PURPOSE: This rule complies with section 536.023(3), RSMo which requires each agency to adopt as a rule, a description of its operation and the methods and procedures where the public may obtain information or make submissions or requests.

1. (1) Chapter 444, RSMo establishes the Land Reclamation Commission to regulate surface mining in the state. The commission consists of seven (7) members. Four (4) members are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. The remaining three (3) members serve on the commission by virtue of their office and consist of the state geologist, the director of the Department of Conservation and the director of staff of the Clean Water Commission.
2. (2) The Land Reclamation Commission provides regulation and control of strip mining as necessary to minimize its injurious effects on the people and resources of the state. The commission carries out its mission by operating a permitting system with bonds required to guarantee that the reclamation requirements are met. Final inspections, conducted by the director of the commission or his/her staff, are made at each site affected by mining before the bonds are released by the commission.
3. (3) Questions and requests for information relating to the activities and meetings of the commission may be directed to the director of the Land Reclamation Commission, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

AUTHORITY: section 444.530, RSMo 1994.* Original rule filed June 14, 1976, effective Nov. 15, 1976. Amended: Filed Sept. 15, 1994, effective April 30, 1995. *Original authority: 444.530, RSMo 1971, amended 1983, 1990, 1993. Op. Atty. Gen. No. 235, Bond (6-18-74). The positions of executive secretary of the Air Conservation Commission, Clean Water Commission, and Interagency Council for Outdoor Recreation are abolished and the director of the Department of Natural Resources shall cause the policies of these 10 CSR 40-1 boards to be executed and directors of staff shall be appointed by the director of the department to service these agencies; the position of director of the Land Reclamation Commission continues and the commission shall select such director who shall be the “director of staff”; and none of these positions are merit positions under Chapter 36, RSMo.