53-9-115 - Governor may request action against certain hazards caused by mining of minerals other than coal; limitations on funds available; acquisition of interest in land.
§ 53-9-115. Governor may request action against certain hazards caused by mining of minerals other than coal; limitations on funds available; acquisition of interest in land.
(1) The Governor may request the secretary to authorize the commission to fill voids, seal open or abandoned tunnels, shafts and entryways, and reclaim surface impacts of underground or surface mining of minerals other than coal which the secretary determines could endanger life and property, constitute a hazard to public health and safety, or degrade the environment.
(2) Funds available for use in carrying out the purpose of this section shall be limited to those funds which must be allocated to the state under the provisions of 30 USC 1232(g)(1) and (5). Projects funded under this section must meet the priorities described in Section 53-9-101(1)(a), but references to coal shall not apply.
(3) In those instances where mine waste piles are being reworked for conservation purposes, the incremental costs of disposing of the wastes from such operations by filling voids and sealing tunnels may be eligible for funding providing that the disposal of these wastes meet the purpose of this section.
(4) The commission, with the approval of the secretary, may acquire by purchase, donation, easement or otherwise an interest in the land it determines is necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.
Sources: Laws, 2001, ch. 426, § 11; Laws, 2008, ch. 343, § 4, eff from and after passage (approved Mar. 25, 2008.)