Bureau of Mining Programs

The Bureau of Mining Programs administers the environmental regulatory program for all coal and noncoal mining activities in Pennsylvania. BMP also develops policy, documents, regulations, and technical guidance, and compiles scientific analysis and statistical reporting in support of DEP's mine permitting, licensing and compliance operations. Its mission is to ensure environmentally responsible mining practices and adequate land reclamation during and following the mining process.

Nathan Houtz
The Office of the Director
Rachel Carson State Office Building
P.O. Box 8461
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8461
RA-EPMININGPROGRAMS@pa.gov

Organizational Chart (PDF)

Programs and Services

Topics:

• Program Updates
  
• Mining Permits
• Surface Coal Mining
• Coal Mining History in PA
• Noncoal/Industrial Minerals
• Noncoal FAQ
• Underground Coal Mining
• Effects of Bituminous Underground Mining (Act 54)
• BMP GP-104 (NPDES for stormwater)
• ePermitting and eDMR
• District Mining Operations

Permitting and Technical

Development of permit applications and templates, scientific and technical support for Bureau of District Mining Operations. Main Page

• Notice of new forms, processes, or procedures.
• Fees Associated with Mining Activities
• Beneficial Use of Coal Ash - Coal Ash Certification
• Act 54 - Report on the effects of underground mining on land, structures and water resources. Act 54 Yearly data from 2018 to present can be found here.
• Water Supply Replacement

Licensing

• Mine Operators Licenses are linked below
• Blasting Training and Explosives Regulations

Compliance

• Remining Incentives - Financial Guarantees and Bond Credits (PDF)
• Bonding – Current bond rates and forms

Environmental Analysis and Support

• Advisory Boards – Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board and Aggregate Advisory Board are linked below.
• Environmental Good Samaritan Act
• Areas Unsuitable for Mining Program
• Mine Map Grant (MMG) Program - Processing of mine maps into electronic format for incorporation into Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Annual Reports - Yearly reports on operations, safety, and fees.

Notice to Mine Operators: The due date for submission of Mine Employment and Production Reports for calendar year 2023 is January 21, 2024. Please see the following links for additional information:

Mine Employment and Production Report (Downloadable Form and Instructions)

Annual Production Reports (ePermitting)

Standard Operating Procedures

• BMP-001 Mining and Permit Application Review (PDF)
• BMP-002 Storage of Reclaimed Asphalt Product (RAP) on Mining Permits (PDF)
• BMP-003 PASPGP Permit Submission (PDF)
• BMP-004 Enforcing NPDES Permit Requirements (PDF)
• BMP-005 Land Reclamation Financial Guarantees (PDF)
• BMP-006 Third-Party Interference (PDF)
• BMP-007 Social or Economic Justification Request Review (PDF)
• BMP-008 Impoundments Certification and Annual Recertification (PDF)
• BMP-009 Public Participation – Hearings and Informal Conferences (PDF)
• BMP-010 Hydrologic Assessment and Completion Reports for Underground Coal Mines (PDF)
• BMP-011 Not Started Permits (PDF)
• BMP-012 Evaluation of Noise During Permit Review (PDF)
• BMP-013 Mining Operations Engineering Design Standards – Sediment Ponds (PDF)
• BMP-014 Evaluating Non-Discharge Alternatives (PDF)
• BMP-015 Compliance Checks (PDF)

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