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WASHINGTON STATE FEDERAL REGULATORY PROGRAM OSM is the regulatory authority for coal mining operations in the State of Washington. As such, the Western Region of OSMRE(WR) administers the Federal regulatory program. The Federal regulations at 30 CFR Part 947 contain the rules that are applicable to coal mining operations in the State of Washington. The WR employs a team of regulatory, technical, and inspection and enforcement specialists to administer the Federal program in the State of Washington. Two members of the Mine Team operate from WR's office in Olympia, Washington; the rest of the team resides in the Denver, Colorado office. This OSMRE Mine Team reviews all permit and permit revision applications to conduct coal mining operations in the State of Washington. The Olympia, Washington contingent is responsible for inspecting the mines to ensure that the public and the environment is protected throughout the mining and reclamation operations. The mines must post reclamation performance bonds prior to OSMRE issuing mining permits. To guarantee reclamation and compliance with the rules, the bonds are made payable to OSMRE. The permittee is ultimately responsible for ensuring that mining operations are fully reclaimed. Presently, there are two active surface coal mines in Washington: the John Henry Mine and the Centralia Mine. The John Henry Mine is permitted to, and operated by, Pacific Coast Coal Company and consists of approximately 422 permitted acres. The mine is located 25 miles southeast of Seattle. The John Henry Mine has produced about 300,000 tons of bituminous coal annually. However, due to shifts in the market, the mine has decreased its coal production. The Centralia Mine is permitted to TransAlta Centralia Mining Company LLC and is operated by the Centralia Mining Company. This mine is located approximately 25 miles southeast of Olympia. The permit area consists of about 14,450 acres, and the mine produces 6 million tons of sub-bituminous coal annually. The Centralia Mine and the adjacent mine mouth power plant are major employers in the area. Copies of the approved permit application packages for these two mines are available for public review at WRCC's Denver, Colorado and Olympia, Washington offices. You may obtain further information and assistance regarding the Federal program in the State of Washington by contacting WR's Olympia office or the Denver Field Division in Denver at 303-844-1400. |
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