The Bureau of Land Management NEWS |
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The Bureau of Land Management NEWS |
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Last updated: 04/04/03
For release: Thursday, September 18, 1997
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The Bureau of Land Management today released a summary of the comments it received during a public comment period relating to the BLM's effort to revise its "Section 3809" surface mining regulations, which govern the exploration and development of "hardrock" minerals on lands managed by the BLM.
Over 1,000 people attended eight BLM-sponsored "scoping" meetings and four public information meetings aimed at giving the public an opportunity to participate in the development of these regulations. In addition, more than 1,800 individuals or groups have submitted written comments. The 3809 regulations govern the surface management of minerals that are considered "locatable" under the General Mining Law of 1872. These types of minerals, which include gold, silver and copper, are often referred to as "hardrock" minerals.
"The BLM is committed to working with all interested parties as we examine how to modernize our 3809 regulations," said BLM Director Pat Shea. "I am extremely pleased with the excellent participation and input we received during our scoping period."
During the scoping period, which began in May, the BLM asked individuals and groups to focus on eight topics for purposes of discussion. These were: (1) the definition of "unnecessary or undue degradation" of BLM-managed lands; (2) the development of specific performance standards for mining and reclamation; (3) the five-acre disturbance threshold that differentiates a "Notice"-level mining operation from a "Plan"-level operation; (4) coordination between State and Federal mining regulators; (5) the types and adequacy of penalties for violations of the regulations; (6) the review timeframes for Notices and Plans of Operations; (7) the definition of "casual use" of the public lands; and (8) bonding requirements aimed at ensuring reclamation of land disturbed by mining. The BLM also invited participants to comment on any other issues of concern relating to the BLM's surface management program.
The BLM's summary of the 3809 scoping comments is available from any of its Western State Offices or from the agency's Washington, D.C., Office. The BLM has also posted the summary on the Internet (http://www.blm.gov/nhp/Commercial/SolidMineral/3809/3809scoping2.html).
The BLM's effort to modernize its Section 3809 mining rules responds to a directive from Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt.
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