The Department of Environmental Protection published three new guidance documents this week on coal and mineral industry inspections, incidental coal extraction and a final policy on oil and gas well bonds as well as general permits for Beneficial Use of Alternative Fuels and Waste Foundry Sand and a general permit covering Earth Disturbance Associated with Oil and Gas Exploration. Details below…

Draft: DEP ID: 562-3000-102 Coal and Industrial Mineral Mining Inspections, This guidance document (formerly titled ''Inspection'') defines the content and frequency of inspections of coal and industrial minerals mining activities by inspectors of the Department's Bureau of District Mining Operations. Coments due June 4.

Draft: DEP ID: 563-2000-003 Incidental Coal Extraction for Government-Financed Construction Projects or Government-Financed Relcamation Projects. The regulations at 25 Pa. Code Section 86.6 allow for an exemption from the permitting requirement for the extraction of coal incidental to government-financed construction projects and government-financed reclamation projects under certain circumstances. Comments due June 4.

Final: DEP ID: 550-2501-101 Guidelines for Submitting Oil and Gas Well Bonds. This document provides instruction to bond applicants and financial guarantors for submitting proper documents and financial instruments for oil and gas well bonds.

For copies of Draft Technical Guidance (DEP website)

For copies of Final Technical Guidance (DEP website)

5/4/2007