Filling voids, sealing tunnels, shafts, etc.

(a) The Governor may request the Secretary of Interior to authorize the director to fill voids, seal open or abandoned tunnels, shafts, and entryways, and reclaim surface impacts of underground or surface mining of minerals other than coal which the secretary determines could endanger life and property, constitute a hazard to public health and safety, or degrade the environment. The director is authorized and required to carry out such work pursuant to the request therefor by the secretary.

(b) Funds available for use in carrying out the purpose of this section shall be limited to those funds which must be allocated to the state under the provisions of subsection 402(g) of Public Law 95-87.

(c) In those instances where mine waste piles are being reworked for conservation purposes, the incremental costs of disposing of the wastes from such operations by filling voids and sealing tunnels may be eligible for funding providing that the disposal of these wastes meet the purpose of this section.

(d) The director, with the approval of the secretary, may acquire by purchase, donation, easement or otherwise such interest in land as he determines necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

(Acts 1981, No. 81-210, p. 254, §11.)