Office of Mineral Resources

Surface mining rules to be modified

The public can still comment on proposed rule changes to surface mining regulations in the state, said Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials today.

The U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement requires that the DNR Office of Conservation, Injection and Mining Division modify its Surface Mining Regulatory Program to become consistent with current federal law.

According to DNR director for Surface Mining Dale Bergquist, the changes were made to regulations governing existing rights and re-vegetation success standards for post-mining land uses of pastureland and wildlife habitat. He said to adopt these rules, the state must go through the rule-making procedures.

For public comment through May 2, 2003, contact Dale Bergquist at 225-342-5586 or send to La. Dept. of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, Injection and Mining Division, Box 94275, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9275.

Editors: For more information on this topic, please contact DNR’s Public Information Office at 225/342-8955.