Program: applied science programaward purpose: the surface mining control and reclamation act of 1977 (smcra), p.l 95-87, as amended, created the office of surface mining reclamation and enforcement…

The U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) awarded a $200,000 Cooperative Agreement (Grant ID# S24AC00047) to the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. The grant is funded through the OSMRE's Applied Science Program (CFDA# 15.255) and supports a two-year project to develop and demonstrate effective, sustainable reclamation technologies for revegetation and stabilization of lands affected by surface coal mining.

Key activities under the Cooperative Agreement include:

1. Expanding the utility of geochemical models for predicting and controlling water quality impacts from surface mining.
2. Developing a simple geochemical tool to differentiate bulk solids weathering from dust weathering during the mining impact stage.
3. Training and mentoring diverse students in the latest surface mine reclamation research and technologies.
4. Disseminating research results through workshops, publications, and presentations to benefit the public.

The project is a partnership with the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and aligns with the Applied Science Program's goals of advancing science-based solutions to protect public health, safety, and the environment from the adverse effects of coal mining practices.

Activities

This cooperative agreement supports a partnership with south dakota school of mines and technology to conduct a series of research activities and studies to develop and demonstrate effective and sustainable reclamation technologies for revegetation and stabilization of areas affected by surface mining. Activities funded by this cooperative agreement must comply with 2 CFR 200 and include all costs approved in the application, incorporated by reference to the award, and as defined by smcra and applicable laws and regulations.expected deliverables or outcomes: 1.expand the utility of geochemical models for water quality prediction and develop applicable controls and parameters FOR2.produce a relatively simple geochemical tool for discriminating bulk solids weathering from dust weathering with a focus on the impact stage of early weathering.3.train and mentor diverse students in the latest technology in surface mine reclamation research to enhance knowledge in the management of mining-impacted lands.4.disseminate results and information to the public through workshops, journal articles, and presentations.

Intended beneficiaries

In accordance with section 403 of smcra (P.L. 95-87), as amended, the applied science program prioritizes efficient, sustainable, cost-effective, and transferable technologies that:1.contribute to the protection of public health, safety, and property from adverse effects of coal mining practices 2.support the restoration of land and water resources, environment, and property from extreme danger of adverse effects of coal mining practices to benefit the public 3.support the restoration of land and water resources and the environment previously degraded by adverse effects of coal mining practices, including measures for the conservation and development of soil, water (excluding channelization), woodland, fish and wildlife, recreation resources, and agricultural productivity.4.provide benefits to the public by supporting partnerships with minority serving institutions in the area of science and technology.subrecipient activities (if known or specified at time of award): n a