2020 ANNUAL REPORT DivisionDivision ofof MineralMineral ResourcesResources ManagementManagement OhioOhio DepartmentDepartment ofof NaturalNatural ResourcesResources

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 2

Comments from the Division’s Chief

When 2020 began, little did we know that Ohio would face so many challenges related to the COVID-19 virus outbreak. Various safety protocols were successfully implemented by ODNR to keep staff and customers safe, allowing our vital work to continue. Rising to the occasion, the Division of Mineral Resources Management transitioned successfully to staff working remotely as essential work continued. Despite many obstacles, technological and communication skills were enhanced and improved. The innovative ways of doing business that were implemented will allow us to operate more efficiently in the future. As this 2020 annual report will show, essential mining application reviews continued, inspections at hundreds of Ohio’s active coal and mineral mine sites were David M. Crow, Division Chief conducted, training of thousands of mine workers and contractors was provided, and reclamation and revitalization was accomplished in every region of the state. This was accomplished with the worthy goal of providing for the development and restoration of mineral extraction sites in a safe and environmentally sound manner.

Sincerely,

David M. Crow, Chief (FRONT COVER IMAGE) Newly seeded and mulched ODNR-Division of Mineral Resources Management mining reclamation in Lawrence County

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Table of Contents Mission Provide for safe and environmentally sound development MISSION/VISION ______3 and restoration of mineral and fossil fuel extraction sites. INTRODUCTION ______3 Vision We will lead change in Ohio through innovation, 2020 ACCOMPLISHMENTS ______4 excellence and partnering in natural resource stewardship. 2020 PROGRAM UPDATES ______9

COAL REGULATORY PROGRAM ______9 Values We respect and value our external customers, Permitting and Bonding recognizing their diversity, knowledge and needs. We Hydrology will: Field Inspections and Enforcement • provide information and promote public awareness; Remining Program • provide timely quality services; 2020 Coal Production • practice the highest ethical standards; Public Involvement • use the best available technology; Public Meetings and Presentations • build employee pride and encourage self- Potential Affected Mines Reviews improvement; • promote and implement teamwork and partnerships; ABANDONED MINE LAND PROGRAM______12 • practice high professional standards and State Abandoned Mine Land Program responsibility. Federal Abandoned Mine Land Program Non-emergency Public Health and Safety Projects Emergency Public Health and Safety Projects Introduction The Division of Mineral Resources Management Acid Mine Drainage Abatement Projects (DMRM) of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Geotechnical Services (ODNR) provides for the safe and environmentally Historic Preservation Services sound development and restoration of coal and industrial Bond Forfeiture Program minerals extraction sites. Four diverse programs address AML Economic Revitalization or Pilot Program the environmental and safety aspects related to coal and industrial minerals mining. INDUSTRIAL MINERALS REGULATORY PROGRAM_17 Permitting and Bonding Program and support services include permitting, 2020 Industrial Minerals Production hydrology, bonding, inspection and enforcement, Ground Water Modeling for Dewatering Permits abandoned mine land, engineering and design services, Field Inspections and Enforcement mine safety, data and records management, geographic Blasting information systems (GIS), and central support services. Public Involvement Expertise is provided by a professional and seasoned MINE SAFETY PROGRAM ______21 staff of geologists, environmental specialists, engineers, Inspections and Audits blasting specialists, soil scientists, hydrologists, Safety Training and Certification Testing researchers, archaeologists, hydrogeologists, inspectors, Mine Safety Training Competitions geographic and information specialists, and program Mine Rescue Operations managers. Division staff work diligently to maintain a high standard of regulatory effectiveness. CENTRAL SUPPORT SERVICES ______24

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 4 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• The Division assisted the ODNR Office of 2020 Accomplishments Real Estate in making comments to the Ohio COAL REGULATORY PROGRAM Environmental Protection Agency on one • Hydrology: Division hydrologists continued Underground Injection Control application, per to evaluate potential and actual mine pool Ohio Revised Code section 6111.044. development in several underground mines that • Division staff reviewed and commented on the U.S. either have closed or are of concern. These efforts Army Corps of Engineers draft Nationwide Permits are ongoing and other mines will be evaluated as issued under the Clean Water Act and on the draft necessary. Ohio Stream and Wetland Valuation Metric. • The Division continues to evaluate the coal • Division staff also responded to an Ohio State combustion byproduct (CCB) demonstration University survey of the “Utilization of Coal project at Ohio American Energy (OAE) permit Combustion Residue in Mine Reclamation.” D-2304 in Jefferson County, through a cooperative effort with American Electric Power (AEP), The • Permitting & Bonding: The Division continues Ohio State University (OSU), and OAE. to work cooperatively with CONSOL Energy to accomplish reclamation of the slurry impoundment The demonstration project’s goal is to assess the at the Meigs Mine. Periodic meetings and site impacts of high-volume beneficial use of CCBs for reviews are conducted with CONSOL. reclamation of unreclaimed coal mine highwalls and strip pits. On permit D-2304, an unreclaimed highwall and associated strip pit were backfilled with CCBs. Water monitoring well sampling data has been evaluated for approximately ten years.

A draft report from the OSU is to be issued in January 2021. Upon full review of the report, the Division will determine future action regarding the permit. The desire is to determine if unproductive land affected by unreclaimed highwalls and strip pits can be returned to a productive use. A similar project is being conducted on abandoned mine lands near the AEP Conesville Power Plant, Coshocton County, Ohio.

(ABOVE) Rosebud Mining Co.’s Vail Mine coal permit D-2335. A boxcut (foreground) provides access to the deep mine for the beltline and crusher operation.

(LEFT) Rosebud Mining Co.’s Vail Mine coal permit D-2335. A constructed wetland is pictured in the foreground with the processing area visible in the background.

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management ACCOMPLISHMENTS 5

ABANDONED MINE LAND (AML) PROGRAM • Ohio’s Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Program continued to address AML emergencies in 2020 and completed 18 qualified projects. • The program was awarded another $10 million in AML Economic Revitalization (AMLER) funding in 2020 for AML and economic development projects. • Efforts to treat acid mine drainage in the Raccoon Creek watershed in Southeast Ohio over the past two decades have paid off. The AML Program implemented many reclamation and acid mine drainage treatment projects and the once severely impaired creek has recovered to meet state (ABOVE) Pre-construction image of the Doanville trailhead water quality standards according to an Ohio location. EPA report released in 2020. In addition, Ohio (BELOW) Work began in Athens County on the Doanville EPA recommended 32 miles to be classified as trailhead parking lot of the Baileys Trail System. Funding Exceptional Warmwater Habitat – the state’s for the project came from the AML Economic Revitalization highest designated use for streams. (AMLER) program for the reclamation of abandoned mine • The last remaining Valley Mining forfeiture coal lands in conjunction with economic revitalization. permit was reclaimed and released in 2020, leaving For more information about AMLER funding and projects in no outstanding coal forfeiture sites in Ohio. Ohio, see page 15.

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 6 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 6

(ABOVE & AT RIGHT) DMRM Chief Dave Crow (left) and Mineral Resources Inspector Paul Greco (right) award Allied Corporation’s Dan James (center) for the operator’s outstanding mining reclamation efforts on permit IM‑1353.

INDUSTRIAL MINERALS (IM) REGULATORY PROGRAM Throughout 2020, DMRM accepted mineral resources inspectors’ nominations of operators for the ODNR- DMRM Reclamation Awards. This award recognizes a company’s commitment to outstanding reclamation achievement during the course of industrial mineral mining activities. The Division recognized the work of the Allied • Constructing an additional 9.5-acre wetland and Corporation (pictured above and at right) with the preserving existing wetlands in the permit area; reclamation achievement award on permit IM-1353, a limestone mining permit located in Mahoning County. • Donating property within the permit area to the Mahoning County Soil & Water District for their Allied Corporation’s 302.8-acre permit is currently in benefit and study; mining year 22 and has produced over 11.3 million tons of limestone during the life of the mine. The permit area • Placing duck boxes, bluebird houses, raptor has been expanded six times since permit issuance; the perches, bat houses, two basking logs for turtles Operator practices contemporaneous reclamation as and a reptilian hibernaculum within and around mining advances to new areas. the wetland area. The Operator currently pays a consultant to monitor and score the wetland The Operator maintains a stable and healthy relationship for the Army Corp of Engineers and the Ohio with the numerous surrounding neighbors, working Environmental Protection Agency; hard to keep open communication with the surrounding residents and their mining related concerns. During • Creating two pollinator gardens within the reclaimed active mining and reclamation, the Operator has also areas of the permit, each about two acres; mined, backfilled and reclaimed pre-law mining areas • Creating a series of diversions and retention ponds that consisted of dangerous water impoundments and to slow down the water flow across the permit highwalls. and eliminate flooding hazards that may affect the Outside of the mining responsibilities, Allied properties along Pine Lake Road; Corporation also plans for the future landform when • All design and construction takes place while also mining and reclamation of the permit are complete, with protecting two major gas lines that run through the the following: permit area.

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 6 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 7

MINE SAFETY PROGRAM the need for social distancing, teams competed in • Mine Safety Inspectors trained 4,338 miners in a field event only. This format was well received by Annual Refresher Training (ART), first aid/CPR MSHA, ODNR, and the rescue teams. and New Miner as required by provisions of the • In October, six Mine Safety Program inspectors- Mine Act. Throughout the year, Mine Rescue trainers participated in a virtual Training Operations Coordinators also trained 537 miners Resources Applied to Mining (TRAM) in Mine Rescue. Staff also trained 100 miners in Conference. The annual TRAM event is typically electrical ART for a total of 4,975 trained. Staff held at the National Mine Health & Safety continued to conduct required training for those Academy in Beaver, West Virginia. At the contractors who provide a variety of logistical seminar, participants attend and work in training support services to the mining industry and mine classes that are presented by safety trainers from sites. numerous states across the country. Ohio Surface • In 2020, Mine Safety certification staff conducted Inspectors gather information and program examinations for 75 miners seeking certifications training materials to be used in their upcoming for key positions such as Mine Foreperson, Coal Annual Refresher training classes conducted for Mine Electrician, and Mine Medical Responder. Ohio’s miners. These classes are held in the months Of those examined, 67 were successful in receiving immediately following the TRAM so that material certification. By both state and federal statute, is fresh, updated, and interesting. mines cannot operate without the presence of • Ohio’s Annual Refresher training manual for these certified mine individuals. Six miners surface miners was awarded a Certificate of received Ohio certification under the reciprocal Appreciation in the printed materials category at agreement between Ohio and the state of West the TRAM Conference. Developed annually by Virginia. Ohio’s inspectors-trainers, it is the sixth time State • In August, five teams from Ohio competed in training materials received one of TRAM’s top the 13th Annual Ohio Mine Safety Training rankings. Competition held at the Training Center. Due to

(ABOVE) Mine operators’ employees receive their MSHA Part 48 annual refresher training provided by DMRM Mine Safety inspectors early in 2020.

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 8 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) SECTION EPS for the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program Building on the success of the Coal Electronic in 2020 included: Processing System (EPS), DMRM’s information • An Ad hoc report was deployed to EPS to allow technology staff are working hard to set up similar data from Project Tracking to be selected and systems for the other Division programs. filtered to create a one-of-a-kind report. The report can be exported to Microsoft Excel for further EPS for Coal, IM and Mine Safety programs in 2020 manipulation. Use of the report by AML staff is included: being monitored so any necessary adjustments can • Offline inspection reports for Coal, IM and Mine be made. Safety are in the beginning stages of testing. Once All Sections/Programs completed, the offline forms will undergo inspector • Complaints - DMRM receives complaints across testing. all program areas, usually by telephone. The • Mine Safety certification examinations for Mine Complaint system is now operational in EPS. Forepersons and Electricians at surface and Employees have been entering complaints as they underground coal and industrial mineral mines are notified of them. Complaints are assigned were developed in EPS to allow for electronic according to type and followed through to testing. Exams can be modified easily and there is resolution. now the ability to display graphics. A unique exam is • FileTrak - FileTrak is a DMRM system for tracking provided to each examinee by randomizing the test storage of physical documents. Documents and questions. boxes are indexed for quick lookup and retrieval so • Blasting certification examinations were developed individuals can check articles in/out. The system in EPS and are in the testing phase. The process was helps to ensure documents are not misplaced or modeled after the mine safety exam and has all the lost. The outdated Microsoft Access 97 program is same features. being replaced by an EPS version of FileTrak as a • The IM original permit application forms have been more efficient and secure system with a single data developed and are being tested. The review process source accessible by all employees. was enhanced to allow each application section to • Central Tracking System (CTS) - CTS continues be reviewed and resubmitted independently of the to be maintained and adjustments made as needed other sections without requiring the full package to when issues are identified. An easy distribution be returned to the applicant. and setup method has been created to ensure everyone can easily obtain the most current version of CTS.

(ABOVE) Successful reclamation on Rosebud Mining Company coal mining permit D-1112 achieved the permitted reclamation post-mining land use for agriculture. 2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management COAL REGULATORY PROGRAM 9

2020 PROGRAM UPDATES Coal Regulatory Program

The U.S. Department of Interior’s Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) conditionally approved the state’s Coal Regulatory and Permitting Program in 1982.

OSMRE determined the Ohio program, as managed by the DMRM, is: • no less stringent than the standards specified in (ABOVE) CCU Coal & Construction LLC’s Strasburg Pit the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act permit D-0981 is a coal surface mine permit in Tuscarawas (SMCRA) of 1977; County. After topsoil is removed and stockpiled for future • as effective as the federal rules adopted under reclamation, the #4 coal seam is being extracted and ready to SMCRA; and loadout. • adequately funded to operate the program. During 2020, staff: OSMRE provides oversight and support to the Ohio • issued 5 new coal mining permits authorizing coal program. Together, OSMRE and DMRM developed a mining activity on 1,105 acres (1,077.4 surface performance agreement that considers the goals and acres, 27.6 underground acres); objectives of both agencies, as well as action plans for • reviewed, approved and issued 56 coal permit regulatory program areas of concern that have not revisions, 3 coal permit transfers and 14 coal been resolved or will not be resolved within 180 days. permit renewals; • issued 4 incidental boundary revisions totaling The Coal Regulatory Program involves two primary 93 acres; areas—permitting and bonding; and inspection and • approved 19 change of ownership and control for enforcement. companies; • invoiced $827,863 for performance security to coal PERMITTING AND BONDING mining applicants and permittees; A team of environmental and engineering • processed a total of 82 releases of performance professionals, blasting, soils and archaeological security on coal mining operations for partial and specialists, and hydrogeologists perform thorough complete reclamation releases on 4,525.3 acres; and reviews of each application for a coal mining and • processed 3 excess bond releases where reclamation permit. Detailed reviews by experienced performance security exceeded the outstanding staff ensure that potential environmental impacts liability; are minimized; environmental, and public health • implemented a revised process for records and safety measures are included; and statutory management and began addressing duplicate requirements and rules are met during the permitting permitting information located in the district process. offices. A current estimated cost of reclamation is required Permitting and regulatory staff met biannually with to be maintained on each permit; and performance industry representatives, other regulatory agencies security in the form of a surety bond, certificate of including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, OSMRE, deposit, letter of credit or cash must be posted to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the state and federal ensure adequate funds are available to reclaim the site Environmental Protection agencies, as well as other and remediate adverse environmental impacts in the interested parties. Rule promulgation and development event performance security is forfeited. of procedure directives and guidelines associated with

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 10 COAL REGULATORY PROGRAM

Ohio’s coal mining law are conducted in a manner BLASTING to provide input from the regulated industry and the (See BLASTING under Industrial Minerals Ohio Coal Association, as well as OSMRE, the Ohio Program section) Environmental Council, and the public. FIELD INSPECTIONS AND ENFORCEMENT Permitting and regulatory staff provide periodic Field inspection staff is required to inspect Ohio’s mailings to the mining industry and consultants on coal mining operations to monitor active mining and topics of interest and provide training associated reclamation to assure compliance with the approved with law and rule changes or programmatic issues permit. Division inspectors enforce Ohio’s laws impacting the mining industry. regulating active mining to protect the public and environment from adverse impacts. In 2019, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Division and the Ohio Environmental Protection Inspectors monitor and evaluate active mining and Agency Division of Surface Water became effective to reclamation to ensure that permit holders restore clearly address coordination and agency roles in the mined lands and waters to productive uses after permitting and regulation of coal mining operations. mining is completed. In 2020, Ohio operators completed final reclamation on 2050.8 acres. HYDROLOGY Permitting and field hydrologists investigated four DMRM’s inspectors are required by law to perform citizens’ private water supply complaints and assisted at least one complete inspection of a permitted site field inspection staff with multiple mine drainage and every quarter and one partial inspection every month other hydrology-related investigations at active and for active mines that have not completed Phase II reclaimed mine sites. (revegetation) reclamation requirements. Inspectors examine the mine area, as well as the area surrounding During 2020, hydrologists produced revised drafts of a mine, to ensure compliance with Ohio’s laws and the the following procedure directive (PD) and guidance approved permit. documents: • PD Inspection and Enforcement, Evaluation of Post In 2020, DMRM inspectors: Mining Discharge; • conducted 1,560 coal mining operation • PD Inspection and Enforcement, Quarterly Water inspections; Monitoring; • responded to 10 public complaints on coal mining • PD Underground, Water Monitoring—Shadow and operations; Adjacent Areas; • issued 18 notices of violation and other • Overburden Analysis Guidelines; enforcement actions; • Coal Combustion By-Product form and guidelines. • completed 100% of required inspections; Hydrologists reviewed and provided comments to the • conducted 85 bond release inspections Ohio EPA on: recommending approval on 82 reclamation • the Ohio Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and segments totaling 4,525.3 acres; and Assessment Report; • conducted two (2) SM-39 inspections releasing • two newly-issued coal mining surface affectment 23.4 acres re-affected by other activities. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permits; and REMINING PROGRAM • NPDES permit rules under Chapter 3745-38 of the The Division recognizes there are thousands of acres Ohio Administrative Code. of abandoned mine lands in need of reclamation which still contain valuable coal resources. With Hydrologists also participated in bi-monthly meetings advancements in mining technologies and numerous of the State Coordinating Committee on Ground recent federal and state incentives for active coal Water. remining, DMRM is working with the industry as

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management COAL REGULATORY PROGRAM 11

well as state and federal partners to encourage coal PUBLIC MEETINGS AND PRESENTATIONS remining permits. The Division had to transition from in-person meetings to virtual meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, DMRM continued work on a remining video Partnerships were still maintained remotely. Some with the assistance of the ODNR videographer, and a activities that were accomplished during 2020 were: remining white paper. Both documents are intended • Attended virtual township trustee and county public to highlight the benefits of remining. Completion is meetings in order to answer questions related to the expected in 2021. application and mining process; The Remining Program also works cooperatively with • Assisted in the Historic Hike in Steubenville’s the Division’s Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Program Historic Beatty Park and presented the prehistory to encourage remining and reclamation opportunities of Ohio; for those mine operators that are mining in close • Conducted a virtual presentation on Ohio proximity or adjacent to abandoned mine lands by Prehistory to an Akron Gem group; entering into reclamation contracts. • Developed contacts with several home school groups for future presentations. 2020 COAL PRODUCTION The Ohio Department of Taxation reported coal POTENTIAL AFFECTED MINES REVIEWS production in 2020 at 3.73 million tons, continuing a Ohio Revised Code 1509.08 mandates that when an decrease from tonnage reported in the previous five oil and gas well application is submitted within a coal years. bearing township of Ohio the Chief of the Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management (O&G) must COAL PRODUCTION (2016-2020) notify the Chief of the Division of Mineral Resources 2016 15,991,883 tons Management (MRM). The Chief of MRM will review the application location and will notify any coal 2017 9,633,770 tons mining companies that may be affected by the drilling. 2018 9,596,311 tons The mining companies have an opportunity to object 2019 8,283,861 tons to the drilling application. The Chief of MRM then 2020 3,739,693 tons makes a finding and recommendations to the Chief of O&G whether to approve the drilling application. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT Affected mine reviews are largely a mine safety issue Ohio law provides for public participation in the and are taken seriously by the Division. development, revision and enforcement of regulations, standards, and reclamation plans or programs. For A review team has been established within the example, after a permit application has been deemed Division to review oil and gas drilling applications. The complete for a surface or underground coal mining team consists of representatives from Mine Safety, Coal operation, the applicant publishes a public notice Regulatory, Coal Permitting, and the Abandoned Mine in a local newspaper identifying the public location Land sections who are experienced with mining and where the application may be reviewed. The notice familiar with the mines in the coal bearing townships. also provides citizens with an opportunity to provide The review team takes many factors into consideration written comments or request an informal conference before making recommendations to the Chief. regarding the permit application. In 2020 the Division reviewed over 140 oil and gas well applications.

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 12 ABANDONED MINE LAND PROGRAM

FEDERAL ABANDONED MINE LAND PROGRAM Abandoned Mine Land The federal AML Program is funded by OSMRE, (AML) Program which is supported by a federal severance tax on coal mined nationwide. The federal Surface Mining Control Serious public health and safety problems and and Reclamation Act of 1977 authorized this program. environmental concerns still exist with surface and deep coal mining that occurred prior to the Annual grants fund the highest priority public health reclamation standards used today. Problems vary and and safety and environmental problems associated may include: dangerous highwalls, pit impoundments, with areas mined prior to August 3, 1977. In 2020, mine subsidence, streams degraded by acid mine DMRM was awarded an AML grant for $7.4 million drainage, flooding, landslides, open mine portals and to support the design and/or construction of 20 non- shafts. emergency projects and emergency projects as they arise. As a result, the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Program, with federal- and state-funded components, The AML Program is supported by an in-house was created to address high priority mine-related engineering and design services group, hydrologists, issues. These problems are addressed through the and environmental specialists. DMRM engineers design and construction of reclamation projects. provide a variety of services including project design, surveying, consultant management, construction The AML Program, which has been managed by the oversight, regulatory reviews and revisions, and Division since 1974, provides jobs and economic complaint investigations. Hydrologists investigate benefits to Ohio’s Appalachian region through water complaints, collect and analyze water data reclamation and construction projects. In 2020, 20 and participate in the design team for water related projects were bid for construction through the AML projects. Program totaling approximately $811,000. Environmental specialists manage the National STATE ABANDONED MINE LAND PROGRAM Environmental Policy Act and Army Corps of The state-funded AML Program supports numerous Engineers permitting, eligibility determinations, projects which are funded by state severance taxes project planning, as well as rights-of-entry and on coal and on some industrial minerals. The coordination with outside agencies. state-funded program emphasizes environmental restoration associated with mining which occurred before April 10, 1972.

Projects primarily focus on coal-related environmental restoration, such as the restoration of streams impacted by acid mine drainage. This program is also responsible for providing supplemental funding for the reclamation of industrial minerals mining sites that were left in an unreclaimed state and where the forfeited surety bond is insufficient to complete the restoration.

In 2020, one state abandoned mine land project was completed. The Price Landslide in Meigs County (ABOVE) The Price Landslide occurred next to a state route (pictured at right) impacted a creek and increased a highway and garage in Meigs County. Caused by mine water chance for flooding on a state route. The landslide was discharge, the landslide was repaired and completed as a state reclaimed for a cost of $105,682. AML project in 2020.

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management ABANDONED MINE LAND PROGRAM 13

(Above) An undocumented mine collapsed causing a sinkhole that measured about 8.5 feet long, 7.5 feet wide and 3 feet deep on the east bound berm of Wise Road in Summit County. Identified as an AML emergency, the hazard was stabilized by drilling into the mine complex and injecting cement or grout to fill the voids beneath the road.

The AML staff’s work resulted in the following is now shared with funding for Priority 1 and 2 public accomplishments in 2020: health and safety problems. • stabilization of 2.85 acres of landslides and seepage; • sealing of 2 mine portals and vertical openings; In 2020, the AML Emergency Program investigated • stabilization of 10 mine subsidence sinkholes; and 58 potential emergency complaints. As a result of • contracted 20 projects to construct $811,000 in investigative efforts, 18 projects were approved to reclamation projects. eliminate significant hazards. These projects include 10 open sinkholes, 4 mine shafts, 3 underground mine NON-EMERGENCY PUBLIC HEALTH AND subsidences, and 1 landslide. A total of $569,028 was SAFETY PROJECTS spent on emergency projects in 2020. Non-emergency abandoned mine land problems are categorized by the level of risk posed to the general ACID MINE DRAINAGE ABATEMENT PROJECTS public and property. Priority 1 problems are deemed The Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Program plays extremely dangerous while Priority 2 problems are also an important role in restoring the quality of local dangerous, but to a lesser degree. Projects are selected watershed resources impacted by acid mine drainage. from the program’s inventory of abandoned mine land DMRM sets aside up to 30 percent of the annual grant hazards, which are developed from mining-related funds for improving acid mine drainage-impacted complaints and field investigations. streams. As with other restoration projects, the goal is to restore streams to pre-mining ecological conditions EMERGENCY PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY and construct remediation activities which will benefit PROJECTS the local environment. The AML Program responds quickly to emergency complaints and situations resulting from abandoned Ohio EPA released its Draft Water Quality and mine land conditions that present immediate and Biological Report on Raccoon Creek in 2020. substantial threats to public safety. Since 1992, Ohio’s Data collected from 2016 and 2017 showed drastic program has administered the design and construction improvements to water quality in Raccoon Creek’s of emergency projects. Prior to 1992, this was a mainstem due to AML and AMD treatment projects. function of OSMRE. Ohio EPA recommended that, from river mile 8 Beginning in 2011, OSMRE no longer provided fund- to river mile 40, Raccoon Creek be redesignated as ing for this program separate from non-emergency Exceptional Warmwater Habitat. grant funding. As a result, emergency project funding No new AMD projects were funded in 2020.

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 14 ABANDONED MINE LAND PROGRAM

AML GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES BOND FORFEITURE PROGRAM The AML Program supports a geotechnical services DMRM is responsible for the restoration of land left unit comprised of a geologist, two drilling specialists unreclaimed by coal and industrial minerals mine and a variety of drilling equipment. The unit performs operators who did not fulfill their original reclamation investigations to evaluate potential mine-related obligations under existing regulations. problems and to assist in the design of projects. When reclamation has not been completed, the Chief In 2020, DMRM’s geotechnical specialists provided issues an Order demanding payment of forfeited assistance on 11 complaint investigations and project bond monies held by financial institutions. If the designs by completing 1,295 feet of subsurface drilling. financial assurance (bond) is a surety bond, the surety company may reclaim the site in accordance with Drilling activities included: the approved reclamation plan or pay to the State the • emergency complaint investigations and designs – forfeited amount of surety bond. DMRM then designs 6 sites totaling 248 feet drilled; restoration plans and contracts with a third party to • non-emergency complaint investigations and reclaim the impacted areas. designs – 4 sites totaling 881 feet drilled; and • Pilot project sites – 31 borings totaling 165 feet In addition to forfeited bond monies, severance drilled. taxes on each ton of coal and industrial minerals are collected to supplement the per-acre bond amount. HISTORIC PRESERVATION SERVICES These funds are used when the cost to reclaim an area In 2011, the AML Program changed how it maintains exceeds the bond forfeited for that operation. compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic In October 2014, DMRM Coal Regulatory staff Preservation Act. Previously, DMRM contracted issued bond forfeiture orders to Valley Mining on six with a historic preservation professional to conduct abandoned coal mine sites in Belmont, Tuscarawas, initial evaluations of the potential historical impacts Guernsey, Stark, and Jefferson counties. DMRM’s of reclamation projects. This work is now completed Bonding Section collected forfeited bond monies. All by DMRM in-house environmental specialists six sites have been reclaimed and released as of 2020. through a programmatic agreement with the Ohio Historic Preservation Office and OSMRE. DMRM also There were no new forfeitures in 2020. contracts with qualified specialists to complete Phase I evaluations of sites determined to have potential for adverse impacts on historically significant sites, and determine mitigation measures.

(ABOVE and LEFT) Images of the existing highwall before reclamation and during active backfilling on the Friendship Park East Highwall project site in Jefferson County.

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management ABANDONED MINE LAND PROGRAM 15

AML ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION (AMLER) or AML PILOT PROGRAM The 2017 the AMLER Program was authorized by Congress under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public Law 115-31) and provides $10 million of US Treasury funds to Ohio’s AML program. The funds are to be used “for the reclamation of abandoned mine lands in conjunction with economic revitalization and community development and reuse goals.” This is the first year that Ohio has received funding from the AMLER Program. Ohio has received an additional $10 million in Pilot Program funding as part of the 2018 and 2019 federal budgets, and an additional $25 million in 2020 for a total of $65 million in Program funding. (ABOVE and BELOW) Images of the Cadiz Rail Highwall project site in Harrison County show before and after Language from the OSMRE guidance for the reclamation to stabilize a dangerous highwall located AMLER Program states that: “State AML programs, immediately adjacent to an active railroad line. in consultation with state and local economic and community development authorities, must develop a list of eligible projects in Appalachian counties that demonstrate a nexus with AML cleanup and economic and community development.” Additionally, the guidance states: “This AMLER is an opportunity for local communities and states to return impacted areas to productive reuse, which should be defined by the state in cooperation with local communities, to achieve the economic and community development goals identified for the community and/or region.”

Implementation of the AML Pilot Program requires Ohio’s AML program to coordinate with state and local community development authorities and organizations. DMRM has initiated two AML Pilot Outreach contracts to assist DMRM with connecting to economic development agencies and organizations, providing education about the program, OSMRE has approved 19 project applications to date. and developing high priority projects for potential These proposals request nearly $20 million in AMLER funding. DMRM is working with state, local and funding. Five projects are complete at a cost of $4.2 non-profit organizations on project development million, with one project being completed in 2020— including OhioSE Economic Development, regional Cadiz Rail Highwall project in Harrison County. Three development districts, county governments, local projects started construction during 2020: Friendship governments, Rural Action, and more. Park Highwall (Jefferson County), Moonville Rail Trail at Ingham’s Station (Vinton County), and The Baileys The Division works with potential partners on project Trail System (Athens County). The eight remaining ideas for eligibility determinations and priority. High approved projects are currently being planned and valued priority project proposals are submitted to designed. Additional projects are being planned for OSMRE for approval/vetting. vetting approvals by OSMRE.

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 16 ABANDONED MINE LAND PROGRAM

The types of projects selected for AMLER funding include expansion of recreational opportunities such as bike trails, rails to trails, hiking trails, hunting and camping opportunities. Other projects focus on industrial or commercial site development. All projects include some direct abandoned mine reclamation work in addition to providing the economic benefits to local communities.

(ABOVE and BELOW) Trail and bridge construction project site images of the Moonville Rail Trail at Ingham’s Station, Vinton County being completed through AMLER program funding.

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management INDUSTRIAL MINERALS REGULATORY PROGRAM 17

Significant changes were made to Ohio’s surface Industrial Minerals (IM) mining laws in 2002, which incorporated requirements for groundwater hydrology modeling and blaster Regulatory Program certification, and an updated public and interagency Ohio is a major producer of non-fuel minerals, also application notification process. known as industrial minerals. The industrial minerals The IM Regulatory Program involves two primary produced in Ohio, listed in order of highest to lowest areas—permitting and bonding; and inspection and per ton production include: enforcement. • limestone and dolomite • sand and gravel Inspection staff, assisted by expert environmental • salt specialists, hydrogeologists, blasting specialists and • sandstone and conglomerate engineering staff, performs complete and thorough • shale reviews of each application for an industrial minerals • clay mining permit.

The state’s first industrial minerals surface mining Detailed reviews ensure that environmental impacts laws were enacted in 1974 with the establishment of are minimized, all necessary environmental safeguards Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1514, which required an are in place, and that all statutory requirements industrial minerals operator to submit a detailed plan are met during the permitting process. During the for mining and reclamation, and to post a reclamation permitting process, multiple agencies, including assurance bond in order to obtain a permit for mining. local governments, are invited to provide input and comments regarding the permit application. Surface mining refers to all or any of the processes used to extract minerals from the earth or from the A performance bond in the form of a surety bond, surface of the land by surface excavation methods, certificate of deposit, letter of credit, or cash must be such as open pit mining, dredging, placering or posted to provide funds for reclamation of a mine site quarrying. This includes: the removal of overburden if an operator fails to complete reclamation. Proof of for the purpose of determining the location, quantity public liability insurance is also required prior to the and quality of mineral deposits; and the incidental start of mining. removal of coal at a rate of less than one-sixth the total weight and less than fifty percent of revenues of (BELOW) Lakeside Sand & Gravel Inc. permit IM-1293 is in minerals and coal removed during the year. its twenty-third year of mining sand and gravel in Shalersville Township, Portage County.

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 18 INDUSTRIAL MINERALS REGULATORY PROGRAM

PERMITTING AND BONDING the permitting process. Rules related to Ohio’s IM During 2020, the Division issued 8 new IM original mining law are written with input from the regulated application permits on 308.7 acres, 15 IM permit industry, the Ohio Aggregates and Industrial Minerals amendments on 762.9 acres, and 2 exempt IM permits Association, the Ohio Environmental Council, and the on 195.5 acres. Staff reviewed and approved 83 public. modifications to permits, 22 permit renewals and 15 permit transfers. ANNUAL INDUSTRIAL MINERALS PRODUCTION ACTIVITY In addition, the Division: An IM permit has a term of 15 years, with the option • invoiced $514,564 in performance bond for IM to apply for renewal at the end of the term. The work applicants and permittees; of DMRM continues throughout the life of each • invoiced $244,200 in performance bond for IM operation. During a permit’s lifecycle, an operation permit transfers; may be actively removing minerals, temporarily • processed a total of 59 releases of performance inactive (held for future reserves), or completely security on IM mining operations for excess finished with mining and in a reclamation phase. The bond, partial reclamation releases and complete number of active permits fluctuates from year to year. reclamation releases which totaled 720.6 acres; and However, the Division remains diligent to ensure that • final reclamation was completed on 348.4 acres each permitted operation meets all environmental that had been affected by mining. requirements during all phases of mining and reclamation. IM staff makes it a priority to participate in periodic meetings with industry representatives to promote During 2020, the IM Program was responsible for open communication, as well as provide training and monitoring 575 permitted IM operations in 87 out of clarification to assist consultants and applicants with 88 counties.

INDUSTRIAL MINERALS PERMITTING ACTIVITY (2016-2020) Year New Permits Amendments Incidental Modifications Transfers Renewals Total Current Coal Permits 2016 8 18 1 130 9 0 597* 2017 2 16 1 98 13 9 588* 2018 6 9 0 74 8 17 582* 2019 10 15 1 107 12 22 575* 2020 8 15 2 83 15 22 575* *The decrease in total permits is reflective of older inactive sites having the final reclamation releases approved and an increase in operators adding acreage to existing permits (amendments) rather than obtaining new permits.

INDUSTRIAL MINERALS PRODUCTION IN TONS (2016-2020)* FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019 FY 2020 Limestone & dolomite 66,476,000 62,502,315 67,804,000 75,905,125 64,788,953 Sand & gravel 37,501,900 32,375,434 32,937,500 38,076,035 34,603,972 Salt 4,530,705 4,601,315 4,699,000 4,039,640 5,105,372 Sandstone & conglomerate 1,910,300 1,726,568 1,775,000 1,491,966 1,119,696 Clay 1,055,700 913,277 935,900 915,305 733,061 Shale 1,041,300 675,326 807,000 559,660 442,138 TOTAL 112,515,905 102,794,235 108,958,400 120,987,731 106,838,192

*Tonnage based on the fiscal year (FY).

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management INDUSTRIAL MINERALS REGULATORY PROGRAM 19

GROUND WATER MODELING FOR A breakdown of the Division’s investigations of DEWATERING PERMITS complaints is as follows: Applicants are required to submit a ground water • Water well–5 model for review or submit data for ODNR to • Illegal mining–2 model when an application for a new IM permit that • Blasting–15 includes dewatering is received or an amendment • Compliance–8 or modification to deepen an existing IM permit is • Drainage/flooding/erosion–4 submitted. The review and completion of ground water • Pre-law mining–1 models is done in coordination with ODNR Division of Water Resources. In 2020, 9 IM surface mining Chief’s Orders were issued for the following categories: In 2020, DMRM reviewed and approved one ground- • Abandonment of surface mining permit and bond water modeling report to amend acreage to an existing forfeiture–2 permit. Two models were completed by DMRM and • Blasting violations: airblast exceedance–3, ground ODNR Division of Water Resources/Division of vibration exceedance–1, and failure to monitor Geological Survey in 2020. One model was required blasts with a seismograph–1 with a modification to mine deeper, and the other • Delinquent annual report or filing fees–1 model was required with an amendment to increase • Affectment beyond the permit boundary–1 the area to be dewatered.

FIELD INSPECTIONS AND ENFORCEMENT A staff of eight IM inspectors enforce the laws associated with permitting and regulating active IM mining to protect the public and the environment from adverse impacts. Individual inspectors may be responsible for more than 95 surface IM mine permits; their inspection regions range from 5-20 counties each.

Staff is required to inspect the IM mining operations to monitor active mining and reclamation to ensure compliance with the approved permit and that operators restore mined lands to productive uses.

During an inspection, inspectors examine the mining area, as well as the landscape surrounding the mine, to identify any issues that may require attention. Although there are no statutory requirements as to frequency of inspections, the IM Program has established a goal of conducting quarterly inspections on all mine sites annually.

In 2020, DMRM inspection staff conducted 1,894 IM mine site inspections. Of those inspections, 28 were for unpermitted sites, 10 were administrative related, 825 were partial inspections and 1016 were complete inspections. The Division also responded to 35 formal (ABOVE) Barrett Paving Materials West Carrolton sand complaints regarding IM mining operations during the and gravel mine permit IM-0916, located in Montgomery year. County.

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 20 INDUSTRIAL MINERALS REGULATORY PROGRAM

Despite more than an estimated 8,000 blasts in Ohio’s surface coal mines and quarries, there were no verified incidents of structural damage to homes from blast vibrations and no off-site flyrock incidents.

Special projects included: • gave presentations on microphone deployment effects on airblast measurements at the MSHA national mine academy in February, and during a live webinar for certified blasters hosted by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality; • served on the Standards Committee of the International Society of Explosives Engineers (ABOVE) A limestone muckpile--rock that has been broken by to improve field practice guidelines and blasting--will be loaded and trucked to the permit’s processing annual calibration certifications for blasting area to be crushed and sorted by size. seismographs; • continued working with a group of state and federal blasting regulators to improve blaster BLASTING certification programs across the Appalachian The Blasting Program provides services primarily to region; four DMRM program areas: Permitting, Mine Safety, • conducted the 5-day Blaster Certification Course Coal Regulatory, and Industrial Minerals. Program in early March with 17 participants, 15 of which staff investigates citizen complaints concerning completed the course, passed the exam and blasting (ground vibration, airblast, flyrock, and became certified surface mine blasters. alleged damage to structures); coordinates the Ohio Blaster Certification Program; reviews the blasting PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT plan section of mining permit applications; processes When mining is proposed in areas that have not citizen requests for preblast surveys; and assists been previously zoned for mining, or significant inspectors, citizens, mining companies, consultants, amendments and modifications are proposed for blasters, lawyers, insurance adjusters, engineers, and existing permits, DMRM provides opportunities various governmental agencies with blasting regulation for the public to become involved in the industrial interpretation and compliance problems. minerals permitting process. When a permit application is deemed administratively complete, the During 2020, Blasting Program staff and assistants: applicant (operator) is required to publish a public • investigated 17 new blasting annoyance and/or notice in a local newspaper for any area that is not damage complaints (2 coal-related, 15 quarry- zoned or has not had a conditional use for mining related); approved within 365 days. The notice identifies • conducted seismographic monitoring of blast a public location where the application may be vibrations at 32 homes (11 coal-related, 21 quarry- reviewed and copied, as well as provides the public related); an opportunity to make comments or request an • processed 5 citizen requests for preblast surveys informal conference regarding the permit application. (coal only); • reviewed and logged 18 preblast survey reports Staff schedules and attends meetings with applicants, (coal only); citizen groups, and individuals interested in mining • reviewed 60 applications for blaster certification (17 activities; and provides copies of industrial minerals new, 43 renewals); and mining applications, permits and public record items • reviewed 3 blast plans (0 coal-related, 3 quarry- upon request. related).

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management MINE SAFETY PROGRAM 21

Mine Safety Program Laws were established in 1872 to protect miners and the mines in which they work during the extraction of resources. The Ohio Mine Safety Program promotes safe mining practices through four major program services: mine rescue, mining inspections and safety audits, certification testing of mining officials, and the safety training of miners.

DMRM’s Mine Safety inspectors and Mine Rescue operations coordinators possess vital agency and industry experience necessary to positively interact with miners, and influence safety performance and behavior among miners and mine operators. (ABOVE) A local mine rescue team trains for proper response technique installing ventilation material to clear mine MINE FACILITY SAFETY INSPECTIONS AND contaminants during the working of a field problem in the AUDITS simulated mine. Mine Safety law mandates that DMRM conduct quarterly inspections of all underground coal and Ohio’s underground mining operations. Of these, five industrial minerals mines and all surface coal mines. are coal, two are salt, and four are limestone. One of these coal operations in southeastern Ohio is a large Inspections are also conducted at surface industrial longwall mine with annual tonnage in the millions. minerals (IM) mines, when the following conditions The salt mines are located in the Cleveland and Mentor exist: areas on the shores of Lake Erie. These underground • Inspections are conducted at surface IM oper- mines extend well beneath the lake, several thousand ations that are not regularly inspected by the Mine feet below the surface where more than four million Safety and Health Administration (MSHA); tons of salt was mined during the year. • Increased Mine Safety inspections are mandated Mine Safety Inspectors closely inspect oil and gas well for any surface IM operation that exceeds three plugging or re-plugging operations in locations where violations per inspector day (VPID); existing well bores have intersected the coal seams of • Increased Mine Safety inspections are mandated active underground coal mining operations. These immediately for any surface IM operation that has locations and activities are critical in that miners will experienced a fatal or serious mining accident. be physically mining through, or mining in close proximity to, these well bores. It is imperative to ensure Mine Safety also conducts non-regulatory safety audits they are properly plugged in accordance with strict at surface IM operations for which DMRM has been guidelines, specifications and requirements intended to requested by the mine operator to provide Annual ensure the safety of miners during mining. Refresher Training (ART) for its miners. Miners are required by MSHA to receive this approved training at SAFETY TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION intervals not to exceed 12 calendar months. Miner safety training is critical to improving the health and safety of Ohio’s miners and the working conditions During 2020, Mine Safety Inspectors conducted 110 in the mines. In an effort to reduce fatalities, accidents, IM safety audits, 440 regular IM and coal inspections, and mining-related illnesses, Mine Safety inspectors and 31 re-inspections. train miners and contractors in ways to recognize and respond to hazards, and to address health and safety Quarterly inspections were conducted at all 11 of concerns.

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 22 MINE SAFETY PROGRAM

(ABOVE) Mine Safety staff receive Level 2 Drager training for maintaining the BG-4 breathing apparatus used by underground mine rescue and support teams in case of mine emergencies.

In 2020, 4,338 mine workers were trained by DMRM administration, team support and judging of multiple Mine Safety staff in a variety of areas including first underground mine rescue training competitions aid, new miner, CPR and annual refresher courses; annually throughout the geographic region of Ohio, 100 miners were trained in electrical annual refresher Pennsylvania, West Virginia and northern Virginia. courses; another 537 miners were trained in Mine Rescue Part 49 for a total of 4,975 trained. Mine rescue training competitions are designed to test the knowledge and technical skills of a team, Certification staff conducts testing for a variety of and to evaluate the team’s emergency response and underground and surface mining positions, such as preparedness level. Teams are given scenarios during Mine Foreperson, Coal Mine Electrician, and Mine the competition related to simulated underground Medical Responder. Structured examinations mandated mine fires, explosions and other potential mine by state law serve to ensure that the applicant possesses emergency scenarios. To maintain MSHA certification the necessary applicable mining experience, and has as a Mine Rescue team, federal law requires that the acquired the skills and knowledge to be certified to team must train a minimum of 96 hours per year and work in these important positions. must compete in a minimum of two sanctioned mine rescue training competition exercises per year. It is Certification is an essential part of promoting and important to note that an underground mine cannot maintaining the safety and productivity of Ohio’s operate without mine rescue team coverage provided mining community. In 2020, DMRM staff certified 67 by at least two certified mine rescue teams. of the 75 applicants examined, of which the majority sought foreperson certification for underground and At all training competition events, mine rescue teams surface mining. Six miners received Ohio certification must compete in the mine rescue field problem under the reciprocal agreement between Ohio and the exercise to receive credit toward meeting the MSHA state of West Virginia. team certification requirement. However, at many of the contests, they also compete in the ‘benching’ MINE RESCUE TRAINING COMPETITIONS competition which tests a team member’s skill in the Mine Safety inspectors and Mine Rescue operations maintenance, trouble-shooting and repair of the closed coordinators officiate and participate in the planning, circuit breathing apparatus, the Drager BG-4. Many

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management MINE SAFETY PROGRAM 23

teams also have one or more team members compete They also maintain emergency trailers to transport this in the pre-shift examiner contest. The pre-shift tests equipment to the mine. the mine examiner’s knowledge and ability to identify, correct, report, and record hazards in a manner that All mine rescue equipment is serviced, tested, would normally be done prior to the beginning of each calibrated, and maintained in a state of readiness. All mining shift. Some teams also enter members in the four rescue trailers are specially equipped to service first aid competitions. Drager BG-4 self-contained breathing apparatus at remote sites, and to provide rapid turnaround for reuse In 2020, DMRM hosted its 13th annual Ohio during a mine emergency. The Division also maintains Mine Safety Training Competition with five teams foam generating fire-fighting equipment and a mobile participating from Ohio. Since its beginning in 2008, air quality lab van in Cambridge, capable of providing the contest was intended to assist Ohio teams in mine gas analysis and enhanced logistical support for complying with team certification requirements, and the rescue or recovery effort. therefore was open to Ohio teams only. Under an agreement with MSHA and agreements with MINE RESCUE OPERATIONS underground mine operators, the state Mine Rescue DMRM maintains mine rescue stations strategically Network provides coverage to all Ohio underground located in eastern Ohio near the towns of Barnesville, coal mines and to all underground IM operations with Glouster, and Cadiz. Each mine rescue station the exception of one limestone mine located in the maintains the necessary equipment to support mine southwestern part of the state, which has elected to rescue teams’ response to a mine emergency incident. utilize a private rescue contractor. As required under provisions of Ohio’s agreement with MSHA, each Ohio mine rescue station is thoroughly inspected for compliance every six months by MSHA inspectors. Ohio’s stations were found in compliance in 2020 and ready to respond.

(ABOVE) An Ohio mine rescue team maps items and conditions found during the working of a simulated mine emergency.

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management 24 CENTRAL SUPPORT SERVICES

inquiries and public records requests, website Central Support Services development, and other marketing and public affairs support. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) The Central Services IT section is responsible for FISCAL SERVICES providing IT support and leadership for DMRM, Inventory, purchasing, and fiscal responsibilities including project management, business analysis, and include preparing and monitoring the annual budgets developing and maintaining the Division’s computer and grants; developing internal budget controls programs/applications such as SharePoint, the AML and tracking all DMRM accounts; processing Electronic Project System, the Central Tracking expenditures; revenue deposits and reconciliations; System, the Electronic Coal Permitting System, and the and maintaining equipment inventory and Fleet Ohio Division’s Geographic Information Systems. files.

The staff analyzes business processes and deploys HUMAN RESOURCES solutions to improve business efficiencies. Additionally, Human resources and labor management IT staff routinely works with employees to support all responsibilities include handling all activities hardware and software needs, as well as coordinate related to hiring, transferring, retiring or separating computer training. employees; employee certification and training; and coordinating employee benefits and training COMMUNICATIONS opportunities. Communications staff responsibilities include publications development, media relations, public

(ABOVE) CCU Coal & Construction D-2226 (Hunt Permit) reclamation.

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Mineral Resources Management ohiodnr.gov

2020 Annual Report - Division of Mineral Resources Management