Ohio Administrative Code Title 1513 - Reclamation Commission
Ohio Administrative Code – Title 1513: Reclamation Commission
Agency: Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) – Division of Mineral Resources Management
Purpose: Title 1513 establishes rules governing the Reclamation Commission and the regulation of mining reclamation activities in Ohio. The rules implement Ohio’s surface mining and reclamation laws to ensure that mined lands are properly restored and environmentally safe after mining operations.
Overview of the Reclamation Commission
The Reclamation Commission is responsible for:
Reviewing reclamation plans submitted by mining operators.
Ensuring compliance with Ohio’s reclamation laws and administrative rules.
Granting or denying permits for mining and reclamation activities.
Advising the Director of Natural Resources on reclamation policy and regulations.
Hearing appeals from operators or other stakeholders regarding reclamation permit decisions or enforcement actions.
Key Responsibilities Under Title 1513
Permit Review and Issuance
Mining operators must submit detailed reclamation plans before mining begins.
Plans must address soil replacement, slope stabilization, drainage, vegetation, and post-mining land use.
The commission reviews and approves plans that meet regulatory standards.
Inspection and Compliance
The commission establishes rules for periodic inspections of mining operations.
Inspectors verify that operators comply with approved reclamation plans.
Violations can lead to fines, permit suspension, or corrective orders.
Financial Assurance
Operators must provide bonds or other financial guarantees to cover the cost of reclamation if the operator fails to perform it.
The commission reviews these financial instruments to ensure adequate coverage.
Environmental Protection Standards
Title 1513 specifies environmental criteria for reclamation, including:
Water quality protection
Soil stability and erosion control
Reforestation or revegetation where required
Restoration of wildlife habitat
Appeals and Hearings
The commission conducts formal hearings for appeals regarding permit denials, enforcement actions, or disputes between operators and regulators.
Decisions made by the commission are final unless further judicial review is sought.
Detailed Cases / Applications
Here are some practical examples of how Title 1513 rules are applied:
1. Reclamation Plan Approval
Situation: A mining company wants to open a new surface coal mine.
Process: They submit a reclamation plan detailing soil replacement, slope stabilization, and post-mining land use.
Commission Action: The Reclamation Commission reviews the plan, requests revisions if needed, and approves it once standards are met.
Impact: Ensures the mined land will be restored safely and sustainably.
2. Enforcement for Non-Compliance
Situation: An operator fails to regrade slopes and replant vegetation according to the approved plan.
Commission Action: Inspectors report the violation, and the commission issues a corrective order with a timeline. Non-compliance may result in fines or permit suspension.
Impact: Protects the environment and ensures operators fulfill their reclamation responsibilities.
3. Financial Assurance Review
Situation: An operator submits a reclamation plan without sufficient financial security.
Commission Action: The commission evaluates the bond or insurance to ensure funds are adequate to complete reclamation if the operator defaults.
Impact: Prevents public liability for reclamation costs.
4. Water Quality Protection
Situation: Mining operations risk contaminating a nearby stream.
Commission Action: Reclamation rules require sediment control measures, water monitoring, and corrective actions to prevent pollution.
Impact: Safeguards aquatic ecosystems and drinking water sources.
5. Post-Mining Land Use
Situation: A mine site is intended to become a public park after mining.
Commission Action: Reclamation plan specifies grading, planting native vegetation, and installing trails. The commission monitors implementation.
Impact: Restores land for public use and maintains ecological functions.
6. Appeals Process
Situation: An operator disputes a permit denial due to insufficient reclamation measures.
Commission Action: The operator requests a hearing before the commission, which reviews the case, listens to evidence, and issues a final decision.
Impact: Ensures fair regulatory process and consistent enforcement.
Summary
Title 1513 – Reclamation Commission in the Ohio Administrative Code:
Ensures safe and environmentally sound reclamation of mined lands.
Oversees permit approval, inspections, financial assurance, and compliance.
Sets standards for environmental protection, slope stabilization, vegetation, and water quality.
Provides an appeals process for operators or stakeholders to challenge regulatory actions.
Protects both the environment and public interests in post-mining land use.
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