Alabama Administrative Code Title 880 - ALABAMA SURFACE MINING COMMISSION
Here’s a refined summary of Title 880 – Alabama Surface Mining Commission within the Alabama Administrative Code:
📘 Overview of Title 880 – Surface Mining Commission
Title 880 establishes the regulatory framework for both surface and underground coal mining in Alabama, administered by the Alabama Surface Mining Commission (ASMC) under the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) . It includes:
Licensing requirements for operators (§ 880-X‑6A).
Permit application procedures, public participation rights, and timelines (§ 880‑X‑8K).
Bonding and insurance mandates (§ 880‑X‑9).
Environmental and performance standards, including specialized categories (§ 880‑X‑10A–10K).
Inspection, enforcement, and penalties (§ 880‑X‑11A–11D).
Blaster certification/training (§ 880‑X‑12).
Key Chapters & Sections
1. Chapter 880‑X‑6A – Licensing
Defines application standards: entity info, technical qualifications, financial responsibility (e.g. $100 k net worth or $1 M bond), and procedural timelines (45 days for commission decision) (regulations.justia.com, law.cornell.edu, law.cornell.edu, casetext.com).
2. Chapter 880‑X‑8K – Permits
Covers application process, public comments, informal conferences, hearing requests. Commission must issue written decisions within 60 days post-notice or conference .
3. Chapter 880‑X‑9 – Bonding
Specifies performance bond and public liability insurance obligations prior to issuance of permits.
4. Chapter 880‑X‑10 – Performance Standards
Sets environmental standards (e.g. erosion control, revegetation, water quality). Includes specialized rules for:
Concurrent surface and underground mining (10E),
Auger mining (10F),
Prime farmlands (10G),
Mountaintop removal (10H), etc. (law.cornell.edu, casetext.com).
5. Chapter 880‑X‑11 – Inspections & Enforcement
Outlines inspection protocols, enforcement actions, and civil penalties (casetext.com).
6. Chapter 880‑X‑5A – Hearings & Appeals
Details administrative hearing procedures, participant rights, and appeal processes .
Public Rights Under Title 880
Alabama law grants citizens several rights during permitting and operations:
Permit input: comment, object, request informal conferences, inspect sites, request hearings and judicial review (§ 880‑X‑8K‑.05; 8L‑.03; 8L‑.04) (blackwarriorriver.org).
Mine inspection rights when "adversely affected" (§ 880‑X‑2A‑.10; 11B‑.03) (blackwarriorriver.org).
Challenging enforcement failures, regulatory designations, or damage recovery (citizen suits) via state or federal courts .
Rulemaking History & Updates
Latest finalized rules include:
880‑X‑8B‑.07 Permit Fees (effective Aug 29, 2018)
880‑X‑5A‑.35 Cost Assessments (Oct 26, 2016)
880‑X‑10C/10D‑.62/.56 Revegetation Standards (Mar 21, 2013) (casetext.com, surface-mining.alabama.gov)
No pending rule updates are listed (as of current ASMC site).
✅ Summary Table
Title/Chapter
Topic
880‑X‑2A
Scope, definitions, land suitability
880‑X‑5A
Hearings & appeals
880‑X‑6A
Licensing requirements
880‑X‑8K
Permit application & review
880‑X‑9
Bonding & insurance
880‑X‑10A–10K
Environmental/performance standards
880‑X‑11A–11D
Inspection & enforcement
880‑X‑12
Blaster certification
⚖️ Using the Code
To explore specific rules, consult a legal database (like Casetext or Justia) or the official ASMC website. For example:
See 880‑X‑6A‑.06 for licensing criteria (surface-mining.alabama.gov, law.cornell.edu, law.cornell.edu, regulations.justia.com)
See 880‑X‑8K‑.10 for permit review process/timeline (law.cornell.edu)
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