Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

📣The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement has announced a 30-day public comment period for the Coyote Creek Mine Supplemental Environmental Assessment (EA). The public comment period opens December 7, 2023, and closes January 5, 2024.

Coyote Creek Mining Company owns and operates the Coyote Creek Mine in Mercer County, North Dakota. The Coyote Creek Mine uses standard surface strip-mining procedures to mine private and Federal coal resources. Coal is currently mined from two permit areas: NACC-1302. The proposed Federal mining plan under consideration would mine coal in Federal lease NDM-110277 within the existing boundaries of North Dakota Public Service Commission Permits NACC-1302. If approved, the proposed Federal mining plan would allow the mining of 5.2 million tons of Federal coal within approximately 320 acres.

The EA and the unsigned Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) are available for review as of December 7, 2023. To review the planning documents and find more Coyote Creek Mine information, please visit: https://www.osmre.gov/laws-and-regulations/nepa/projects

✒️ All emailed and mailed comments must be received or postmarked by January 5, 2023 to be considered. Comments may be emailed to: [email protected] with the subject line "ATTN: OSMRE, Coyote Creek SEA". Comments may be mailed to:
ATTN: OSMRE, Coyote Creek SEA
C/O: Logan Sholar, OSMRE Western Region
P.O. Box 25065
Lakewood, CO 80225-5065
Please note that comments made on social media are not considered official records.

📷: Courtesy of Coyote Creek Mine

, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, allows eligible states and Tribes to set aside up to 30% of grant funds into a long-term abandoned mine land reclamation fund? One of the ways States & Tribes can use these funds is for abatement of the causes and treatment of the effects of acid mine drainage resulting from coal mining practices, including for the costs of building, operating, maintaining, and rehabilitating acid mine drainage treatment systems.

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is acidic water, laden with iron, sulfate, or other metals, that forms when geologic strata containing sulfide minerals such as pyrite are exposed to the atmosphere or oxidizing environments and is a detrimental by-product of coal mining. Despite improved prediction and prevention techniques, acid mine drainage continues to pose a potential problem in some areas. It is a long-term water pollution impact of mining in the coal fields.

To learn more about AMD, check out https://www.osmre.gov/programs/mine-drainage-technology-initiative

OSMRE AML & Regulatory Program Specialist Tiff Hilton says anyone thinking of joining OSMRE should "do it as fast as they can!"

Many OSMRE employees, like Tiff, come from coal communities and are passionate about giving back to their communities and the environment. Check out the video below for a peek into Tiff's career journey and see what it's like working for OSMRE.

Careers at OSMRE: Tiff Hilton, AML Reclamation Specialist Tiff Hilton, AML Reclamation Specialist, discusses his career and experience with the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. To learn more abo...

As Native American Heritage Month wraps up, we want to highlight some of the fantastic reclamation work our Tribal partners do!

Tribal partners and residents bring their unique knowledge and connection to the land to the reclamation process in order to revitalize their communities and the environment. Learn more about how Tribal members have used mine reclamation as an opportunity to restore the land and its cultural resources below.

OSMRE's Applied Science Program funds the development of new reclamation science and tech, selecting and funding proposals that improve public and environmental health. Check out their experience page here: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ff3243e737cc476da6ab1368f4836b9c

Applied Science | Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

The Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program is intended to explore and implement strategies that return legacy coal mining sites to productive uses through economic and community development. To learn more about some Kentucky projects check out https://eec.ky.gov/Natural-Resources/Mining/Abandoned-Mine-Lands/Pages/AMLER_Program.aspx

Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program | Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

It’s Native American Heritage Month, and today is Native American Heritage Day! It is a day set aside to celebrate and honor the rich heritage, culture, traditions, languages, and stories Tribes bring to our communities. OSMRE works with our Tribal partners year-round. Below are photos from the Society of American Indian Government Employees 2023 National Training Program, where OSMRE attended and shared information about our partnerships.

Happy !!!

Happy Thanksgiving from the entire OSMRE family! 🦃 We are so thankful for our dedicated staff and partners for making AML reclamation possible. From our family to yours, we wish you a day filled with delicious food, quality time with friends and family, and a heart full of joy and gratitude. 🤗

Geospatial satellite imagery and data are accessible to our SMCRA partners through the TIPS program! All SMCRA Partners can learn how to gain access by visiting https://www.osmre.gov/programs/technical-innovation-and-professional-services/services

Blasting is a key part of accessing coal but can have serious consequences if done wrong. That's why OSMRE has an important program to certify professional blasters to ensure safety and compliance. 🚧👷‍♀️👷‍♂️ Learn more at https://www.osmre.gov/programs/regulating-active-coal-mines/blasting

Blasting | Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Title V of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) is a tool for striking a balance between protecting our environment from the adverse effects of coal mining and allowing coal to remain an essential energy source. Through its permitting, inspection and enforcement activities, States and Tribes can take control of how their land is used. Learn more at https://www.osmre.gov/programs/regulating-active-coal-mines

As we celebrate the second anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we reflect back on the incredible work achieved by OSMRE and our State and Tribal Partners in reclaiming Abandoned Mine Lands. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $11.3 billion over 15 years to help address dangerous health, safety, and environmental conditions and clean up pollution caused by historic coal mining.

As of November 15, 2023, OSMRE has awarded $31 million in announced FY23 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law AML grants.

As of September 30, 2023, OSMRE has issued 370 Authorizations to Proceed (ATPs) across all AML programs in FY 2023, with 85 of those solely Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-funded projects.

With the June Department of the Interior announcement of nearly $725 million in fiscal year 2023 funding to 22 states and the Navajo Nation to create good-paying jobs and catalyze economic opportunity by reclaiming abandoned coal mine lands, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will continue to help reclaim Abandoned Mine Lands for years to come.

Learn more at https://www.osmre.gov/bil

📢 OSMRE Announces $4.8 Million to both Kansas and Maryland to address legacy pollution and revitalize coal communities. Check out the announcements here: https://www.osmre.gov/news

The OSMRE National Mine Map Repository collects all mineral maps, and before we start a mapping project, we take an initial collection inventory. We keep any maps that show mining or proposed mining.

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"Trails like this contribute to Pennsylvania’s $14 billion recreation economy." Cindy Dunn

Auburn Bridge ribbon-cutting marks county's participation in 'environmental revolution' AUBURN — About 200 people saw 30 years of blood, sweat and tears come to life Thursday at the newly unveiled Auburn Bridge.

The new National Technical Training Program schedule is out! Sign up for your next professional education session soon, and be sure to catch the registration deadlines 🏫📜👨‍🎓👩‍🎓 Follow the link for more info: https://www.osmre.gov/programs/national-technical-training-program

Today, we want to take a moment to honor the brave men and women who serve our country. We cannot thank you enough for your dedication and courage in defending our freedom and keeping us safe.

💪We’re partnering with local communities to combat mine drainage and protect our environment! The Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program grants funding to local watershed groups for mine drainage reclamation. Together, we can reduce acid mine drainage levels, restore the water quality of vital ecosystems, and improve the health and safety of our communities🌎

Learn more about mine drainage and our WCAP partnerships by visiting https://www.osmre.gov/programs/watersheds

Dam safety inspections are essential for protecting our communities and environment 🌎

The OSMRE Dam Safety Program ensures that dams under OSMRE's regulatory authority do not present unacceptable risks to public safety and property 💧

Dams must be maintained and monitored to ensure their safety and reliability 🤝

Find out more about why dam safety inspections are so necessary at: https://www.osmre.gov/programs/dam-safety

Dam Safety | Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Many tree seeds won’t germinate until they have been exposed to cold periods. Winter is on its way, and we are excited for what comes after when planting season begins again! To learn why planting trees on coal mine land is so important, check out https://www.osmre.gov/programs/arri

📰 Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety

Nearly $10 Million from the President’s Investing in America Agenda to Address Legacy Pollution, Revitalize Coal Communities in Colorado

Secretary Haaland Announces Nearly $10 Million from President’s Investing in America Agenda to Address Legacy Pollution, Revitalize Coal Communities in Colorado On her second stop on the Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in Rural America event series, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland was in Colorado today to announce nearly $10 million in fiscal year 2023 funding from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to create good-paying jobs an...

Join us in celebrating the rich heritage, culture, traditions, languages, and stories Tribes bring to our communities. This year’s Native American Heritage Month theme at the Department of the Interior is Celebrating Tribal Sovereignty and Identity. To learn about OSMRE and our Tribal partners, visit https://www.osmre.gov/programs/regulating-active-coal-mines/indian-lands

When it comes to protecting endangered species, OSMRE is stepping up to bat 🦇

Did you know that 29 out of 45 bat species in America rely on abandoned or disused mines for habitat? This means that when reclaiming mine openings, special considerations are needed to ensure our furry friends have access while keeping humans out! Bat gates, like the one pictured here (minus the red carpet), are often installed in mine portals to achieve this.

Bat gates are only one of the ways that OSMRE protects bats during all stages of mining and reclamation processes. Read more about OSMRE's bat conservation efforts at: www.osmre.gov/stories/BatWeek2023.

OSMRE works with partner organizations to protect bats across . Follow the link to learn more about OSMRE and our bat work! 🦇
https://www.osmre.gov/programs/bat-conservation-and-mining

On Friday, Oct 20th, OSMRE and PA DEP participated in the Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization to catalyze economic development in Pennsylvania's energy communities!

The event was a full-day opportunity for federal agencies to engage with stakeholders in Pennsylvania and to provide attendees with resources that support economic revitalization in their communities. Distinguished presenters at the event included Senator Robert Casey, Governor Josh Shapiro and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm!

Bracken cave near San Antonio, Texas, is the largest gathering of mammals on earth?! Let's hear it for the bats!

Here are some North American bat faces and facts for your batty weekend!

White-nose syndrome, caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), has unfortunately resulted in a significant decline in bat species across the United States, including in states with current mining activities. That’s one more reason OSMRE works with our partners to ensure mining activities don’t negatively impact endangered and threatened bat species

Bat Week

OSMRE announces more than $3.5 million in funding to address legacy pollution in Arkansas and New Mexico! To learn more about the funding check out the announcements here,

New Mexico-https://www.osmre.gov/news/office-surface-mining-reclamation-and-enforcement-announces-more-24-million-address-legacy

Arkansas-https://www.osmre.gov/news/office-surface-mining-reclamation-and-enforcement-announces-nearly-17-million-address-legacy

What do bats do at night? 🦇🤸‍♂️🦇🤸‍♂️🦇 Aero-BAT-ics!

Beyond the puns, here are some more Bat Facts – This time from U.S. Department of the Interior! https://www.doi.gov/blog/13-facts-about-bats

A little bat motivation (bat-ovation?!) for your mid-week hurdles! 🦇

has us celebrating all things bats! Let's take a moment to recognize all the important work our partners are doing to help protect bat populations! This Bat Week, take a look at the work of OSMRE and our partners in action - it might surprise you! 🕵️‍♀️ Let us know what you learned from these 5 things and the interview:
https://www.osmre.gov/news/stories/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-bats

The Bat Beauty Contest has started! And representing OSMRE this year is Luna! Go show her some love and vote in the comments. ♥🦇

🦇 Today starts !!! We're highlighting the importance of these flying mammals to our environment, economy, and lives all week long. Let's get started with 5 ways OSMRE helps bats through our work
..Stay tuned for more Bat-tastic facts!

Learn how the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement enforces dam safety standards to ensure safer communities: https://www.osmre.gov/programs/dam-safety

Dam Safety | Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.