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Water Issues
NMA has challenged the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) obstruction of coal mining permitting using proposed changes to the Clean Water Act and the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act.
The Office of Surface Mining (OSM) has proposed a "stream protection rule" that represents a sweeping change to surface mining regulations under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) program.
The definition of "fill material" - material that is legally authorized for perminent placement in carefully engineered earth and rock structures designed to hold excess earth and native material in rugged, steep terrain - needs to include mining overburden from coal mining activities. These valley fills are carefully constructed and have a long history of successful environmental compliance with strict state and federal laws and regulations. They are the only viable option for the disposition of large volumes of material from road building, construction and mining. They create accessible flat land above the flood plain-a rarity in Appalachia-and provide needed jobs, transportation and a reliable energy source to the entire region.
Did you know?
- U.S. mining companies have reclaimed for other beneficial uses more than 2.6 million acres of mined land.
- Coal plants in the 21st century emit 40% less co2 than the average 20th century coal plant, according to the World Coal Institute.
- Mining has touched less than one-half of one percent of all the land in the United States.
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National Mining Association, 101 Constitution Ave. NW, Suite 500 East, Washington, D.C. 20001, Phone: (202)463-2600 |
  
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