The Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement (DMRE) is responsible for inspecting all surface and underground coal mining permits in the state to assure compliance with the 1977 Federal Surface Mining Control Act (SMCRA).

The DMRE is also responsible for regulating and enforcing the surface mining reclamation laws for non-coal mining sites in the state, including limestone, sand, gravel, shale and the surface effects of dredging river sand and gravel.

The DMRE is one of three agencies within the Department for Natural Resources (DNR) responsible for administering Kentucky's mining, reclamation, and abandoned mine land laws. The DMRE works closely with the Division of Mine Permits and the Division of Abandoned Mine Lands to ensure that all established standards of operation are addressed and that the public and the environment are protected.

Notices to Industry

The Department for Natural Resources has created a new Access-based SME-90 form for reporting active surface and ground water monitoring data. The new form contains the same informational fields as the previous Word-based Water Quality Data Entry form and is designed to interface with DNR’s Surface Mining Information System (SMIS) database so that users can download a list of permitted monitoring points from SMIS and upload monitoring data on a point by point basis. The SME-90 application and User Guide are available for download at these links.

Please note that the SME-90 is only for active surface and ground water monitoring required by 405 KAR 16:110 / 18:110. Discharge Monitoring Reports required by KPDES permits should be submitted as directed by the Division of Water. For questions concerning surface and ground water monitoring submission requirements, please contact Kristin Gale in the Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement. For help with technical aspects of the new SME-90 form, please contact Jim Neal in the Division of Mine Permits. For questions regarding permitted water monitoring points as listed in the permit application or Surface Mining Information System, please contact Danita LaSage in the Division of Mine Permits.
Attention: As of June 28, 2016 the Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement has relocated to the new state office building located at 300 Sower Boulevard, 2nd floor, Frankfort, KY 40601. Please address all correspondence to the division at our new address.
Check out the new SME-90 User Guide for active ground and surface water monitoring.
The Kentucky Reclamation Guaranty Fund was established to ensure adequate bonding for mine reclamation in the event of bond forfeiture. Important information concerning the implementation of the fund can be found in this document, The Kentucky Reclamation Guaranty Fund Letter. Questions should be directed to Danny Hall by calling 502-564-6940 or via e-mail at Danny.Hall@ky.gov
DMRE now accepts bond release submittals electronically. The forms needed can be found by opening the SME-87A Application for Permanent Program Bond Release zip file. Two files are included: the SMP-87A electronic form and the permittee signature page. If additional plantings have occurred since Phase I, the SMP-23 will need to be included as an additional attachment. Please sign the permittee signature page and attach it to the SMP-87A form.Consult the electronic submission user guide for naming conventions. You will also find instructions for submitting the electronic forms to the DMRE regional office FTP site.
Archived Notices to Industry prior to 2013

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