Act 54

Bituminous underground mining activities in Pennsylvania are regulated by DEP under the Bituminous Mine Subsidence and Land Conservation Act (BMSLCA) of 1966 which calls for protection of structures, including buildings, homes and cemeteries. BMSLCA was amended in 1980 and again in 1994. The 1994 amendment, known as Act 54, included provisions for protection and restoration of water supplies affected by mining and additional remedies for structural damage. It also required regular assessment of the underground mining regulatory program. The specific regulations pertaining to this program are codified in 25 Pa. Code Chapters 86 and 89.

Protection of streams and their uses is regulated under 25 Pa Code Chapter 89 as well as the Clean Streams Law, and informed by 25 Pa. Code Chapters 93, 94, 96 and 105. An underground mine operator must demonstrate that activities are designed in such a way as to prevent damage to aquifers and perennial streams (§§ 89.35 and 89.36).

Under the Act 54 amendments to BMSLCA, DEP is required to compile data and report findings regarding the effects of underground mining on land, structures and water resources. This review is done with assistance from professionals with appropriate expertise as stipulated by Act 54. A Report is prepared and presented to the Governor, General Assembly and the Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) every five years.

The Act 54 Report is deemed to be an important audit of Pennsylvania's underground mining program providing the public, organizations, and the mining industry with an opportunity to review and comment on the program and allowing DEP and overseeing parties to consider program edits and improvements.

5th Report (2014-2018)

Data collection and analysis is currently in process with the next report to be delivered to the DEP in August 31, 2019.

Agreement and scope of work (PDF)

Act 54 Report on the Impacts of Underground Coal Mining (2008 - 2013)

Assessment of the Effects of Subsidence (ACT 54) Report 2008-2013 (2015)

An internal review of the report "The Effects of Subsidence Resulting from Underground Bituminous Coal Mining 2008-2013" by Tonsor, et al., University of Pittsburgh, August 30, 2014, and related public comments (PDF)

Act 54 Report on the Impacts of Underground Coal Mining (2003 - 2008)

Title Page (PDF)
Table of Contents (PDF)
Executive Summary (PDF)
Section I: Introduction (PDF)
Section II: Data Collection and Methods of Analysis (PDF)
Section III: Underground Bituminous Coal Mining During the 3rd Assessment Period (PDF)
Section IV: A Summary of the PADEP Observations on the Effects of Undermining I-79 (PDF)
Section V: Effects of Mining on Structures (PDF)
Section VI: Effects of Mining on Water Supplies (PDF)
Section VII: Effects of Mining on Land (PDF)
Section VIII: Effects of Mining on Stream (PDF)
Section VIX: Effects of Mining on Wetlands – Recent Progress (PDF)
Section X: Discussion, Summary, Conclusions (PDF)
References (PDF)
Appendices

Appendix A: Mining Activity during the 3rd Assessment Period (PDF)
Appendix B (PDF)

B1: Summary of Reported Effects from Active and Closed Mines
B2: Summary of Reported Effects occurring in the 2nd Assessment Period at Active Mines and their Resolution Status at the end of the 3rd Assessment Period

Appendix C - Part 1: Maps from the University GIS Database Depicting Mining Extent, Overburden, and Surface Features (PDF)
Appendix C - Part 2: Maps from the University GIS Database Depicting Mining Extent, Overburden, and Surface Features (PDF)
Appendix C - Part 3: Maps from the University GIS Database Depicting Mining Extent, Overburden, and Surface Features (PDF)
Appendix C - Part 4: Maps from the University GIS Database Depicting Mining Extent, Overburden, and Surface Features (PDF)
Appendix D (PDF)

D1: Bailey Mine -- Information on Streams Undermined by Longwall Mines during the 3rd Assessment Period and Surveyed by the University of Pittsburgh
D2: Blacksville No.2 -- Information on Streams Undermined by Longwall Mines during the 3rd Assessment Period and Surveyed by the University of Pittsburgh
D3: Cumberland Mine -- Information on Streams Undermined by Longwall Mines during the 3rd Assessment Period and Surveyed by the University of Pittsburgh
D4: Emerald Mine -- Information on Streams Undermined by Longwall Mines during the 3rd Assessment Period and Surveyed by the University of Pittsburgh
D5: Enlow Fork Mine -- Information on Streams Undermined by Longwall Mines during the 3rd Assessment Period and Surveyed by the University of Pittsburgh

Appendix E (PDF)

E1: Stream Investigation Reports for the 3rd Assessment Period
E2: Stream Re-Surveyed from the 2nd Assessment Period with Mitigation Work and Flow Status Observations (made by the University)

Appendix F (PDF)

F1: Summary of Re-Survey of Problem Streams from the 2nd Assessment Period
F2: Summary of Survey of Stream with Reported Effects from the 3rd Assessment Period

Appendix G (PDF)

G1: Undermined Wetland during the 3rd Assessment Period Sorted by Mine
G2: Wetland Inventory for Enlow Fork Mine, Panels F12 to F18 Permit Revision
G3: Wetland Inventory for the Cumberland Mine, Collected in 2004

Plate 1

The following additional reports are available by contacting DEP's Bureau of Mining Programs:

Act 54 Report on the Impacts of Underground Coal Mining (1998 - 2003)
Supplemental Report on the Effects of Underground Coal Mining (February 2001)
Act 54 Report on the Impacts of Underground Coal Mining (1993 - 1998)