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Colorado Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Act (Coal Act) was passed by Colorado General Assembly in response to the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) of 1977 (PL 95-87). SMCRA requires all coal mines in the United States to meet minimum performance standards for environmental and public protection and reclamation. A state may gain primacy and administer its own program under this Act provided that the state coal mining and reclamation law and regulatory program meet national minimum requirements. Colorado decided to administer its own coal regulatory program and enacted the Colorado Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Act in1979 (Section 34-33-101, CRS). Pursuant to the Coal Act, the Mined Land Reclamation Board promulgated rules and regulations for coal mining and reclamation activities beginning in 1980.
Program
Requirements
Each active coal mine inspected monthly,
Permit applications, permit renewals, and permit revisions processed within
established time frames,
Enforcement actions proceed as necessary to maintain compliance and in accordance
with due process. (Failure to meet these requirements would jeopardize the
continuation of a state administered program.)
Program Goals
Allow for continued development of coal mining operations while requiring mined
lands to be reclaimed as contemporaneously as possible.
Protect the public and the environment from the adverse effects of coal mining.
Allow coal mining operations only upon lands which can be successfully reclaimed.
Use procedures which provide for public participation in all aspects of the program.
Assist small operators in complying with the provisions of the statute.
Aid in the protection of wildlife and aquatic resources and protect and promote
the health, safety and general welfare of the people of the state.
Accomplish reclamation of coal mines which have had permits revoked due to non-compliance.
Reclamation Award Winners
