SMCRA Overview
A short summary and history of the 1977 Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA). 

Your Rights Mine Neighbor
Brief description of what your rights are as a neighbor of a mine.  For more information on how to enforce you rights look at Enforcing The Law and What is a Pre-blast Survey?

Enforcing The Law
A list of things you can do to try and get the state and federal laws enforced. Under SMCRA, citizens have a voice in enforcing these laws. This handout helps you know your rights and options. 

Citizen Complaint About Mining
A fill in the blanks complaint form to use if you’re having problems with a mine. Fill in the requested information and then send to both addresses listed on the form. 

What is a Pre-Blast Survey?
Before a coal company can begin blasting, they must do a pre-blast survey of all homes within a half-mile of where the blasting will take place.  These pre-blast surveys are done by  the coal company and often times they are inadequate.  This document explains what a pre-blast survey is, when you should have one done versus when you shouldn’t and what to do to improve the effectiveness of the survey.  These pre-blast surveys allow you to get background information in case you need to file suit against a coal company for damages.

Looking at Permits
An outline of what is contained in the different sections of a permit and what to look for when viewing one.  If you go to look at a permit in any DRME offices they will give you a gigantic load of paper work that can be intimidating and confusing.  But, it can be broken down into more easily read sections.

PLEASE NOTE: If you do look up a permit, be aware that all of this information is public except for a section on ownership and control that contains landowner’s social security numbers.  At times, folks have had difficulties at field offices because they are told that they cannot view the permit until every name and social security number has been blacked out- This Is Wrong!   It is advisable to contact the field office a day or two ahead of time to let them know that you are coming. 

Open Records Request Form
Use this request form to gain access to any public records. For example, if you want to know how many permitted mountaintop removal sites there are in Kentucky, you can send in this form.

Environmental Cabinet
Contact information for State Agencies.