Not-for-Profit AMD Reclamation
Related Programs
Examples of Funded Projects
In one project, the site has 30 miles of streams, with 17 miles severely impacted by drainage from abandoned coal mines in the watershed.
Two different limestone treatment systems were used.
With the first system limestone was added to the streams and two windmills that operated air pumps pumping air into the water causing the metals to fall out of solution.
The second system was an underground anoxic limestone drain that the acidic water flows through dissolving the limestone in the water and raising the pH enough cause the metals to fall out in the wetlands.
The Department of the Interior protects and provides access to the Nation's natural and cultural heritage, including responsibilities to Indian tribes and island communities. Departmental goals include resource protection and usage, overseeing recreational opportunities, serving communities and excellence in management.
Program Accomplishments
Restore polluted streams affected by acid mine drainage to a safe level for drinking and recreational activities.
Uses and Use Restrictions
To assist local organizations, especially watershed groups, to begin actual construction projects to clean streams impacted by AMD.
Lands and water eligible for reclamation or drainage abatement expenditures under Section 404 of Public Law 95-87 are those which were mined for coal or which were affected by such mining, wastebanks, coal processing, or other coal mining processes, except as provided for under Section 411 of Public Law 95-87, prior to August 3, 1977, and for which there is no continuing reclamation responsibility under State or other Federal laws.
For other provisions relating to lands and waters eligible for such expenditures, see Section 402(g)(4), Section 403(b)(1), and Section 409 of Public Law 95-87.
Surface coal mining operations on lands eligible for remining shall not affect the eligibility of such lands for reclamation and restoration under this title after the release of the bond or deposit for any such operation as provided under Section 509.
In the event the bond or deposit for a surface coal mining operation on lands eligible for remining is forfeited, funds available under this title may be used if the amount of such bond or deposit is not sufficient to provide for adequate reclamation or abatement, except that if conditions warrant, the secretary shall immediately exercise his authority under Section 410.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Primary recipients must be not-for-profit, established organizations.
Federal, State, local governments, colleges, and universities are not eligible to receive funding directly.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Communities impacted by streams polluted by acid mine drainage will benefit from this program.
Credentials/Documentation
Proof of not-for-profit IRS 501(c)(3)status is required of nonprofit organizations and institutions. A State certification of project eligibility is required.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Preapplication is not required.
This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.
12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedures
The standard application SF-424 and forms furnished by the Federal agency and required by 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart F, "Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations," must be used for this program. Please contact the appropriate Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) Regional/Field Office for details listed in the Catalog Address Appendix IV.
Award Procedures
Approval is made by OSM Director or designee.
Deadlines
Applications will be accepted until all available funds have been awarded.
Authorization
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, Public Law 95-87, 91 Stat. 445-532.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 60 to 90 days.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula. Partners are encouraged to make monetary contributions or provide in-kind services.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
The cooperative agreements have a performance period of 2 years.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Financial and programmatic reports are required quarterly.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations, nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133, Section 3052.215(a) and Section 3052.235.
Records
Records will be maintained in accordance with the provisions of 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart F," Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations".
Financial Information
Account Identification
14-5015-0-1-302.
Obigations
(Cooperative Agreements) FY 07 $1,500,000; FY 08 est $1,500,000; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$6,195 to $100,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, Section 404, Public Law 95-87.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See Catalog Appendix IV.
Headquarters Office
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Department of the Interior, 1951 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20240. Contact: Chief, Division of Reclamation Support. Telephone: (202) 208-2788. Use the same number for FTS.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Section 404 of Public Law 95-87, State certification of eligibility is required. No opposition to the project from the State Abandoned Mine Land (AML) agency. All applicable Federal and State clearances and permits must be secured. The project should propose to use proven or innovative technology that has a high probability of success and produce tangible results, e.g., fishery restored, stream miles improved, educational and community benefits, pollutants removed from the streams. Funds must be used for the construction phase of a project and there must be demonstrated public support for the project. Also, there must be a plan to address any ongoing operation/maintenance considerations.
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