893 Reauthorization of the Federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act; public meetings

Reauthorization of the Federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act; Public Meetings

[37 Pa.B. 2349]
[Saturday, May 19, 2007]

   The Department of Environmental Protection, in conjunction with the Citizens Advisory Council and the Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board, is scheduling a series of public town hall meetings. The topic for the meetings is the recent reauthorization of the Federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA). The new law provides for a significant increase in funds available to the Commonwealth for abandoned mine reclamation. It also offers the Commonwealth the opportunity to set aside up to 30% of these funds for abatement and treatment of abandoned mine drainage.

   The intent of the meetings is to enable the public to provide input to help in the decision-making process for expenditure of these funds. The decision to set aside funds for mine drainage abatement and treatment, and the appropriate level, must be weighed against the need to restore sites that impact the health and safety of this Commonwealth's citizens. The public is strongly encouraged to attend and will have the opportunity to provide comments during the town hall meeting. Written comments will also be accepted at the Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Attn. AML Comments, P. O. Box 8476, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8476.

   The meetings will be held on the following dates in the following locations:

May 22	EPCAMR Office, Shavertown, PA
May 23	Schuylkill Conservation District Office,    Pottsville, PA
May 24	Hillside Rod & Gun Club, Blossburg, PA
May 30	Robertsdale Fire Hall, Robertsdale, PA
May 31	Department of Environmental Protection,    Cambria Office, Ebensburg, PA
June 5	Jennings Environmental Center,    Slippery Rock, PA
June 6	California University of PA, Morgan Hall,    California, PA
June 7	Penn State University, Dubois Campus, Hiller    Auditorium, Dubois, PA

   All meetings will follow the agenda below.

4--5:30 p.m.	Educational videos and overview of recent legislative changes to SMCRA
5:30--6:30 p.m.	Opportunity for the public to review Commonwealth's Abandoned Mine Land inventory and maps (poster session)
6:30--8:30 p.m.	Town hall meeting

   Questions concerning the meetings can be directed to Sue Wilson, Citizens Advisory Council, at [phone], [e-mail]; Rich Joyce, Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Harrisburg, [phone], rijoyce@state. pa.us; Pam Milavec, Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Cambria District Office, [phone], [e-mail]; or Mike Ferko, Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Wilkes-Barre District Office, [phone], [e-mail].

   This notice and directions to the meeting locations can be found at: www.depweb.state.pa.us/abandonedminerec/cwp/view.asp?a=1474&q=520866.

   Individuals in need of an accommodation as provided for in the Americans With Disabilities Act and interested in any of the meetings scheduled for May 22, May 23 or May 24 should contact Mike Ferko at the telephone number and e-mail address listed. Individuals interested in attending any of the meetings scheduled for May 30, May 31, June 5, June 6 or June 7 should contact Pam Milavec at the telephone number or e-mail address listed previously. Persons may also use the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at [phone] (TDD) to discuss how the Department may accommodate their needs.

KATHLEEN A. MCGINTY,   
Secretary

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 07-893. Filed for public inspection May 18, 2007, 9:00 a.m.]