Part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, OSMRE is responsible for protecting society and the environment from adverse effects of surface coal mining.
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The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is a bureau within the United States Department of the Interior responsible for protecting society and the environment from the adverse effects of surface coal mining operations.
Operating as usual
U.S. Department of the Interior Museum
After nearly 86 years, the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Mines closed #OnThisDate 1996. Its responsibilities in health and safety research subsequently transferred to the Department of Energy, and other activities were absorbed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Bureau of Land Management and the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.
📷: Official seal of the former Bureau of Mines (INTR 04291)
LOVE the #AMLProjectoftheWeek ❤️ keep sharing the great #MineReclamation work happening across the state!
Want to learn more about #AbandonedMineLand Reclamation Projects? We offer a course on project development and construction. Check out the course description. Registration closes next week!
Do you have questions on inspections? You can contact local #OSMRE staff to learn more about our programs in your local area: http://ow.ly/8IHO50DuTcx
Looking for a map? 🗺️
With maps dating from the 16th century to present day, the National Mine Map Repository is the ultimate reference point for legacy mine maps. This digital georeferenced library contains over 181K+ maps! https://mmr.osmre.gov/Default.aspx
On #PresidentsDay - first known as a celebration of George Washington's birthday - we honor our past Presidents and celebrate their contributions to our great Nation. Enjoy the holiday!
A little larger than a regulation cup: after a heavy rainfall, Newcastle, WA’s local golf course had a huge 35ft-by-20ft sinkhole open on the course. Our team fixed the danger from an old coal mine, using concrete to restore the tee area. #AbandonedMineLands #MineReclamation
#DYK that #OSMRE honors exemplary #AbandonedMineLand Reclamation projects?
We are accepting award nominations until May 14th 📅
Learn about the award and how to nominate a project: https://www.osmre.gov/programs/awards/AMLAwards.shtm
Like many in search of opportunity, black Americans traveled to coal country to help supply the growing demands for coal. #BlackHistoryMonth
Check out these photos: https://www.yesmagazine.org/social-justice/2018/03/15/these-photos-will-change-the-way-you-think-about-race-in-coal-country/
The myth that Appalachia is uniformly White lingers, but communities of “Affrilachians” were documented in the 1930s.
#TBT to 2005 when Peabody Energy won the National Award AND Good Neighbor Award. One key project was restoring 3700+ acres of grazing pastures to the local community.
Learn more here: https://www.osmre.gov/programs/awards/ActiveWinners.shtm
Deadlines for courses on AML Drilling and Grouting, Subsidence, and Blasting and Inspection close next week. Get your nominations in today!https://www.osmre.gov/programs/training/NTTP_Training_Schedule.pdf
#TBT to when the Navajo Transitional Energy Company received the 2020 National Award for Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation. Their reclamation efforts go beyond the requirements, spirit, and intent of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. Learn more here: https://www.osmre.gov/programs/awards/ActiveWinners.shtm
#InTheNews 📰
Ohio Department of Natural Resources Friendship Park Highwall Reclamation Project will provide a safe space for recreation AND will positively affect the environment.
Read the #MineReclamation story from Herald-Star, Steubenville, Ohio here: http://ow.ly/ayFc50Duuqc
Since 2004, the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative has worked with #OSMRE, state personnel, industry, and academia to train, plan, and promote new strategies on reforestation and forest management. 🌲 Learn more about the reforestation initiative here: http://ow.ly/kj7U50DiZhU
OSMRE provides training opportunities to build and update your technical skills and expertise. Learn more about the program and review the 2021 training schedule here: https://www.osmre.gov/programs/training/NTTPTraining.shtm
In 1977, the Surface Mining Reclamation and Control Act established #OSMRE and for 40+ years, the Office has carried out the provisions in the Act, ensuring both environmental protection and supply of the Nation's energy demands. A full timeline of key events can be found here: http://ow.ly/sB3F50DiYXW
#InTheNews 📰
Reclaiming #AbandonedMineLands + Creating Jobs? #OSMRE proudly supports rebuilding communities through #MineReclamation
Read the full MSN story here: http://ow.ly/R1xl50DutzM
The National Mine Map Repository is the only federal program of its kind! Mapping for over 50 years, the NMMR provides public and private industry with the best geographic data on legacy mines. 🗺️ Learn more here: http://ow.ly/jN7f50DiYxI
#DYK that African Americans were an important part of the labor force in the coal industry? By the 20th century, black coal miners represented over 26% of the West Virginia labor force. https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/african-american-coal-miners-helen-wv.htm
#TBT #OSMRE @AmeriCorps members met with Deputy Director Owens to discuss their projects. Although currently socially distant, the OSMRE/AmeriCorps Program continues to develop #OSMRENextGen talent that contributes greatly to the agency. Get involved: http://ow.ly/3vWB50CZvMg
Today is the last day to register for the AML Design Workshop on Landslides. This field course covers reclamation and abatement methods. Learn more about the program here: https://www.osmre.gov/programs/training/NTTPTraining.shtm
Bats provide critical ecosystem services to humans - but their habitats can be harmed by mining operations, which is why #OSMRE works closely with state partners to ensure the protection of these important species. 🦇
Learn how: http://ow.ly/K4Mp50DiW1x
Nominations for the 2021 #AbandonedMineLand Reclamation Awards are open now! Check out the flyer below for more info 👇
#DYK that the National Mine Map Repository has the largest collection of underground mine maps? 🗺️
Learn more about @minemaps here: http://ow.ly/xfEH50DiVOW
February is Black History Month 🖤 Follow as we highlight African Americans and the history of coal mining.
First up: #DYK the "father" of #BlackHistoryMonth was a coal miner? Learn more: http://ow.ly/Nbz750DiVsV
📷 National Park Service
#TBT as of November 2019, #OSMRE has issued preliminary approval to 35 projects for #AbandonedMineLand funding 💸 Check out the AML Pilot Program report to learn more about the program and how funding is allocated: http://ow.ly/PVvo50DiZHf
OSMRE employees spotted a sagehen, the largest grouse in North America, trekking through the snow in Colorado. These birds are sensitive to disturbance, which is why #MineReclamation is key to protecting their environment. #TBT
#DYK that OSMRE promotes the best reforestation technologies and techniques during reclamation efforts? 🌲 Learn about the Forestry Reclamation Approach here: https://arri.osmre.gov/FRA/FRApproach.shtm
"Excellent!" "A very positive learning environment!" Just a few rave reviews of the OSMRE training program. 🤩 Learn more here: http://ow.ly/LruG50CZyrU
Each year, OSMRE honors the most exemplary state agencies and active mine operators with 2 annual award programs. The awards recognize outstanding reclamation projects and operators committed to sound mining practices. Learn more here: https://www.osmre.gov/programs/Awards.shtm
#InTheNews 📰
At some point, we have all put something in the microwave that we should not have – but have you ever tried to microwave coal? That is *exactly* what researchers at the University of Wyoming are doing!
Learn why here: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/university-of-wyoming-researchers-using-a-household-appliance-to-study-coal/ar-BB1cS482
(Definitely do NOT try this at home!)
Interested in building technical expertise in the field of reclamation and mining operations? Check out the FY2021 training schedule here: http://ow.ly/cgSi50CZvCO
What started as a seemingly small fire quickly became an environmental and public safety risk for the Washington Department of Natural Resources. A wildland firefighting team worked quickly to stop the spread of the 700°F fire. The team removed vegetation, dug a fire line, and placed retardant around the fire perimeter, protecting people and property nearby.
Handling the fire about 30 miles east of Tacoma was complicated, because it was on the abandoned Navy coal mine. The privately owned land had two large coal slag piles, located in an area of unmapped underground mine openings. This elevated the safety threat; an uncontrolled coal fire can spread through dense foliage, and has the potential to burn for years, causing damage where ever it goes.
Thanks to collaboration between Washington State Department of Natural Resources and OSMRE #AbandonedMineLand program, the site was completely regraded to near original topographical conditions: the drainage was restored to natural hydrologic conditions and function, a storm water management plan was developed, topsoil was spread over the entire site, the site hydroseeded and mulched, and logs strategically placed to slow sheet flow during heavy precipitation events and deter trespassers from accessing the site with OHVs or ATVs.
Due to the complexities associated with blasting, there are numerous reports on the applications, effects, and field testing associated with this key part of mining operations. 🧨 #TerminologyTuesday Learn more here: https://www.osmre.gov/resources/blasting/ARBlast.shtm
Blasting is a key park of surface mining operations. Without blasting technologies, much of the nation's energy reserves would be inaccessible. But blasting isn't without its dangers 🧨#TerminologyTuesday
Learn more here: https://www.osmre.gov/resources/blasting.shtm
1849 C Street NW
Washington D.C., DC
20240
OSMRE is a bureau within the United States Department of the Interior responsible for protecting society and the environment from the adverse effects of surface coal mining operations. Under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, OSMRE is charged with balancing the nation’s need for continued domestic coal production with protection of the environment.
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