Practices for Protecting and Enhancing Fish and Wildlife on Coal Surface-Mined Land in the Green River-Hams Fork Region.
Abstract
Numerous techniques and methods are being used during surface mining and reclamation operations throughout the country to minimize disturbances and adverse impacts to fish and wildlife. Some of these methods are accepted or recognized as state-of-the-art technology; whereas others may be outdated or even detrimental. This handbook is written as a 'first approximation' of design specifications, to document effective field techniques being used and to highlight sources of information for techniques that are now in use. This review will also consider equipment, devices, systems, and methods that have been useful in special cases. At a later date and as more information becomes available, this handbook will be revised and updated to reflect the best current practices state-of-the-art. To facilitate the transfer of information, the term 'Best Current Practices' (BCP) has been used to present field techniques that have been successful, or that show definite promise of being successful, on surface-mined land. The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 states that 'to the extent possible using the best technology currently available (BTCA), THE OPERATOR IS REQUIRED TO minimize disturbances and adverse impacts of the operation on fish, wildlife, and related environmental values, and achieve enhancement of such resources where practicable' (Section 515 B 24). Furthermore, THE SURFACE COAL MINING AND RECLAMATION OPERATIONS PERMANENT REGULATORY PROGRAM STATES THAT 'WITHIN THE CONSTRAINTS OF THE PERMANENT PROGRAM, THE REGULATORY AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE THE DISCRETION TO DETERMINE THE BEST TECHNOLOGY CURRENTLY AVAILABLE (BTCA) ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS' (Section 701.5).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA322907
Entities
People
- Bettina R. Proctor
- George R. Tamm
- Jane E. Bunin
- Kenneth W. Fucik
- Richard W. Thompson