-        880-X-10D-.12 (9)............  30 CFR 817.41(j).
 Balance Protection.
Underground Mining; Hydrologic         880-X-10D-.17 (1)(c) and       30 CFR 701.5 and 817.46(c)(2).
 Balance: Siltation Structures.         (3)(b).

[[Page 66985]]

 
Underground Mining; Impoundments.....  880-X-10D-.20 (1)(a), (1)(d),  30 CFR 817.49 (a)(1), (a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(6)(i), (a)(9)(ii)(a), (a)(9)(ii)(c),
                                        (1)(e), (1)(f)1.,              (a)(12), (c)(2)(i) and (c)(2)(ii).
                                        (1)(i)2.(i), (1)(i)2.(iii),
                                        (1)(l), (3)(b)1. and (3)(b)2.
Underground Mining; Coal Mine Waste:   880-X-10D-.34(1).............  30 CFR 817.81(a).
 General Requirements.
Underground Mining; Revegetation:      880-X-10D-.56(3).............  30 CFR 817.116(c) (1) and (2).
 Standards for Success.
Underground Mining; Subsidence         880-X-10D-.58................  30 CFR 817.121.
 Control.
Prime Farmland; Applicability........  880-X-10G-.03(2).............  30 CFR 823.11(b).
Prime Farmland; Soil Removal and       880-X-10G-.04(3)(b)..........  30 CFR 823.12(c)(2).
 Stockpiling.
Inspections..........................  880-X-11B-.02 (8)(d) and (9).  30 CFR 840.11 (g)(4) and (h).
Request for Hearing..................  880-X-11D-.11(1).............  30 CFR 845.19(a).
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    Because the above revisions have the same meaning as the 
corresponding Federal regulations, we find that these regulations are 
no less effective than the Federal regulations.

2. 880-X-2A-.06  Definition of Material Damage

    Alabama added a definition of material damage at 880-X-2A-.06. The 
definition found at 880-X-2A-.06 is the same as the Federal definition 
at 30 CFR 701.5. However, Alabama's definition refers to the term 
``material damage'' as used in 880-X-8I-.20 and 880-X-10D-.58; and 
Alabama's regulation at 880-X-8I-.20 does not use this term. The 
definition should refer to 880-X-8I-.10 and 880-X-10D-.58, since these 
are the regulations that use the term ``material damage.'' Alabama's 
regulations at 880-X-8I-.10 and 880-X-10D-.58 are also the counterparts 
to the Federal references of 30 CFR 784.20 and 30 CFR 817.121. As 
discussed earlier in this document, we notified Alabama of this 
typographical error by telephone on October 1, 1998, and in our letter 
dated October 15, 1998. Because the term ``material damage'' does not 
appear in 880-X-8I-.20, we find that this incorrect reference will have 
no effect on Alabama's program. Therefore, since Alabama's definition 
language is the same as the Federal definition language, we are 
approving the definition for use with Alabama's regulations at 880-X-
8I-.10 and 880-X-10D-.58.

3. 880-X-2A-.06  Definition of Occupied Residential Dwelling and 
Structures Related Thereto

    Alabama added a definition of occupied residential dwelling and 
structures related thereto at 880-X-2A-.06. Alabama's definition is the 
same as the Federal definition found at 30 CFR 701.5. However, 
Alabama's definition refers to the term ``occupied residential dwelling 
and structures related thereto'' as used at 880-X-8I-.20 and 880-X-
10D-.58; and Alabama's regulation at 880-X-8I-.20 does not use this 
term. The definition should refer to 880-X-8I-.10 and 880-X-10D-.58, 
since these are the regulations that use the term ``occupied 
residential dwelling and structures related thereto.'' Alabama's 
regulations at 880-X-8I-.10 and 880-X-10D-.58 are also the counterparts 
to the Federal references of 30 CFR 784.20 and 30 CFR 817.121. As 
discussed earlier in this document, we notified Alabama of this 
typographical error by telephone on October 1, 1998, and in our letter 
dated October 15, 1998. Because the term ``occupied residential 
dwelling and structures related thereto'' does not appear in 880-X-
8I-.20, we find that this incorrect reference will have no effect on 
Alabama's program. Therefore, since Alabama's definition language is 
the same as the Federal definition language, we are approving the 
definition for use with Alabama's regulations at 880-X-8I-.10 and 880-
X-10D-.58.

4. 880-X-2A-.06, 880-X-10C-.17(1)(a), and 880-X-10D-.17(1)(a)  
Definition of Siltation Structure

    Alabama defines a siltation structure as a ``sedimentation pond, a 
series of sedimentation ponds, or other treatment facility.'' Alabama 
removed this definition from its sections on surface coal mining and 
underground coal mining siltation structures at 880-X-10C-.17(1)(a) and 
880-X-10D-.17(1)(a), and moved it to its definition section at 880-X-
2A-.06.
    Removing the definition of siltation structure from 880-X-
10C-.17(1)(a) and 880-X-10D-.17(1)(a) and adding it to 880-X-2A-.06 is 
consistent with the changes made to the Federal regulations. We moved 
the counterpart Federal definition of siltation structure from the 
sections on surface coal mining and underground coal mining siltation 
structures at 30 CFR 816.46(a)(1) and 817.46(a)(1) and added it to the 
definition section at 30 CFR 701.5 on October 20, 1994 (59 FR 53022). 
Therefore, we find that the relocation of the definition of siltation 
structure will not make Alabama's regulations less effective than the 
Federal regulations.

5. 880-X-2A-.08  Petitions To Initiate Rulemaking

    This section allows citizens to submit to Alabama's State 
regulatory authority a petition for the issuance, amendment, or repeal 
of any regulation. If the regulatory authority determines that the 
petition has a reasonable basis, it must publish a notice in a 
newspaper of general circulation once a week for two consecutive weeks, 
asking for public comment on the proposed change. Within 60 days of the 
receipt of the petition to initiate rulemaking, the regulatory 
authority must either deny the petition in writing on the merits or 
initiate rulemaking proceedings.
    We find that Alabama's revised provisions are consistent with the 
intent of the counterpart Federal regulation provisions at 30 CFR 
700.12 concerning petitions to initiate rulemaking. The Federal 
provisions allow any person to petition the Director of OSM to initiate 
a proceeding for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of any regulation 
under SMCRA. If the Director of OSM determines that the petition has a 
reasonable basis, a notice is published in the Federal Register asking 
for public comment on the proposed change. Within 90 days of the 
receipt of the petition, the Director of OSM must issue a written 
decision either granting or denying the petition. Therefore, Alabama's 
regulation is no less effective than the Federal regulation, and we are 
approving it.

6. 880-X-8I-.10(2)(h)  Subsidence Control Plan

    This section requires that a subsidence control plan include a 
description of the measures the permittee will take in accordance with 
880-X-10D-.12(10) and 880-X-10D-.58(3) to replace adversely affected

[[Page 66986]]

protected water supplies or to mitigate or remedy any subsidence-
related material damage to the land and protected structures. Alabama's 
requirement in this section is the same as the Federal requirements at 
30 CFR 784.20(b)(8). However, the referenced regulation at 880-X-
10D-.12(10) does not exist. Alabama's regulation should instead 
reference 880-X-10D-.12(9) and 880-X-10D-.58(3), which are counterparts 
to the Federal reference to 30 CFR 817.41(j) and 817.121(c). As 
discussed earlier in this document, we notified Alabama of this 
typographical error by telephone on October 1, 1998, and in our letter 
dated October 15, 1998. Therefore, we are approving 880-X-8I-.10(2)(h) 
with the understanding that Alabama will interpret the reference to 
880-X-10-.12(10) as 880-X-10-.12(9) until such time that Alabama can 
correct the reference.

IV. Summary and Disposition of Comments

Public Comments

    We requested public comments on the amendment, but did not receive 
any.

Federal Agency Comments

    Under 30 CFR 732.17(h)(11)(i), we requested comments on the 
amendment from various Federal agencies with an actual or potential 
interest in the Alabama program (Administrative Record No. AL-0585). We 
did not receive any comments.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

    Provisions found at 30 CFR 732.17(h)(11)(ii) require us to get the 
written consent of the EPA for those provisions of the program 
amendment that relate to air or water quality standards published 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 
Alabama proposed to make in this amendment pertain to air or water 
quality standards. Therefore, we did not request the EPA's consent.
    Under 30 CFR 732.17(h)(11)(i), we requested comments on the 
amendment from the EPA (Administrative Record No. AL-0585). The EPA did 
not respond to our request.

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

    Provisions found at 30 CFR 732.17(h)(4) require us to request 
comments from the SHPO and ACHP on amendments that may have an effect 
on historic properties. On August 14, 1998, we requested comments on 
Alabama's amendment from the SHPO and ACHP (Administrative Record No. 
AL-0585), but neither responded to our request.

V. Director's Decision

    Based on the above findings, we approve the amendment, with 
additional requirements, as submitted by Alabama on August 4, 1998. We 
approve the rules that Alabama proposed with the provision that they be 
fully placed in force in identical form to the rules submitted to and 
reviewed by OSM and the public.
    To implement this decision, we are amending the Federal regulations 
at 30 CFR Part 901, which codify decisions concerning the Alabama 
program. We are making this final rule effective immediately to 
expedite the State program amendment process and to encourage Alabama 
to bring its program into conformity with the Federal standards. SMCRA 
requires consistency of State and Federal standards.

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 change to 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 
changes to State programs that are not approved by OSM. In the 
oversight of the Alabama program, we will recognize only the statutes, 
rules and other materials approved by the Secretary or by us, together 
with any consistent implementing policies, directives and other 
materials. We will require the enforcement by Alabama of only such 
provisions.

VI. Procedural Determinations

Executive Order 12866

    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) exempts this rule from 
review 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 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

    This rule does not require an environmental impact statement since 
section 702(d) of SMCRA (30 U.S.C. 1292(d)) provides that agency 
decisions on 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. Therefore, this rule will ensure that existing requirements 
previously published 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 determined and certifies under 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 901

    Intergovernmental relations, Surface mining, Underground mining.


[[Page 66987]]


    Dated: November 13, 1998.
Brent Wahlquist,
Regional Director, Mid-Continent Regional Coordinating Center.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 30 CFR Part 901 is amended 
as set forth below:

PART 901--ALABAMA

    1. The authority citation for Part 901 continues to read as 
follows:

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

    2. Section 901.15 is amended in the table by adding a new entry in 
chronological order by ``Date of final publication'' to read as 
follows:


Sec. 901.15  Approval of Alabama regulatory program amendments.

* * * * *

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                                            Date of final
  Original amendment submission date         publication                      Citation/description
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
*                  *                  *                  *                  *                  *
                                                        *
August 4, 1998.......................  December 4, 1998.......  880-X-2A-.06; .08; 880-X-6A-.06(d)3.; 880-X-8F-
                                                                 .08(1)(e), (l) and (o); .09(2)(d); .11(1),
                                                                 (1)(b) and (c), (2), (3)(c), (6); .20; 880-X-8H-
                                                                 .06(1)(e)3.(iv); 880-X-8I-.07(1)(e),(l) and
                                                                 (o); .10(1), (2), (2) (b), (g) and (h); .12(1),
                                                                 (1) (b) and (c), (2), (3)(c), (6); .20; 880-X-
                                                                 8J-.13; 880-X-8K-.10(2)(d), (3)(m); 880-X-8N-
                                                                 .07(c); .10; .13(1), (1) (c), (e) and (f),
                                                                 (2);880X-9D-.02(1)(c);880-X-10C-.17(1) (a) and
                                                                 (c), (3)(b); .20(1)(a), (d), (e), (f)1.,
                                                                 (i)2.(i) and (iii), (l), (3)(b)1. and 2.;
                                                                 .38(1); .54; .55; .62(3); 880-X-10D-.12(9);
                                                                 .17(1) (a) and (c), (3)(b); .20(1) (a), (d),
                                                                 (e), (f)1., (i)2. (i) and (iii), (l),
                                                                 (3)(b)1.and .2; .34(1); .56(3); .58; 880-X-10G-
                                                                 .03(2); .04(3)(b); 880-X-11B-.02 (8)(d), (9);
                                                                 880-X-11D-.11(1).
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[FR Doc. 98-32350 Filed 12-3-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-05-P