[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 136 (Tuesday, July 16, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 46617]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-17892]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

30 CFR Parts 773, 780, 784 and 800

RIN 1029-AC05


Bonding and Other Financial Assurance Mechanisms for Treatment of 
Long-Term Pollutional Discharges and Acid/Toxic Mine Drainage (AMD) 
Related Issues

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

ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking; extension of comment 
period.

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SUMMARY: We are extending the comment period for the advance notice of 
proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) published in the May 17, 2002, Federal 
Register. The comment period was originally scheduled to close on July 
16, 2002, and is now being extended for 90 days. In the ANPRM, we are 
seeking comments on what types of financial guarantees will best ensure 
adequate funding for the treatment of unanticipated long-term 
pollutional discharges, including acid or toxic mine drainage 
(collectively referred to as AMD), that develop as a result of surface 
coal mining operations.

DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your comments on or 
before October 15, 2002.

ADDRESSES: You may mail or hand carry comments to the Office of Surface 
Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Administrative Record, Room 101, 
1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20240.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ruth Stokes, Program Support 
Directorate, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, on 
202-208-2611.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In response to requests from three parties, 
we are extending the public comment period for the proposed rule 
published on May 17, 2002 (67 FR 35071). In the ANPRM, we are seeking 
comments on what types of financial guarantees will best ensure 
adequate funding for the treatment of unanticipated long-term 
pollutional discharges, including acid or toxic mine drainage 
(collectively referred to as AMD), that develop as a result of surface 
coal mining operations. Specifically, we are interested in views from 
all parties on how we can best address the proper level of treatment 
and number of years to use in calculating financial assurance amounts 
for AMD, appropriate financial mechanisms to cover treatment costs, and 
suggestions on appropriate enforcement in cases where financial 
assurance is not fully adequate for the long term, but AMD is still 
being treated. Also, we invite comment on whether codification of our 
AMD policy statement would be helpful. We are extending the comment 
period to allow additional time for all interested parties to 
participate in formulating ideas and approaches on ways to address this 
important issue.

    Dated: July 3, 2002.
Mary Josie Blanchard,
Assistant Director, Program Support.
[FR Doc. 02-17892 Filed 7-15-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-05-P