Colorado § 34-33-133 - Abandoned mine reclamation plan.

§ 34-33-133. Abandoned mine reclamation plan.

(1) The office of active and inactive mines is authorized and directed to develop, in accordance with the provision of Title IV of the federal "Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977", as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, an abandoned mine reclamation program which may provide for, but need not be limited to, the following:

(a) Protection of public health, safety, general welfare, and property from the dangers and adverse effects of past mining practices;

(b) Acquisition, reclamation, and restoration of land and water resources previously degraded by the adverse effects of mining, including measures for the conservation and development of soil, water, woodland, fish and wildlife, recreation and tourism resources, and agricultural productivity;

(c) The protection, repair, replacement, construction, or enhancement of public facilities in communities affected by coal or other energy development.

(2) The office of active and inactive mines is authorized and directed to:

(a) Apply for, receive, and expend grant moneys or other funds for the development, administration, and fulfillment of the requirements of an abandoned mine reclamation program;

(b) Apply for, receive, and expend such funds legally available to Colorado from the abandoned mine reclamation fund established by Title IV of the federal "Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977", as amended;

(c) Invite public inspection of, comment on, and involvement in the formulation of the abandoned mine reclamation program;

(d) Submit the abandoned mine reclamation program, after public review, to the secretary for approval and funding;

(e) Amend the approved abandoned mine reclamation program from time to time, after public review of the proposed amendments, as may be necessary or desirable.

Source: L. 79: Entire article added, p. 1302, § 1, effective July 1. L. 92: (2)(a) amended, p. 1896, § 6, effective May 29; entire section amended, p. 1968, § 70, effective July 1.

Cross references: For the "Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977", see 30 U.S.C. § 1201 et seq.