♻️Wyoming Approves Wind Turbine Blade Disposal in Coal Mining
Wyoming Regulatory Program
Summary
We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), are approving an amendment to the Wyoming regulatory program (hereinafter, the Wyoming Program or Program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). On its own initiative, the Wyoming Land Quality Division (LQD), in response to State legislative changes enacted in 2020, proposed rules to its Program that facilitate the disposal of inert decommissioned wind turbine blades and towers as backfill in end walls or the final pit voids in surface coal mining operations. In addition, Wyoming has updated Chapter 2 of its Coal Rules, titled "Permit Application Requirements for Surface Coal Mining Operations," to provide consistency with the Wyoming Secretary of State's Rules on Rules, as well as correct grammatical errors.
Agencies
- Interior Department
- Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Office
Business Impact
$$ - Med
The amendment facilitates the disposal of decommissioned wind turbine blades in surface coal mining operations, impacting compliance and operational practices for coal mining companies in Wyoming. This presents both regulatory requirements for backfill operations and potential financial implications, including a revenue-sharing component with the state.