Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 1250 - Reclamation Review Board
Title 1250 of the Tennessee Rules and Regulations pertains to the Reclamation Review Board.
However, it is crucial to note that Chapter 1250-01, which contained the rules for the Reclamation Review Board, was repealed by Chapter 117 of the Public Acts of 1991.
This means that while the title exists, the specific regulations under it are no longer in effect as originally written.
Historical Context and Purpose of a Reclamation Review Board:
Historically, a "Reclamation Review Board" would have been responsible for:
Reviewing and approving or denying reclamation plans submitted by mining operators (primarily for surface mining).
Ensuring compliance with state and federal laws related to environmental protection and the restoration of land after mining operations.
Hearing appeals related to mining permits, reclamation requirements, or enforcement actions.
Overseeing the bonding process to ensure funds are available for reclamation if an operator defaults on their obligations.
Addressing issues related to abandoned mine lands, which are areas mined before modern regulations were in place.
Current Regulatory Framework in Tennessee for Mining and Reclamation:
Even though the specific rules under Title 1250 have been repealed, the responsibilities for regulating mining and reclamation still exist within Tennessee. These functions are now primarily handled by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), particularly its Division of Water Resources, Mining Section.
Key aspects of current Tennessee mining and reclamation regulations include:
Surface Mining Permits: Operators must obtain permits for surface mining, which include detailed mining and reclamation plans.
Performance Standards: There are specific standards for reclamation, including backfilling, grading, shaping, topsoiling, and revegetation, as well as minimizing disturbances to hydrology.
Bonds: Operators are required to post performance bonds to ensure that reclamation is completed.
Inspections and Enforcement: TDEC conducts inspections to ensure compliance with permit conditions and reclamation requirements.
Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Program: Tennessee participates in federal programs (like those under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 - SMCRA) to reclaim lands affected by past mining practices.
If you are looking for current regulations on mining and land reclamation in Tennessee, you should consult:
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) website: Look for information related to the Division of Water Resources and its Mining Section.
Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) Title 59, Chapter 8 (Surface Mining): This is the state law that provides the statutory framework for mining and reclamation.
Tennessee Rules and Regulations under TDEC (e.g., Title 0400): TDEC's rules will contain the specific regulations governing mining permits, reclamation standards, and enforcement.
Always refer to the most up-to-date official sources for legal and regulatory information.
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