34. In two or three well-developed paragraphs, list four federal laws that relate to mining and reclaiming mined land, and state examples of provisions of each.
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. Mines on land in the US are regulated by federal and state laws. The Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act, are two laws passed to ensure that contaminants from mines do not threaten water quality. The release of hazardous substances into the air, soil, and water by mining is regulated by the Comprehensive Response Compensation and Liability Act. Further more, all mining operations must also obey the Endangered Species Act, which ensures that mining activities will not affect threatened or endangered species and their habitats.
Reclamation is the process of returning land to its original or better condition after mining is completed. A program was created by the SMCRA (Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act) for the regulation of surface coal mining on public and private land. There are standards set by this act that would minimize the surface effects of coal mining on the environment. This act also established a fund that is administered by the federal government and is used to reclaim land and water resources that have been adversely affected by past coal-mining activities.
There are also programs created by states to regulate mining on state and private lands. Mining companies must first obtain permits from state environmental agencies before mining a site. The permits specify certain standards for mine design and reclamation. Also, some states have bond forfeiture programs. In these, a mining company must post funds, called bonds, before a minign project begins. If the company does not mine and reclaim a site according to the standards required, the company must give these funds to the state. The funds are used to reclaim the site.
this is what i got. do you think it's ok?
very helpful :)
Sure! I can help you with that. When it comes to federal laws relating to mining and reclaiming mined land, there are several key laws that come into play. Here are four notable federal laws and some examples of provisions within each:
1. The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) of 1977: This law ensures that coal mining activities are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner and establishes guidelines for land reclamation. Some provisions include requiring mine operators to obtain permits and develop mine reclamation plans before mining can begin, setting standards for water quality protection, and establishing a fund to finance the reclamation of abandoned mine lands.
2. The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act (MSHA) of 1977: This law regulates working conditions and safety practices in mines to protect the health and safety of miners. It includes provisions such as requiring mine operators to provide adequate training, implement safety programs, conduct regular inspections, and report accidents and injuries.
3. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, also known as the Superfund Law: While not specific to mining, this law addresses the cleanup of hazardous waste sites, including those associated with mining activities. It establishes regulations for the handling, transportation, and disposal of hazardous substances, as well as liability provisions for responsible parties to cover the costs of cleanup.
4. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969: This law is a cornerstone for environmental policy, requiring federal agencies to assess the environmental impact of major actions, including mining projects. NEPA mandates the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) to evaluate the potential ecological and social consequences of proposed mining activities, providing a framework for environmental decision-making.
Remember, when researching these laws and finding specific provisions, you can consult official government websites, legal databases, or reputable environmental and mining organizations for further information.