Section 2501.13  Preliminary Project Selection

a)         The Department shall select projects for reclamation from an abandoned mine site database which contains all known abandoned mine sites in the State which are eligible under Sections 2501.10 and 2501.11. This database includes sites reported in the Resource Document of the original State Plan, all high priority sites included in the Phase II National Abandoned Mined Land Inventory, and additional sites which may periodically be brought to the attention of the Department by landowners or other concerned citizens.

b)         The Department shall review the AML database each year to identify the unreclaimed or inadequately reclaimed sites containing the most significant remaining problem conditions. Problem conditions include in order of relative significance:

1)         Surface openings resulting from improperly sealed mine portals or caused by underground mine subsidence;

2)         Escaping mine gases;

3)         Surface or underground mine fires;

4)         Hazardous equipment or facilities left behind by the mining operation;

5)         Dangerous impoundments constructed by the mine;

6)         Dangerous, unprotected highwalls in close proximity to populated areas or public use;

7)         Polluted water used for consumption;

8)         Dangerous refuse piles or embankments;

9)         Flooding of roads or improved property caused by sedimentation from AML sites;

10)       Hazardous recreational water bodies;

11)       Coal refuse material or spoilbanks contributing to off-site pollution;

12)       Acid water impoundments;

13)       Coal refuse material or spoilbanks adversely affecting land or water resources.

c)         Sites identified as containing significant problem conditions shall be further prioritized based upon an evaluation of the following criteria to determine the probable benefits to be derived from reclamation:

1)         Relative degree of continued impacts if left unreclaimed;

2)         Proximity of site to populated areas or public use areas;

3)         Additional site benefits including improvements in land use and development of public lands, protection of public facilities, and evaluation of new techniques;

4)         Technology available to assume reasonable probability of success; and

5)         Cost-effectiveness of the necessary action.

(Source:  Amended at 22 Ill. Reg. 11382, effective June 23, 1998)