Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy intends to consider amending the following regulations: 4VAC25-31, Reclamation Regulations for Mineral Mining. The purpose of the proposed action is to facilitate the use of electronic permitting and forms, clarify reclamation and postmining land use requirements, and expand the types of financial instruments that can be used for performance bonds. Miscellaneous obsolete items, such as addresses that have changed, will be updated. These amendments are needed to keep the regulation current, accurate, and clear.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: §§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-180.3 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comments: Public comments may be submitted until 5 p.m. on August 5, 2009.

Agency Contact: David Spears, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, 1100 Bank Street, 8th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219-3402, telephone (804) 692-3212, FAX (804) 692-3237, TTY (800) 828-1120, or email david.spears@dmme.virginia.gov.