SB 3309

Abstract

Amends the Abandoned Mined Lands and Water Reclamation Act. Provides that expenditures on abandoned lands may be used for the restoration of land and water resources and the environment that have been degraded by the adverse effects of coal mining practices and are adjacent to a site. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources may set aside up to 30 percent of each year's allocation of available abandoned mine reclamation funds distributed annually from the State share and historic coal share funds into a separate fund for the abatement of the causes and treatment of the effects of acid mine drainage in a comprehensive manner within qualified hydrologic units affected by coal mining practices. Provides that these funds shall be deposited into a special State account and will be used and accounted for in accordance with all applicable State and federal regulations used solely to achieve the priorities stated in Title IV of the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. Repeals a provision providing that open and abandoned tunnels, shafts, and entryways and abandoned and deteriorating equipment, structures, and facilities resulting from any previous non-coal mining operations constitute a hazard to the public health and safety. Defines "qualified hydrologic unit". Makes other changes.