Surface Mining: Interior's Response to Abandoned Mine Emergencies
RCED-89-74
Published: Jan 31, 1989. Publicly Released: Feb 14, 1989.
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Highlights
In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement's (OSMRE) report to a congressional subcommittee on its handling of requests for emergency reclamation of abandoned mine land sites, focusing on: (1) the accuracy and completeness of the OSMRE report; (2) how long it took OSMRE to process emergency complaints; and (3) whether OSMRE-approved emergency projects met the established criteria.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of the Interior | The Secretary of the Interior should require the Director, OSMRE, to: (1) develop written instructions and guidance as to how case files should be structured, including criteria as to what minimum documentation is required; (2) periodically review complaint case files to ensure that all required information is included; and (3) establish a process to periodically review the status of emergency projects to ensure that timely corrective action is being taken commensurate with the urgency associated with the emergency. |
Closed – Implemented
Interior has taken appropriate corrective action on this recommendation. No further followup is needed.
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Agency reportsCoal miningCongressional oversightConstruction contractsEnvironment evaluationstate relationsSurface mining land reclamationMiningConstructionCoal