State Agencies

tion plans for the land must be approved before
the mining operation can begin. Active mines are
monitored for compliance with the law and agree-
ment with the approved plans.

Abandoned Mines: Recent legislation makes
possible the restoration of abandoned mines,
which for decades have presented serious environ-
mental problems. Money collected from a sur-
charge on mined coal is used to repair the envi-
ronmental damage caused by abandoned mines.
In addition, abandoned mines are reclaimed in
conjunction with the Active Mining Program.

The Maryland Policy Office implements the
State Energy Conservation Plan, funded under
the National Energy Policy and Conservation
Act. A State Energy Conservation Board was
formed to assist in this effort. The Office spon-
sors a variety of training programs aimed at ener-
gy consumers in the residential, commerical, in-
dustrial, transportation, and government areas. It
implements the federal Institutional Building
Grants Program, and the Energy Extension Ser-
vice is the lead agency for the Residential Conser-
vation Service.

The Energy Office is responsible for fuel alloca-
tions and contingency planning for energy supply
emergencies.

LAND RECLAMATION COMMITTEE

Chairperson: Dr. Kenneth N. Weaver, Director,
Maryland Geological Survey

Department of Natural Resources members: Rob-
ert V. Creter, Ed Golden, Stephen Layton,
Paul Mateer.

Craig Hartsock, Allegany County Soil Conserva-
tion District Supervisor; Shaun Sanders, Garrett
County Soil Conservation District Supervisor.

Appointed members: James M. Coffroth, 1981;
George Stanya, 1981; Hugh B. Tumble, Garrett
County, 1981; Roger W. Bray, Garrett County,
1982; Lois M. Crossland, Allegany County,
1982; June Nader, Allegany County, 1982.

Executive Secretary: Anthony F. Abar

Bureau of Mines
69 Hill Street
Hill Street School
Frostburg 21532 Telephone: 689-4136

Natural Resources/241

The Land Reclamation Committee, originally
established by Chapter 144, Acts of 1967, had its
functions expanded by Chapter 414, Acts of
1969, and by Chapter 6, Acts of the Special Ses-
sion of 1973. The Committee consists of eleven
members. The Director of the Maryland Geologi-
cal Survey serves as chairperson. The remaining
members include the chairpersons of the Soil
Conservation District Supervisors of Garrett and
Allegany counties or their representatives, two
members appointed by the Governor with the ad-
vice and consent of the Senate for three-year
terms to represent the mining industry, and four
additional members of the Department of Natural
Resources appointed by the Secretary. Two mem-
bers were added by Chapter 672, Acts of 1974.
One member resides in Allegany County. Neither
of these members may have any interest in min-
ing operations.

The Land Reclamation Committee studies, rec-
ommends, and approves procedures for reclama-
tion, conservation, and revegetation of areas
affected by open-pit mining within the State. The
Committee also reviews all mining and reclama-
tion plans, progress reports, and final reports.
The Committee is further to establish plans and
methods of procedure as well as practical guide-
lines for the prompt and adequate reclamation,
conservation, and revegetation of all lands dis-
turbed by open-pit mining of bituminous coal
within the State (Code Natural Resources Article,
secs. 7-205, 7-501 through 7-505, 7-509, 7-510,
7-515).

MARYLAND ENVIRONMENTAL
SERVICE

Thomas D. McKewen, Director

60 West Street
Annapolis 21401 Telephone: 269-3351

The Maryland Environmental Service (MES)
was created by Chapter 240, Acts of 1970, as a
public corporation to help local government and
industry eliminate pollution resulting from the
disposal of liquid and solid wastes. On July 1,
1972, the Service was authorized to provide water
supply and related facilities. The Hazardous
Waste Siting Program Act of 1980 created an in-
dependent board with the power to approve the
location of hazardous waste disposal facilities and
requires the Maryland Environmental Service
(MES) to provide staffing for the Board and to
carry out certain other related activities.