DMLR’s Additional Changes to In-Stream Biological Monitoring Requirements for Coal Surface Mining and Reclamation Permits
November 4, 2014 – This one page document explains Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy Division of Mined Land Reclamation’s (DMLR) additional changes to biological monitoring requirements for coal surface mining and reclamation permits. These changes are in addition to the changes announced by the agency in August 2013.
Coal surface mining and reclamation permits in Virginia, as well as applications for new permits, modifications, or renewals, contain requirements for the establishment of in-stream biological monitoring stations, the collection of benthic, physical, and chemical data from those stations, and the submittal of that data to DMLR. The following changes to those requirements are being made by the agency.
Permits issued by DMLR typically contain requirements for in-stream biological monitoring during both the spring and fall collection seasons. Beginning immediately, it will be acceptable to collect in-stream benthic, physical, and chemical data for DMLR permits once annually during the fall collection season.
Permits issued by DMLR currently contain a variety of reporting due dates for the benthic, physical, and chemical data gathered from in-stream biological monitoring stations. Beginning immediately, it will be acceptable to submit in-stream benthic, physical, and chemical data for DMLR permits by March 1st of the next calendar year following the fall collection date.
No revisions to existing permits are required to implement these changes; they will be considered in effect the date of this document.
If you have questions regarding these changes, please contact the DMLR Water Quality Team at 276-523-8100.