SMCRA Mining Permit Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions for Developers and Consultants

SMCRA Mining Permit Key Terms & Definitions

Acid mine drainage: The acidic water that is created when sulfide minerals in rock are exposed to air and water, often as a result of mining activities. This acidic water can contaminate nearby water sources and harm aquatic life.

Applicant violator system (AVS): A computer system that tracks coal mining permit applicants and their compliance history with SMCRA. It is used by regulatory authorities to determine whether a permit should be issued, based on the applicant's past performance.

Coal exploration: The process of investigating a potential coal deposit to determine its quality, quantity, and other characteristics. Coal exploration activities that disturb more than 250 tons of coal or 2 acres of land require a SMCRA permit (30 U.S.C. §1262(a)).

Coal preparation plant: A facility where coal is cleaned, sized, and prepared for transport to market. Coal preparation plants that are not located within the permit area of a mine require a separate SMCRA permit.

Coal refuse: The waste material that is generated during coal mining and processing, including rock, clay, and other non-coal materials. Coal refuse disposal areas are regulated under SMCRA.

Environmental impact statement (EIS): A detailed document that assesses the potential environmental impacts of a proposed mining operation and evaluates alternatives. An EIS may be required for certain SMCRA permit applications.

Highwall: The unexcavated face of exposed overburden and coal in a surface mining operation. SMCRA requires that highwalls be eliminated and the area be restored to its approximate original contour during reclamation.

Hydrologic balance: The relationship between the quality and quantity of water inflow, water outflow, and changes in water storage in a hydrologic unit, such as a drainage basin or aquifer. SMCRA requires that mining operations minimize disturbances to the hydrologic balance.

Impoundment: A structure designed to hold water, sediment, or other liquid or semi-liquid material. SMCRA regulates the design, construction, and maintenance of impoundments used in mining operations.

Maximum economic recovery: The requirement that, with limited exceptions, all coal that is technologically and economically feasible to recover be extracted during a mining operation. This provision is intended to prevent the waste of coal resources.

Mountaintop removal mining: A surface mining method that involves removing the top of a mountain to expose and extract underlying coal seams. Mountaintop removal mining is regulated under SMCRA.

Notice of violation (NOV): A formal notification issued by a regulatory authority to a permit holder for violating the terms of their SMCRA permit or the provisions of the Act. NOVs require the permit holder to take corrective action within a specified timeframe.

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE): The federal agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior that is responsible for administering and enforcing SMCRA.

Overburden: The rock and soil that lie above a coal seam. Overburden must be removed to access the coal in surface mining operations.

Performance bond: A financial assurance that a permit holder must provide to ensure that they will comply with the terms of their SMCRA permit and complete the required reclamation. The bond is released once the regulatory authority determines that all permit requirements have been met.

Permit area: The area of land and water within the boundaries of a SMCRA permit, where the permit holder is authorized to conduct coal mining and reclamation operations.

Prime farmland: Land that has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops. SMCRA requires that prime farmland be restored to its pre-mining productivity after mining is completed.

Probable hydrologic consequences (PHC): A determination of the potential impacts of a proposed mining operation on the hydrologic balance of the permit and adjacent areas. A PHC must be included in a SMCRA permit application (30 U.S.C. §1257(b)(11)).

Reclamation: The process of restoring mined land to its pre-mining condition or a higher or better use, as approved by the regulatory authority. SMCRA requires that all mined land be reclaimed.

Reclamation plan: A detailed plan that outlines how a permit holder will reclaim mined land, including the methods, timeline, and post-mining land use. A reclamation plan must be included in a SMCRA permit application (30 U.S.C. §1257(d)).

Spoil: The overburden material that is removed during surface mining operations to expose the coal seam. Spoil must be placed in a controlled manner and reclaimed in accordance with SMCRA requirements.

Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA): The primary federal law that regulates the environmental effects of coal mining in the United States, enacted in 1977 (30 U.S.C. §1201 et seq.).

Suspended solids: Small particles of solid material that are suspended in water. SMCRA regulates the discharge of suspended solids from mining operations to protect water quality.

Topsoil: The uppermost layer of soil, which generally has the highest concentration of organic matter and is best suited for plant growth. SMCRA requires that topsoil be removed, stored, and redistributed during reclamation to support revegetation.

Underground mining: The process of extracting coal from beneath the earth's surface, typically through tunnels or shafts. While SMCRA primarily focuses on surface mining, it also regulates the surface effects of underground mining.