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Federal Reclamation Program Division (FRPD)

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Anthracite Team

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) Wilkes-Barre Team investigates potential mine related problems throughout the anthracite coal fields of Northeastern Pennsylvania. For those that are determined to be of an emergency nature and where there is no continuing reclamation responsibility, the Wilkes-Barre team abates the problem in accordance with the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) using fees paid by active coal mines. The team is charged with providing timely investigation, design, realty investigation, contractor bidding solicitation, inspection and implementation of projects to effectively eliminate the immediate threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the general public. Emergency abatement includes, but is not limited to, reclamation of the following types of projects:

• Subsidence
• Mine Slopes, Drifts and Adits
• Mine Shafts
• Coal Refuse Bank Fires
• Underground Mine Fires
• Mine Drainage
• Carbon Dioxide Mine Gas

The Wilkes-Barre Team also maintains the Anthracite Mine Map Repository, which is the most complete collection of mine maps for Northeastern Pennsylvania. The maps are available to the public during normal business hours. Staff assists visitors by locating maps for a specific area, helping with map interpretation, and making copies onto paper or in electronic format upon request.

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