The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA)
prohibits surface coal mining within the boundaries of any unit of the National Park System
. SMCRA also provides the NPS with authority over permitting decisions regarding external surface coal mining.
What does the surface mining Control and Reclamation Act require coal mining companies to do?
It required
coal companies to post a bond to ensure that the costs of reclamation would be covered
. Miners would have to satisfy highly detailed standards for reclamation. The act delegated regulatory enforcement to the secretary of the interior and individual state regulatory agencies.
What are the effects of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 quizlet?
it
establishes mandatory uniform standards for these activities on state and federal lands, creates an Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund for use in reclaiming and restoring land and water resources adversely affected by coal mining practices
.
Is the surface mining Control and Reclamation Act successful?
This is the true success of SMCRA. About 29.5 billion tons
of coal have been
mined while SMCRA has been in place. Most of that, about 90 percent, was used to generate electrical power. During this same time, the coal mining industry has successfully reclaimed more than 2 million acres (2,238,560) of mined lands.
What organizations support the surface mining Control and Reclamation Act?
The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is a bureau within
the United States Department of the Interior
.
Which of the following is a provision of the surface mining and Reclamation Act of 1977?
The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA)
prohibits surface coal mining within the boundaries of any unit of the National Park System
. SMCRA also provides the NPS with authority over permitting decisions regarding external surface coal mining.
Why do abandoned mines post a problem?
With coal production at its lowest level in 30 years, abandoned mines around the country are causing major environmental problems. They
can catch fire
, and debris from them can contaminate the water supply.
Who is responsible for strip mining?
Title V of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act
Most
coal-mining States
now have the primary responsibility to regulate surface coal mining on lands within their jurisdiction, with OSMRE performing an oversight role.
Who enforces the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977?
This Act establishes a program for the regulation of surface mining activities and the reclamation of coal-mined lands, under the administration of the Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement,
in the Department of the Interior
.
Why is the Smcra of 1977 so important?
The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) is
the primary federal law that regulates the environmental effects of coal mining in the United States
. SMCRA created two programs: one for regulating active coal mines and a second for reclaiming abandoned mine lands.
What is the end result of mining reclamation?
​Reclamation is the combined process by which
adverse environmental effects of surface mining are minimized and mined lands are returned to a beneficial end use
. End uses may be open space, wildlife habitat, agriculture, or residential and commercial development.
What does Reclamation mean in English?
:
the act or process of reclaiming
: such as. a : reformation, rehabilitation. b : restoration to use : recovery.
What is the goal of mine reclamation?
Mine reclamation entails
restoring these disturbed areas to a previous natural resource setting
, such as forest or agricultural land uses, while minimizing environmental impacts.
What are the four major types of surface mining?
There are five recognized types of surface mining, each with specific variations depending on the minerals being extracted. These include
strip mining, open-pit mining, mountaintop removal, dredging and highwall mining
.
What is the critical difference between surface and subsurface mining?
Surface mining is often preferred to subsurface mining by companies in the industry because it is less expensive,
there are fewer complications with electricity and water
, and it is safer. However, surface mining can be more environmentally-damaging than subsurface mining.
What is land reclamation?
What is Land Reclamation?
Returning disturbed land to a usable state
is called land reclamation. The process of land reclamation by the oil and natural gas industry ensures that the land used is returned to a productive state.
