Surface Mine Reclamation and Water Quality Monitoring Checklist
This comprehensive surface mine reclamation and water quality monitoring checklist ensures regulatory compliance with OSM, EPA, State Mining Regulatory Authority, 30 CFR Part 816. Quarterly monitoring of surface mine reclamation progress covering revegetation success, sediment control, water quality, and bond release criteria per SMCRA 30 CFR Parts 815-817 and state mining permit requirements. Ensures mined land is returned to productive use in compliance with federal and state surface mining la
- Industry: Mining & Quarrying
- Frequency: Per Shift / Daily
- Estimated Time: 45 minutes
- Role: Mine Safety Officer / Site Manager
- Total Items: 20
- Compliance: OSM, EPA, State Mining Regulatory Authority, 30 CFR Part 816
Regrading and Final Topography
Verify regrading per 30 CFR 816.102-816.104.
- Has disturbed area been regraded to approximate original contour (AOC) or approved post-mining land use grade?
- Are all reclaimed slopes stable at final graded angle per state-approved stability analysis?
- Has stockpiled topsoil been replaced on regraded areas at required depth per 30 CFR 816.22?
- Have all excavated highwalls been eliminated or replaced per 30 CFR 816.102?
- Has post-grading survey been completed verifying conformance with approved reclamation plan?
Revegetation Success Monitoring
Evaluate revegetation per 30 CFR 816.111-816.116.
- Does ground cover exceed 70-90% of unmined reference area per state performance standard?
- Is revegetation primarily with native species specified in approved reclamation plan?
- Does revegetated area produce crop yields, forage, or wood equivalent to approved land use standard?
- Are invasive and noxious weed populations below levels that impair revegetation success?
- Is revegetation maintenance (reseeding, fertilizing, weed control) continuing until bond release criteria met?
Erosion and Sediment Control
Inspect sediment controls per 30 CFR 816.45.
- Are silt fences, sediment basins, and erosion control blankets maintained and functional?
- Is sediment pond below design sediment storage capacity and outlet functional?
- Are reclaimed slopes free of rills and gullies indicating erosion requiring correction?
- Are temporary stream diversions maintained until vegetation is established per 30 CFR 816.43?
- Is all discharge from disturbed areas meeting NPDES permit limits for TSS and pH?
Bond Release Criteria Assessment
Evaluate readiness for bond release per 30 CFR 800.40.
- Does Phase I bond release application confirm completion of backfilling, grading, and drainage installation?
- For Phase II release, does revegetation meet ground cover standard for required liability period (typically 5 years)?
- Are monitoring records (plant cover, water quality, sediment) complete for entire bond release period?
- Has public notice been provided for bond release application per 30 CFR 800.40(b)?
- Has regulatory authority inspector completed field review of reclaimed area before bond release?
Related Mining Quarrying Checklists
- Surface Mine Personal Protective Equipment Compliance Checklist
- Underground Mine Confined Space and Permit-Required Space Entry Checklist
- Coal Mine Rock Dusting and Combustible Dust Control Checklist
- Open Pit Mine Slope Stability Monitoring Checklist
Why Use This Surface Mine Reclamation and Water Quality Monitoring Checklist?
This surface mine reclamation and water quality monitoring checklist helps mining & quarrying teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for mine safety officer / site manager professionals, this checklist covers 20 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: per shift / daily.
Ensures compliance with OSM, EPA, State Mining Regulatory Authority, 30 CFR Part 816. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Surface Mine Reclamation and Water Quality Monitoring Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 20 inspection items across 4 sections: Regrading and Final Topography, Revegetation Success Monitoring, Erosion and Sediment Control, Bond Release Criteria Assessment. It is designed for mining & quarrying operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per shift / daily. Each completion takes approximately 45 minutes.
Who should use this Surface Mine Reclamation and Water Quality Monitoring Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Mine Safety Officer / Site Manager professionals in the mining & quarrying industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.