97-23722. National Recreation Areas; Smith River National Recreational Area  

  • [Federal Register Volume 62, Number 173 (Monday, September 8, 1997)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 47167-47178]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 97-23722]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
    
    Forest Service
    
    36 CFR Part 292
    
    RIN 0596-AB39
    
    
    National Recreation Areas; Smith River National Recreational Area
    
    AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
    
    ACTION: Proposed rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This notice of proposed rulemaking sets forth the procedures 
    by which the Forest Service proposes to regulate mineral operations on 
    National Forest System lands within the Smith River National Recreation 
    Area. Required by statute, this proposed rule would supplement existing 
    Forest Service mineral regulations. The intended effect is to allow for 
    mineral operations in a manner consistent with the purposes for which 
    Congress established the Smith River National Recreation Area.
    
    DATES: Comments must be received in writing by November 7, 1997.
    
    ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Director, Minerals and Geology 
    Management Staff, MAIL STOP 1126, Forest Service, USDA, PO Box 96090, 
    Washington, DC 20090-6090. All comments, including names and addresses 
    when provided, will be placed in the record and are made available for 
    public inspection and copying.
        The public may inspect comments received on this proposed rule in 
    the office of the Director, Fourth floor, Central Wing, Auditors 
    Building, 201 Fourteenth Street SW., Washington, DC, between the hours 
    of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Those wishing to inspect comments are 
    encouraged to call (202) 205-1535 ahead of time to facilitate entry 
    into the building.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    Sam Hotchkiss, Minerals and Geology Management Staff, (202) 205-1535.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Smith River National Recreation Area 
    (SRNRA) was established by the Smith River National Recreation Area Act 
    of 1990 (the Act) (16 U.S.C. 460bbb et seq.). The purposes of the Act 
    are to ensure, ``* * * the preservation, protection, enhancement, and 
    interpretation for present and future generations of the Smith River 
    Watershed's outstanding wild and scenic rivers, ecological diversity, 
    and recreation opportunities while providing for the wise use and 
    sustained productivity of its natural resources * * *.'' In order to 
    meet the purposes of the Act, Congress directed the Forest Service to 
    administer the SRNRA to, among other things, provide for a broad range 
    of recreation uses and improve fisheries and water quality. Subject to 
    valid existing rights, Congress prohibited locatable mineral 
    operations, prohibited mineral leasing (including leasing of geothermal 
    resources), and limited the extraction of mineral materials within the 
    SRNRA to situations where the material extracted is used for 
    construction and maintenance of roads and other facilities within the 
    SRNRA and in certain areas specifically excluded from the SRNRA by the 
    Act.
        The SRNRA consists of approximately 300,000 acres of National 
    Forest System lands in the Six Rivers National Forest in northern 
    California. The Act divided the SRNRA into eight distinct management 
    areas and specified a management emphasis for each. There are also four 
    areas within the exterior boundary of the SRNRA that are expressly 
    excluded from the provisions of the Act.
        One of the eight management areas established by the Act is the 
    Siskiyou Wilderness, most of which was established on September 26, 
    1984. The Gasquet-Orleans Corridor was added to the Siskiyou Wilderness 
    by the Act in 1990. The Act specified that the Siskiyou Wilderness be 
    managed pursuant to the provisions of the Wilderness Act. In accordance 
    with section 4(d)(3) of the Wilderness Act, the federal lands within 
    the Siskiyou Wilderness (excluding the Gasquet-Orleans Corridor 
    addition) were withdrawn from the operation of the mining and mineral 
    leasing laws, subject to valid existing rights, as of September 26, 
    1984.
        The Act also redesignated the following rivers or river segments 
    and some of their tributaries as components of the National Wild and 
    Scenic Rivers System: (1) The Smith River; (2) the Middle Fork of the 
    Smith River; (3) the North Fork of the Smith River; (4) the Siskiyou 
    Fork of the Smith River; and (5) the South Fork of the Smith River. 
    These same rivers and most of the designated tributaries had previously 
    been designated components of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System on 
    January 19, 1981, pursuant to section 2(a)(ii) of the Wild and Scenic 
    Rivers Act. The Act designated as wild segments two tributaries which 
    had not been designated on January 19, 1981--Peridotite Creek, 
    tributary to the North Fork of the Smith River; and Harrington Creek, 
    tributary to the South Fork of the Smith River which is within the 
    Siskiyou Wilderness. The Act also
    
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    changed the classification of some tributaries designated in 1981 from 
    recreational to scenic or wild. For example, the lower 2.5 mile segment 
    of Myrtle Creek, tributary to the Middle Fork of the Smith River, was 
    reclassified as wild. In the Act, Congress directed that these wild and 
    scenic rivers and their designated tributaries be administered in 
    accordance with the Act and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. In the 
    event of a conflict between the provisions of these two statutes, 
    Congress specified that provisions of the more restrictive statute 
    would apply. In accordance with section 9(a)(iii) of the Wild and 
    Scenic Rivers Act, the federal lands within segments of wild and scenic 
    rivers classified ``wild'' are withdrawn from the operation of the 
    mining and mineral leasing laws, subject to valid existing rights.
        Consequently, there are three different dates of withdrawal which 
    apply to federal lands within the SRNRA. Federal lands within segments 
    of the aforementioned five wild and scenic rivers that were originally 
    classified ``wild'' were withdrawn from the operation of the mining and 
    mineral leasing laws subject to valid existing rights on January 19, 
    1981, pursuant to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Federal lands within 
    the Siskiyou Wilderness (excluding the Gasquet-Orleans Corridor 
    addition) not previously withdrawn were withdrawn subject to valid 
    existing rights on September 26, 1984, pursuant to the Wilderness Act. 
    The remaining federal lands in the SRNRA (including segments of the 
    aforementioned wild and scenic rivers that had originally been 
    classified ``scenic'' or ``recreational'' and the Gasquet-Orleans 
    Corridor addition to the Siskiyou Wilderness) were withdrawn subject to 
    valid existing rights on November 16, 1990, pursuant to the Act.
        Mining and prospecting for minerals have been an important part of 
    the history of the Smith River area since the 1850's. Mining operations 
    within the Smith River area historically have been small-scale placer 
    gold exploration and recovery operations within the bed and banks of 
    the Smith River and its main tributaries. Panning, sluicing, and 
    dredging operations occur predominantly during the summer months. In 
    recent years, large, low-grade nickel-cobalt resources in the uplands 
    of the Smith River watershed have attracted attention. As of May 1997, 
    there were approximately 305 mining claims, covering about 7,700 acres 
    of National Forest System lands within the SRNRA. However, none of 
    these claims are for mill site locations. There are no active 
    operations on lands with outstanding mineral rights. As of July 1, 
    1997, two plans of operations have been approved for the 1997 operating 
    season.
        In section 8 of the Act, Congress addressed to what extent mineral 
    operations would be authorized within the SRNRA. Section 8(a) of the 
    Act withdrew all federal lands in the SRNRA from the operation of the 
    United States mining and mineral leasing laws (including laws governing 
    the leasing of geothermal resources) subject to valid existing rights. 
    As noted earlier, the withdrawal would apply only to those federal 
    lands which had not previously been withdrawn under the authority of 
    the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act or the Wilderness Act.
        Section 8(b) of the Act precluded the issuance of patents for 
    locations and claims made under United States mining laws prior to the 
    establishment of the SRNRA.
        Section 8(c) of the Act prohibited locatable mineral operations 
    within the SRNRA except where valid existing rights are present. This 
    subsection also prohibited the issuance of new mineral leases for lands 
    in the SRNRA and, except where valid existing rights are present, 
    prohibited operations on existing mineral leases for lands in the 
    SRNRA. Section 8(c) further prohibited the issuance of new contracts or 
    permits for lands in the SRNRA authorizing the extraction of mineral 
    materials such as stone, sand, and gravel unless those mineral 
    materials are to be used in the construction and maintenance of roads 
    and other facilities within the SRNRA and/or the excluded areas. 
    Finally, section 8(c) prohibited operations conducted pursuant to 
    existing mineral material contracts and permits, except where valid 
    existing rights are present.
        Section 8(d) directed the Secretary to promulgate supplementary 
    regulations to promote and protect the purposes for which the SRNRA was 
    designated.
        The only locatable mineral development activities that may occur in 
    the SRNRA are (1) those for the purpose of gathering information to 
    confirm or demonstrate a discovery of a valuable mineral deposit made 
    prior to the date that the lands at issue were withdrawn from the 
    operation of the United States mining laws; (2) those for the purpose 
    of obtaining evidence for a mineral contest hearing; and (3) those for 
    which the Forest Service has confirmed that valid existing rights are 
    present and for which the Forest Service has issued the required 
    authorization for the proposed operations.
        Mineral material operations may also occur in the SRNRA pursuant to 
    contracts or permits issued on or after November 16, 1990, providing 
    that the mineral materials are to be used in the construction and 
    maintenance of roads and other facilities within the SRNRA and/or the 
    excluded areas. Exercise of outstanding mineral rights may also occur 
    in the SRNRA after the Forest Service has confirmed that those rights 
    are present and has issued any required authorization for those 
    proposed operations.
        On or about November 8, 1994, California Nickel Corporation (the 
    ``Corporation''), the largest mining claim holder in the SRNRA, filed 
    suit against the Department of Agriculture in the United States 
    District Court for the Northern District of California alleging 
    violations of the Act (California Nickel Corporation v. Glickman, No. 
    C94-3904 DLJ (N.D. Cal.)). Specifically, the Corporation alleged that 
    the Department had unreasonably delayed in promulgating the subject 
    regulations which are required under the Act. The Forest Service did 
    not disagree that Section 8(d) requires the promulgation of 
    regulations; and, in fact, the agency had made some preliminary 
    progress in developing regulations prior to the initiation of this 
    lawsuit.
        Following the publication of final supplementary regulations by the 
    Forest Service in the Federal Register on April 3, 1996, the 
    Corporation amended its complaint to challenge the substance of the 
    final regulations. Among other things, the Corporation alleged that the 
    final rule was arbitrary and capricious and violated the due process 
    protections afforded under the United States Constitution.
        The Government disagreed. However, on March 14, 1997, the district 
    court agreed with the Corporation and set aside the April 3, 1996, 
    final supplementary regulations. Specifically, the court held that the 
    provision in the final rule which limited to five years the period for 
    which a plan of operations may be approved was arbitrary and 
    capricious, because the agency had failed to adequately address whether 
    such a provision might result in a taking of private property. The 
    court additionally held that the failure to establish a timetable for 
    the Forest Service's review of plans of operations was arbitrary and 
    capricious, because the rationale for not having a timetable had not 
    been adequately presented. Finally, the court held that the Forest 
    Service's failure to include a provision in the final rule that would 
    enable an operator to obtain review by the Department of the Interior 
    of a Forest Service determination that the operator did not possess 
    valid existing rights was a denial of due process.
    
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        Although the Department respectfully disagrees with the district 
    court's analysis of the legal sufficiency of the April 3, 1996, final 
    rule, it chose not to seek an appeal before the Court of Appeals for 
    the Ninth Circuit, since it would inevitably add more time to what has 
    already become a lengthy process. Rather, the decision was made to 
    modify those provisions of the April 3, 1996, final rule which the 
    district court deemed objectionable, in a way that would ensure that 
    the purposes for which Congress established the SRNRA would not be 
    compromised. This new proposed rule reflects that balance.
    
    Provisions of the Proposed Rule
    
        This proposed rule has been prepared pursuant to section 8(d) of 
    the Act and it addresses the concerns identified by the district court 
    in its March 14, 1997, decision. The proposed rule would supplement 
    existing Forest Service regulations pertaining to locatable mineral 
    operations and mineral material operations in the SRNRA and provide new 
    regulations pertaining to outstanding mineral rights on National Forest 
    System lands in the SRNRA. Accordingly, mineral operations in the SRNRA 
    would be subject not only to the provisions of this rule, but also to 
    the applicable provisions of 36 CFR parts 228, 251, and 261, among 
    others. The proposed rule clearly states that if there is a conflict or 
    inconsistency between this rule and other applicable regulations, this 
    rule would take precedence to the extent permitted by law.
        The proposed rule divides mineral operations in the SRNRA into 
    three categories--operations for locatable minerals under the United 
    States mining laws, operations for outstanding mineral rights, and 
    operations for mineral materials. The Act withdrew all federal lands 
    within the SRNRA from operation of the mineral leasing laws, including 
    the laws governing the leasing of geothermal resources, subject to 
    valid existing rights. Since no new leases can be issued and there are 
    no existing mineral leases within the SRNRA, leasing will not be 
    discussed in the proposed rule. In addition, there are no reserved 
    mineral rights in the SRNRA; consequently, there is no need to address 
    this category of mineral ownership in the proposed rule. In the event 
    that reserved mineral rights are established at some later date in the 
    SRNRA, the agency will evaluate the applicable regulations currently 
    set forth at 36 CFR 251.15 to determine whether sufficient protection 
    can be afforded for the values for which the SRNRA was established. If 
    not, then the agency would evaluate the need for further amendments to 
    this rule.
        The proposed rule is specifically designed to supplement existing 
    locatable mineral regulations at 36 CFR part 228, subpart A, and thus 
    to provide a greater degree of protection for the natural resource 
    values identified in the SRNRA than would be provided under current 
    regulations alone. This additional protection would be accomplished 
    through: (1) The expansion of the types of mineral operations subject 
    to the requirement for a plan of operations; (2) the establishment of 
    additional reclamation standards; (3) the recognition that the Forest 
    Service may disapprove a plan of operations; (4) a procedure to modify 
    a previously approved plan of operations; and (5) expedited suspension 
    procedures when harm or damage to resources or to people is imminent or 
    is occurring. These and the other provisions of the proposed rule would 
    enable the Forest Service to administer mineral operations in the SRNRA 
    consistent with the purposes for which the area was established.
    
    Section-by-Section Explanation of the Proposed Rule
    
        This proposed rule would establish a new subpart G, Smith River 
    National Recreation Area, in part 292 of Title 36 of the Code of 
    Federal Regulations. A section-by-section explanation of the proposed 
    rule follows.
    
    Section 292.60, Purpose and Scope
    
        Paragraph (a) of the proposed rule in Sec. 292.60 explains that the 
    purpose of this rule is to establish the rules and procedures for 
    regulating mineral operations on National Forest System lands in the 
    SRNRA so that they are in conformance with the Act. Paragraph (b) 
    explains that rules and procedures in this rule apply only to mineral 
    operations on National Forest System lands in the SRNRA. Paragraph (c) 
    notes that this rule supplements existing Forest Service regulations 
    and that mineral operations on National Forest System lands in the 
    SRNRA will continue to be subject to other applicable regulations 
    governing these activities, particularly parts 228, 251, and 261 of 
    this chapter. Paragraph (d) states that, to the extent allowable by 
    law, the provisions of this rule shall take precedence over the 
    provisions of other applicable regulations if there is a conflict or 
    inconsistency between them. Finally, paragraph (e) states that certain 
    mineral operations approved before the effective date of this proposed 
    rule would continue to operate under the conditions of approval, 
    including the specified period of operations, providing that those 
    operations are based on the existence of valid existing rights.
    
    Section 292.61, Definitions
    
        This section defines special terms used in the proposed rule, some 
    of which have been previously established or used in other rules or 
    directives. However, the definitions included in the proposed 
    Sec. 292.61 define the terms as they are used in this proposed rule.
    
    Section 292.62, Valid Existing Rights
    
        Proposed Sec. 292.62(a) sets forth the definition of ``valid 
    existing rights'' which the agency will use in making its determination 
    concerning whether an applicant may engage in mining activity in the 
    SRNRA. The date of withdrawal of National Forest System lands in the 
    SRNRA from the operation of the mining and mineral leasing laws differs 
    depending on whether the lands are within segments of the five wild and 
    scenic rivers and their tributaries originally classified ``wild'', the 
    Siskiyou Wilderness (excluding the Gasquet-Orleans Corridor addition), 
    or the rest of the SRNRA (including the scenic and recreational 
    segments of the five wild and scenic rivers and their designated 
    tributaries and the Gasquet-Orleans Corridor addition to the Siskiyou 
    Wilderness). These withdrawal dates are critical in the determination 
    of valid existing rights.
        Proposed Sec. 292.62(b) clarifies the limitation of a mineral 
    operation that the operator is permitted to conduct in order to confirm 
    discovery of a valuable mineral deposit. This provision would authorize 
    the approval of a plan of operations for limited mineral operations for 
    the purposes of gathering information to confirm or demonstrate the 
    discovery of a valuable mineral deposit made prior to the date that the 
    lands at issue were withdrawn from the operation of the United States 
    mining laws. Such operations may be necessary in certain circumstances 
    to meet the requirements of Sec. 292.64(a) or to obtain evidence for an 
    upcoming mineral contest hearing. Case law discusses the limited 
    circumstances where an operator may conduct mining operations in areas 
    withdrawn from mineral entry prior to a final determination of valid 
    existing rights (United States v. Mavros, 122 IBLA 297 (1992) and 
    United States v. Crowley, 124 IBLA 374 (1992)). First, an operator must 
    demonstrate that there has been an exposure of valuable minerals. If 
    such a showing is made, authorization may be granted for the mining 
    claimant to enter the claim(s) to gather information to
    
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    substantiate that a discovery existed as of the date of withdrawal and, 
    if necessary, the date of an impending contest hearing. The scope of 
    the mineral operations which may be approved pursuant to this section 
    is limited to confirming the pre-existing discovery of a valuable 
    mineral deposit and confirming the extent of the mineral deposit. 
    Mineral operations which constitute prospecting or exploration or any 
    other type of activity to disclose a deposit not exposed prior to the 
    withdrawal are not allowed. Examples of the type of limited activities 
    for information gathering purposes that have been found permissible 
    include drilling to sample a previously disclosed valuable mineral 
    deposit or reopening a caved portion of a previously driven adit to 
    take samples of the mineral that had been exposed prior to withdrawal 
    of the lands from mineral entry. However, an operator has no right to 
    conduct any mining activities on land withdrawn from mineral entry to 
    find mineralization rather than to confirm the existence and extent of 
    valuable mineral deposits previously found.
    
    Section 292.63, Plan of Operations Supplementary Requirements
    
        Proposed Sec. 292.63(a) would reduce the amount of discretion that 
    the authorized officer currently has under 36 CFR 228.4(a) in 
    determining whether a plan of operations or a notice of intent is 
    required for a proposed mineral operation. In addition to the 
    requirements of 36 CFR 228.4 for submitting a plan of operations or a 
    notice of intent, this proposed rule would require a plan of operations 
    for some mineral operations that in other locations may have been 
    routinely conducted under a notice of intent. For example, to operate 
    mechanical or motorized equipment such as a suction dredge and sluice 
    under the proposed rule would require a plan of operations. Given the 
    special status of the SRNRA and the special statutory management 
    direction for the area set by Congress, further regulation of these 
    kinds of operations is necessary in order to maintain the resource 
    values which prompted its designation.
        Many information requirements specified in proposed Sec. 292.63(b) 
    are for the same information that has been routinely gathered by the 
    Forest Service from Bureau of Land Management records, county records, 
    and the operator when a plan of operations is submitted for an area 
    withdrawn from the operation of the United States mining laws subject 
    to valid existing rights. Requiring the operator to submit this 
    information as part of the plan of operations should decrease the cost 
    and the amount of time it takes for the Forest Service to collect the 
    information, and, thereby, to make a valid existing rights 
    determination.
        Proposed Sec. 292.63(c) outlines the minimum operating information 
    that must be included in a plan of operations in the SRNRA. The 
    information requirements found at 36 CFR 228.4(c) and 228.8 that are 
    generally applicable for a plan of operations on National Forest System 
    lands are also applicable to a plan of operations proposed within the 
    SRNRA. In addition to these specific information requirements, this 
    proposed rule would require an operator who is not the claim owner to 
    submit a copy of the authorization granting the operator permission to 
    conduct operations on a mining claim owned by another party.
        Proposed Sec. 292.63(c) (1), (2), and (3) would require an 
    operating plan to address environmental protection requirements of 
    Sec. 228.2 by identifying hazardous materials, toxic materials, and 
    similar chemical substances to be used during mineral operations and 
    how they will be disposed of; identifying the character and composition 
    of mineral wastes that will be used or generated and a proposed method 
    or strategy for the placement, control, isolation, or removal of the 
    wastes; and how public health and safety are to be maintained. Proposed 
    Sec. 292.63(c) (1), (2) and (3) are proposed in order to protect 
    natural resources from unnecessary environmental damage and to protect 
    human health and safety as well as wildlife from unnecessary or 
    dangerous risk from exposure to hazardous or toxic substances. There 
    are significant environmental problems associated with past mining 
    activities and practices that could have been avoided or mitigated if 
    preliminary waste characterization or the proper storage, use and 
    disposal of hazardous substances had occurred. For example, mining 
    activities when sulfide minerals (e.g., pyrite, marcasite, and 
    pyrrhotite) are present are likely to produce acid rock drainage 
    resulting in contamination of waters of the United States and 
    destruction of fish, amphibians, biota, and vegetation. Improper 
    storage or use of mercury or cyanide in gold recovery operations have 
    resulted in contamination of soils and surface and ground water and may 
    adversely affect fish and wildlife, as well as pose a risk to human 
    health and safety. Suction dredge operations utilize petroleum 
    products, which if improperly used, stored or disposed of, result in 
    contamination of soils and water and, potentially, groundwater, as well 
    as adversely affecting fish and wildlife. The SRNRA has habitat for 
    threatened and endangered species. It is also a popular recreation 
    area. If mine waste is characterized at the plan of operations stage, 
    then that information can be used to determine the appropriate mine 
    design and to determine the treatment and disposal of waste and 
    tailings to mitigate impacts and prevent unnecessary environmental 
    damage and risks to people, fish, and wildlife. Likewise, if hazardous 
    materials and other toxic materials, including but not limited to 
    pesticides, herbicides, and petroleum products, are described at the 
    plan of operations stage, then that information can be used to prevent 
    improper use, storage, and disposal.
        Proposed Sec. 292.63(c)(3) would require reclamation concurrent 
    with operations to the extent practicable. The existing regulations at 
    36 CFR 228.8(g) allow the authorized officer several options for 
    determining when reclamation activities can occur. These activities can 
    take place upon depletion of the mineral deposit, during the operation 
    if practicable, or within one year after the operations have concluded, 
    unless the authorized officer allows for a longer time. In contrast, 
    reclamation activities for mineral operations under the proposed rule 
    would occur concurrently with the mineral operations whenever 
    practicable. A requirement for concurrent reclamation would allow for 
    the land disturbed by the mining activity to be reclaimed in the 
    shortest possible time. This requirement is consistent with the 
    statutory requirements to protect and preserve the values of the SRNRA.
    
    Section 292.64, Plan of Operations
    
        Proposed Sec. 292.64 establishes the procedures by which a plan of 
    operation for mineral operations on mining claims in the SRNRA would be 
    processed.
        Proposed Sec. 292.64(a) explains that the first item considered by 
    the authorized officer, except when the plan is for limited mineral 
    operations for purposes described in Sec. 292.62(b), is whether the 
    plan contains sufficient information for the Forest Service's review of 
    the operator's claim that valid existing rights are present. For 
    reasons of efficiency, it is logical for the authorized officer to 
    first determine whether valid existing rights are present before 
    reviewing that part of the plan which describes how the operator 
    proposes to develop the mineral deposit. The proposed rule specifies 
    that within 120 days of the submission of a plan of operations, the 
    authorized officer must notify the operator in writing whether
    
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    the information provided was sufficient for the Forest Service's review 
    of the operator's claim that valid existing rights are present. If the 
    authorized officer concludes that additional information from the 
    operator is necessary to review the operator's claim that valid 
    existing rights are present, he or she shall inform the operator of 
    what information needs to be provided. Upon the submission of all such 
    information, the authorized officer shall promptly notify the operator 
    in writing of the anticipated date of completion of the valid existing 
    rights determination, which shall not be more than two years from the 
    date of the notice. If the operator fails to provide sufficient 
    information for the Forest Service's review of the operator's claim 
    that valid existing rights are present, the Forest Service has no 
    obligation to evaluate whether the operator has valid existing rights 
    or to process the operator's proposed plan of operations.
        An on-the-ground examination and written report by a certified 
    mineral examiner is required for the agency to make a determination of 
    valid existing rights for unpatented mining claims located within the 
    SRNRA. The field examination and report may often take as much as two 
    years to complete, due to such factors as the weather, accessibility of 
    field sites, the availability of qualified personnel, preparation of 
    environmental documents for sampling, and research and analysis.
        The season for conducting field work in the SRNRA in order to 
    determine valid existing rights is limited to approximately five 
    months, May through September, due to the weather. This area annually 
    receives about 80-90 inches of rain, predominantly from October through 
    April. Back country roads and trails to mining claims may become 
    impassable, and rain swollen rivers and streams cannot be safely 
    sampled for gold placer deposits until the waters recede in the spring. 
    During the winter, the agency determines the schedule for field 
    examinations of mining claims; therefore, mining plans of operations 
    that are submitted to the Forest Service during the spring or summer 
    months cannot be scheduled until the following winter.
        The scheduling of mining claim examinations is also greatly 
    affected by the availability of certified review mineral examiners and 
    mineral examiners. Forest Service manual direction on locatable 
    minerals (FSM 2803) requires that only Forest Service certified review 
    mineral examiners and mineral examiners conduct examinations involving 
    mining claim validity and valid existing rights determinations. There 
    are fifty-five (55) certified review mineral examiners and mineral 
    examiners nationwide, but only five (5) in the Pacific Southwest Region 
    of the Forest Service where the SRNRA is located. Generally, a 
    certified mineral examiner schedules a field examination for a case 
    involving validity with one year advance notice. Complex and/or large-
    scale mining cases may require two or more mineral examiners working 
    together to complete the project. Therefore, the on-the-ground 
    examination of a mining claim that is required for determination of 
    valid existing rights may have to be scheduled to take place the 
    calendar year following the submission of a plan of operations.
        Field examination also may have to be preceded by a review of the 
    environmental impacts associated with the field activity pursuant to 
    the National Environmental Policy Act. Environmental impacts needs to 
    be assessed whenever fieldwork entails trenching or some other form of 
    excavation to prepare the site for sampling that might result in a 
    disturbance of surface resources. The timeframes for conducting such a 
    review would typically depend on a number of factors including, among 
    other things, the magnitude and type of the proposed sampling, the 
    location and accessibility of the site, other scheduled field 
    examinations, and budgetary and staff constraints. Generally, however, 
    a field examination would be scheduled sometime during the field season 
    of the year after the plan of operations is submitted.
        There are only two Certified Review Mineral Examiners in the 
    Pacific Southwest Region. After the field examination is complete, the 
    Forest Service must analyze the data collected and prepare a written 
    report. The analysis typically involves estimating the quantity and 
    quality of the minerals in the deposit, compiling market data, 
    calculating development and production costs (including reclamation and 
    environmental mitigation costs), and preparing discounted cash flow or 
    similar analyses. Additional time may be needed to prepare maps and 
    exhibits and to present the data and findings in a written report that 
    must be approved by a certified review mineral examiner. The report 
    preparation can take several months, depending upon the complexity of 
    the case.
        Proposed Sec. 292.64(a) also would permit the authorized officer, 
    upon a finding of good cause, to notify the operator in writing that an 
    extension of time will be necessary to complete the valid existing 
    rights determination. Situations which might warrant an extension 
    include, but are not limited to: (1) Inaccessibility of the mining 
    claims for a substantial part of a field season from May through 
    September due to fire, flooding, landslides, or other natural 
    conditions; (2) unavailability of specialists needed to conduct a 
    mineral examination or prepare a mineral report due to other non-
    discretionary duties or medical leave; and (3) significant delays in 
    performing surface disturbing activities on the mining claim required 
    for the mineral examination in order to comply with environmental 
    statutes and regulations.
        Proposed Sec. 292.64(b) explains that if the authorized officer 
    determines that valid existing rights are not present, that officer 
    must notify the operator of the determination, the reasons for the 
    determination, that the development activities as stated in the plan of 
    operations cannot be conducted, and that the Forest Service will 
    transmit its mineral report to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in 
    the United States Department of the Interior for review along with a 
    request that the BLM initiate a mineral contest action against the 
    pertinent mining claims. This is consistent with long-standing agency 
    practice.
        Proposed Sec. 292.64(c) provides that determinations by the 
    authorized officer that valid existing rights are not present will be 
    regarded as final agency action not subject to further review or 
    administrative appeal. This is also consistent with long-standing 
    agency practice that adverse determinations referred to the Bureau of 
    Land Management are not decisions subject to appeal since the BLM 
    retains the statutory authority to make the final determination.
        Proposed Sec. 292.64(d) explains that if the authorized officer 
    determines that valid existing rights are present, then the officer 
    will notify the operator of the determination and that the review of 
    the operational details of the plan will proceed. The authorized 
    officer may, if he or she desires, inform the operator of the estimated 
    time he or she thinks will be necessary to complete the evaluation of 
    the plan of operations. Although the agency is committed to processing 
    the plan of operations as expeditiously as possible, there are two 
    reasons the proposed rule does not specify the time by which the review 
    will be completed.
        First, the time to complete the review of a plan of operations will 
    vary dramatically from case to case depending upon the scope of the 
    mining activity contemplated by the operator and the legal requirements 
    with which the Forest Service must comply in
    
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    conducting the review. The review of some proposals for small-scale 
    mining activities that will have a de minimis effect on SRNRA lands and 
    resources could be completed in a few weeks. The review of proposals 
    for large-scale mining operations which would have substantial effects 
    on SRNRA lands and resources, on the other hand, may take a few years 
    to complete. This disparity is based primarily on the legal 
    requirements associated with agency evaluation of proposed actions 
    which could have a major environmental impact. Specifically, compliance 
    with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 
    the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the National Historic 
    Preservation Act (NHPA), among others, can frequently take several 
    years.
        In most instances, a review of large-scale mining operations in the 
    SRNRA would necessarily entail the preparation of an environmental 
    impact statement (EIS) pursuant to NEPA, consultation with the National 
    Marine Fisheries Service and/or the United States Fish and Wildlife 
    Service regarding the effect of the proposed operation on threatened 
    and endangered species pursuant to the ESA, and consultation with the 
    Advisory Council on Historic Preservation regarding the effect of the 
    activity on sites included in the National Register of Historic Places 
    pursaunt to the NHPA. Thus, given the extreme variability in the time 
    it will take to complete its review, the Forest Service has concluded 
    that it would be inappropriate to establish in this rule a ``one size 
    fits all'' timeframe for reviewing plans of operations irrespective of 
    the type of mining operation proposed or the potential impact the 
    activity might have on SRNRA lands and resources.
        Second, as noted above, where large-scale mining operations are 
    contemplated, the Forest Service is legally required to consult with 
    several other federal agencies as part of its review of the plan of 
    operations. Although these other agencies share the Forest Service's 
    desire to fulfill their obligations as quickly and efficiently as 
    possible, the Forest Service recognizes that it has no control over how 
    these other agencies determine their priorities and allocate their 
    resources. Thus, it is deemed inappropriate for the Forest Service to 
    establish a definite time for completing its review of a plan of 
    operations since completing this task depends, at least in part, on 
    input from, and consultations with, other agencies that are beyond the 
    purview of this regulation and outside the Department of Agriculture.
        Proposed Sec. 292.64(e) states that after the minimum informational 
    requirements concerning the operational part of the plan of operations 
    has been submitted, the authorized officer shall notify the operator in 
    writing at the conclusion of the review whether the plan has been 
    approved or disapproved. These information requirements are necessary 
    for the authorized officer to adequately evaluate the operational 
    portion of the proposed plan of operations.
        Proposed Sec. 292.64(f) would require the authorized officer to 
    explain the basis for a decision not to approve the plan of operations. 
    It is current agency policy for the agency to notify the operator 
    whether the proposed plan of operations is approved or not, and if not, 
    a written explanation why it can not be approved.
        Proposed Sec. 292.64(g) would require the authorized officer to 
    establish the time period for which a plan of operations would be 
    approved. The time period would be determined on a case-by-case basis 
    but would be based upon the minimum amount of time that would be 
    reasonably necessary to complete the activities set forth in the plan 
    of operations.
        Proposed Sec. 292.64(h) is a provision that would enable the 
    authorized officer to review and modify a previously approved plan of 
    operations under a strictly limited set of circumstances. For example, 
    a modification may be necessary to bring a previously approved plan of 
    operations into conformance with applicable law and regulation. Or, a 
    modification may be necessary to address new information such as the 
    listing of a new species as threatened or endangered which was not 
    listed the time the plan was approved.
        Proposed Sec. 292.64(i) explains that substantive changes to an 
    already approved plan of operations proposed by the operator must be 
    reviewed and approved by the authorized officer. Under this paragraph, 
    the operator has the option to submit a modification of an approved 
    plan of operations, as provided for in 36 CFR 228.4(e), which clearly 
    identifies the elements that are different from the previously approved 
    plan of operations, or to submit a supplemental plan of operations 
    pursuant to 36 CFR 228.4(d).
    
    Section 292.65, Plan of Operations Suspension
    
        Proposed Sec. 292.65 authorizes the authorized officer to suspend 
    operations under an approved plan of operations, if the operator is not 
    in compliance with applicable law, regulations, or the terms and 
    conditions of the approved plan. If an operator is found to be in 
    noncompliance, the authorized officer must provide the operator with 
    the reasons why the mineral operation is not in compliance with the 
    laws, regulations, or the approved plan of operations; specify what the 
    operator has to do to come into compliance; and specify a reasonable 
    time period to abate the noncompliance. Generally, the operator will 
    have at least 30 days from the date of the notice to correct the 
    noncompliance before a suspension becomes effective. However, for those 
    instances that present an imminent threat of harm to public health, 
    safety, or the environment or where such harm is already occurring, the 
    authorized officer can take immediate action to alleviate the threat or 
    damage. The immediate suspension procedures would allow the authorized 
    officer to take steps to avoid or minimize the risk of harm to persons 
    and the environment. Under the immediate suspension procedures, the 
    authorized officer would be required to notify the operator of the 
    suspension and provide an opportunity for response only after the harm 
    or risk of harm has been abated.
    
    Section 292.66, Operating Plan Requirements
    
        Proposed Sec. 292.66 establishes that operating plans are required 
    for operations involving outstanding mineral rights; that is, mineral 
    rights owned by a party other than the surface owner at the time the 
    surface estate was conveyed to the Federal government.
        Proposed Sec. 292.66(a) specifies that all individuals who want to 
    exercise outstanding mineral rights in the SRNRA must submit an 
    operating plan to the authorized officer.
        Proposed Sec. 292.66(b) specifies the information that an operator 
    must provide in order to conduct mineral operations involving 
    outstanding mineral rights where the surface estate is National Forest 
    System land within the SRNRA. The operating plan must include specific 
    information, such as: (1) The name and legal mailing address of the 
    operator, owner, and any lessees, assigns, and designees; (2) evidence 
    of ownership of the outstanding mineral rights; (3) sketches or maps 
    showing the location of the outstanding mineral rights, the proposed 
    area of operations, and the location and size of areas to be disturbed, 
    including existing or proposed structures, facilities and other 
    improvements; (4) a description of the type of operations including a 
    schedule for construction and drilling; (5) identification of the 
    hazardous materials
    
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    and any other toxic materials to be used during the operation and the 
    proposed means for disposing of such substances; (6) identification of 
    the character and composition of the mineral wastes that will be used 
    or generated and a proposed method or strategy for their handling; and 
    (7) a reclamation plan to reduce or control on-site and off-site damage 
    to natural resources resulting from mineral operations, including 
    descriptions of how public health and safety would be maintained and 
    how the area of surface disturbance would be reclaimed. The information 
    required in Sec. 292.66(c) (1) and (2) is needed in order for the 
    authorized officer to determine that the individuals or entities 
    proposing the operations hold the mineral rights. The information 
    required in Sec. 292.66(c)(3) is needed in order for the authorized 
    officer to determine that the proposed operations would occur on the 
    mineral estate, as well as what uses off the mineral estate would 
    require additional authorizations. The information required in 
    Sec. 292.66(c) (4) through (7) is needed for the same reasons set forth 
    in the discussion at proposed Sec. 292.63(c) (1) through (3), namely to 
    protect the land and resources of the SRNRA from unnecessary 
    environmental damage, protecting humans and wildlife from unnecessary 
    or dangerous risk from exposure to hazardous or toxic substance, as 
    well as ensuring that reclamation would return the surface to a 
    condition or use that is consistent with the Six Rivers National Forest 
    Land and Resource Management Plan.
    
    Section 292.67, Operating Plan Approval
    
        Proposed Sec. 292.67 establishes the procedures by which operating 
    plans for outstanding mineral rights in the SRNRA would be processed. 
    The requirements of the proposed section reflect long-standing agency 
    administrative practice.
        Proposed Sec. 292.67(a) requires the authorized officer to review 
    that portion of the operating plan related to substantiating 
    outstanding mineral rights and notify the operator whether the 
    necessary information required to substantiate ownership of outstanding 
    mineral rights has been provided to the Forest Service. If more 
    information must be provided by the operator, the authorized officer 
    must specify what is needed. If sufficient information has been 
    submitted, the authorized officer would notify the operator in writing 
    of the anticipated date that the review would be completed. Before an 
    operator is allowed to conduct mineral operations in withdrawn lands, 
    the agency must determine that the operator has a legal right to 
    conduct the proposed activity. This process has been used by the agency 
    for many years.
        Proposed Sec. 292.67(b) would specify that if outstanding mineral 
    rights have not been verified, the authorized officer would notify the 
    operator of the finding, the reasons for such a finding, and that the 
    proposed operation cannot be conducted. This is the standard operating 
    procedure used by the agency for many years.
        Proposed Sec. 292.67(c) would specify that if outstanding mineral 
    rights have been verified, the authorized officer would notify the 
    operator that outstanding mineral rights have been verified and that 
    the Forest Service would begin a review of the proposed operating plan. 
    For the same reasons as set forth in the discussion at proposed 
    Sec. 292.67(c) with respect to plans of operations, the proposed rule 
    does not include a time period by which the Forest Service must 
    complete the review of operating plans involving outstanding minerals 
    rights. Since the time to review operating plans may vary greatly 
    depending on the scope of the proposed mining activity, and since other 
    agencies besides the Forest Service may have a role to play in the 
    review process, the agency did not think it was appropriate to include 
    a provision requiring the completion of the review by a date certain. 
    Again, however, the agency is committed to doing everything within its 
    authority to process operating plans as quickly as possible subject, of 
    course, to the legal requirements with which it must comply.
        Proposed Sec. 292.67(d) explains that the authorized officer shall 
    focus the review of the operating plan on whether the proposed 
    development activities are consistent with the rights granted by the 
    deed and with this provisions specified in the Six Rivers National 
    Forest Land and Resource Management plan and whether the development 
    activities will utilize the least amount of surface lands necessary for 
    the operations.
        Proposed Sec. 292.67(e) would specify that upon completion of the 
    review of the operating plan, the authorized officer would notify the 
    operator of the authorized officer's findings. If the findings indicate 
    that the proposed operating plan is consistent with the rights granted 
    by the deed of conveyance, consistent with the Six Rivers National 
    Forest Land and Resource Management Plan, and uses only that portion of 
    the surface that is absolutely necessary, the operating plan would be 
    approved by the Forest Service. If the findings indicate that the 
    proposed operating plan does not meet one or more of these three 
    criteria, the authorized officer must explain how the proposed 
    operating plan is inconsistent with one or more of the three criteria 
    and negotiate proposed changes with the operator. This is a long-
    standing procedure used by the agency to determine whether or not the 
    operator has a legal right to conduct the proposed minerals activity on 
    the private land. The intended affect is to ensure that the rights of 
    the private land owner and the Forest Service are considered in the 
    decisionmaking process.
        Proposed Sec. 292.67(f) would require that another operating plan 
    be submitted if additional operations, not already included in an 
    approved operating plan, are proposed and that the process as outlined 
    in Sec. 292.67(d) would be followed. This provision is similar to 
    provisions in 36 CFR 228.5(c) and 292.64(i) of the proposed rule. By 
    requiring similar information and review of operations for outstanding 
    mineral rights as required for locatable minerals, the Forest Service 
    can ensure that the values for which the SRNRA was established are 
    protected. Also, operators can be assured that requirements for 
    modifications to an operating plan are consistent with requirements of 
    other mineral activities, and thus compatible with direction in the 
    forest plan.
    
    Section 292.68, Mineral Material Operations
    
        Proposed Sec. 292.68 provides that disposals of mineral materials 
    would continue to be governed by the existing mineral material 
    regulations set forth at 36 CFR part 228, subpart C, but that any 
    disposals made after the establishment of the SRNRA would be approved 
    only if the material is not within a designated wilderness area and is 
    to be used for construction and maintenance of roads and other 
    facilities within the SRNRA or in one of the four excluded areas 
    identified by the Act.
    
    Section 292.69, Reclamation
    
        Proposed Sec. 292.69 states that when it is practicable, 
    reclamation activities will be conducted concurrently for all mineral 
    operations in the SRNRA. Reclamation was previously addressed under the 
    plan of operations supplementary requirements, but now is proposed as a 
    separate section to make it clear that concurrent reclamation is 
    applicable to all mineral operations and that, in contrast to most 
    operations, concurrent reclamation is not just an option for 
    consideration, but is a normal operating procedure in the NRA. This 
    requirement is consistent with the
    
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    special protection that Congress intended for the area.
    
    Section 292.70, Indemnification
    
        This section would provide a means of protecting the United States 
    from liability as a result of claims, demands, losses, or judgments 
    caused by an operator's use or occupancy. In addition, the operator 
    would be required to pay the costs incurred by the Forest Service or 
    other agencies resulting from noncompliance with an approved plan of 
    operations or an approved operating plan.
        Operators have not had to bear any of the costs incurred by the 
    Forest Service to administer mineral operations on National Forest 
    System lands even if operations were not being conducted under the 
    approved conditions. Proposed Sec. 292.70(c) would require those 
    operators who do not abide by the conditions of an approved plan of 
    operations or operating plan to pay the costs incurred by the Forest 
    Service resulting from noncompliance. Congress has specifically allowed 
    for mineral activities in this special area. This cost provision is a 
    monetary incentive to help ensure that operators who have the legal 
    right to conduct mineral operations in the NRA abide by the 
    requirements approved for their operation.
    
    Regulatory Impact
    
        This proposed rule has been reviewed under USDA procedures and 
    Executive Order 12866 on Regulatory Planning and Review. It has been 
    determined that this regulation is not a significant rule. This 
    proposed rule will not have an annual effect of $100 million or more on 
    the economy nor adversely affect productivity, competition, jobs, the 
    environment, public health or safety, or State and local governments. 
    This proposed rule will not interfere with an action taken or planned 
    by another agency and it will not raise new legal or policy issues. 
    Finally, this action will not alter the budgetary impact of 
    entitlements, grants, user fees, loan programs, or the rights and 
    obligations of recipients of such programs. Accordingly, this proposed 
    rule is not subject to OMB review under Executive Order 12866.
        Moreover, this proposed rule has been considered in light of the 
    Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), and it has been 
    determined that this action will not have a significant economic impact 
    on a substantial number of small entities as defined by that Act 
    because of its limited scope and application. Also, this proposed rule 
    does not adversely affect competition, employment, investment, 
    productivity, innovation, or the ability of United States based 
    enterprises to compete in local or foreign markets.
    
    Environmental Impact
    
        The Forest Service has reviewed the environmental assessment (EA) 
    that was prepared for the SRNRA supplementary mining regulations 
    previously published on April 3, 1996, and determined that no 
    additional analysis is necessary for this rulemaking because the 
    proposed changes to the rule will have no effect on the quality of the 
    human environment. A copy of the EA is available upon request by 
    calling the contact listed earlier in this rulemaking under FOR FURTHER 
    INFORMATION CONTACT.
    
    Controlling Paperwork Burdens on the Public
    
        Section 292.63(b) of this proposed rule specifies that in addition 
    to the requirements of Sec. 228.4, an operator must provide information 
    to support valid existing rights as part of a plan of operations. Also, 
    proposed Sec. 292.66(b) requires those who wish to exercise outstanding 
    mineral rights to submit an operating plan. The Office of Management 
    and Budget approved the information collection, titled 36 CFR part 292, 
    subpart G--Smith River National Recreation Area, prior to publication 
    of the final SRNRA supplementary regulations in the Federal Register on 
    April 3, 1966, and assigned OMB Approval No. 0596-0138. That approval 
    remains in effect.
        Section 292.63 (c)(1)--(c)(3) of this proposed rule specifies that 
    in addition to the requirements of Secs. 228.4 and 228.8, an operator 
    must provide information identifying hazardous and toxic materials and 
    similar chemical substances to be used during the mineral operations 
    and how they will be disposed of; the character and composition of 
    mineral wastes that will be used or generated and the proposed method 
    or strategy for handling those wastes; and how public health and safety 
    will be maintained. This information requirement was not part of the 
    final supplementary SRNRA rule published in the Federal Register on 
    April 3, 1996, and is not covered under other approved information 
    requirements. Therefore, in accordance with the rules of 5 CFR part 
    1320 and the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 as amended (44 U.S.C. 
    3507), the Forest Service is modifying its description of OMB No. 0596-
    0138 and requesting Office of Management and Budget review and approval 
    of the information that would be required by Sec. 292.63 (c)(1)--
    (c)(3).
        Although Secs. 292.63 (c)(1)--(c)(3) of the proposed rule requires 
    the operator to submit more information with a plan of operations than 
    is required by part 228, subpart A, this is information that the 
    operator needs to provide in order to conduct the mineral operations. 
    Therefore, these provisions will require little additional effort by 
    the operator. The agency estimates that an operator preparing a plan of 
    operations will spend an average of 2 hours gathering and submitting 
    the information related to the use and disposal of hazardous materials, 
    the nature and handling of the mineral waters, and maintenance of 
    public health and safety. Respondents are operators planning mining 
    operations on federal land in the SRNRA. An estimated 2 respondents 
    respond each year, resulting in an estimated total annual burden of 4 
    hours. Reviewers who wish to comment on these information requirements 
    should submit their views to the Forest Service at the address listed 
    earlier in this document as well as to the: Forest Service Desk 
    Officer, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of 
    Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20503.
    
    No Takings Implications
    
        In compliance with Executive Order 12630 and the Attorney General's 
    Guidelines for the Evaluation of Risk and Avoidance of Unanticipated 
    Takings, a Takings Implication Assessment (TIA) of this proposed rule 
    has been prepared and considered in determining whether to proceed with 
    the proposed rule as currently drafted. The TIA concluded that the 
    agency action of publishing a proposed rule for public notice and 
    comment did not present a risk of a taking.
    
    Unfunded Mandates Reform
    
        Pursuant to Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, 
    which the President signed into law on March 22, 1995, the Department 
    has assessed the effects of this rule on State, local, and tribal 
    governments and the private sector. This rule does not compel the 
    expenditure of $100 million or more by any State, local, or tribal 
    governments or anyone in the private sector. Therefore, a statement 
    under section 202 of the Act is not required.
    
    Civil Justice Reform Act
    
        This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12778, 
    Civil Justice Reform. If this proposed rule is adopted, (1) all State 
    and local laws and regulations that are in conflict with this
    
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    proposed rule or which would impede its full implementation would be 
    preempted; (2) no retroactive effect would be given to his proposed 
    rule; (3) it would not require administrative proceedings before 
    parties could file suit in court challenging its provisions.
    
    List of Subjects in Part 292
    
        Administrative practice and procedures, Environmental protection, 
    Mineral resources, National forests, National recreation areas, and 
    Surety bonds.
    
        Therefore, for the reasons set forth in the preamble, it is 
    proposed to amend part 292 of chapter II of title 36 of the Code of 
    Federal Regulations by adding a new subpart G to read as follows:
    
    PART 292--NATIONAL RECREATION AREAS
    
    Subpart G--Smith River National Recreation Area
    
    Sec.
    292.60  Purpose of scope.
    292.61  Definitions.
    292.62  Valid existing right.
    
    Locatable Minerals
    
    292.63  Plan of operations supplementary requirements.
    292.64  Plan of operations approval.
    292.65  Plan of operations suspension.
    
    Outstanding Mineral Rights
    
    292.66  Operating plan requirements--outstanding mineral rights.
    292.67  Operating plan approval--outstanding mineral rights.
    
    Mineral Materials
    
    292.68  Mineral material operations.
    
    Other Provisions
    
    292.69  Concurrent Reclamation.
    292.70  Indemnification.
    
    Subpart G--Smith River National Recreation Area
    
        Authority: 16 U.S.C. 460bbb et seq.
    
    
    292.60  Purpose and scope.
    
        (a) Purpose. The regulations of this subpart set forth the rules 
    and procedures by which the Forest Service regulates mineral operations 
    on National Forest System lands within the Smith River National 
    Recreation Area as established by Congress in the Smith River National 
    Recreation Area Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 460bbb et seq.).
        (b) Scope. The rules of this subpart apply only to mineral 
    operations on National Forest System lands within the Smith River 
    National Recreation Area.
        (3) Applicability of other rules. The rules of this subpart 
    supplement existing Forest Service regulations concerning the review, 
    approval, and administration of mineral operations on National Forest 
    System lands including, but not limited to, those set forth at parts 
    228, 251, and 261 of this chapter.
        (d) Conflicts. In the event of conflict or inconsistency between 
    the rules of this subpart and other parts of this chapter, the rules of 
    this subpart take precedence, to the extent allowable by law.
        (e) Applicability to ongoing operations. The authorized officer may 
    permit operations conducted pursuant to:
        (1) An operating plan or a plan of operations that was approved 
    prior to the effective date of these regulations to continue under the 
    specified conditions of approval or issuance, provided that valid 
    existing rights to extract the minerals are present or the operations 
    are for the purposes specified in Sec. 292.62(b), provided further that 
    the authorized officer requires modification of such operations:
        (i) To bring the plan into conformance with changes in applicable 
    federal law or regulation;
        (ii) To respond to new information not available at the time the 
    authorized officer approved the plan; for example, new listings of 
    threatened or endangered species; or
        (iii) To correct errors or omissions made at the time the plan was 
    approved; for example, to ensure compliance with applicable federal law 
    or regulation.
        (2) A permit or contract for the disposal of mineral materials 
    which was issued prior to the effective date of these regulations to 
    continue under the specified conditions of issuance, provided that the 
    authorized officer requires the modification of such operations:
        (i) To bring the plan into conformance with changes in applicable 
    federal law or regulations;
        (ii) To respond to new information not available at the time the 
    authorized officer approved the plan; for example, new listings of 
    threatened or endangered species; or
        (iii) To correct errors or omissions made at the time the plan was 
    approved; for example, to ensure compliance with applicable federal law 
    or regulation.
    
    
    Sec. 292.61  Definitions.
    
        The special terms used in this subpart have the following meaning:
        Act means the Smith River National Recreation Area Act of 1990 (16 
    U.S.C. 460bbb et seq.).
        Authorized officer means the Forest Service officer to whom 
    authority has been delegated to take actions pursuant to the provisions 
    of this subpart.
        Hazardous material means any hazardous substance, pollutant, 
    contaminant, hazardous waste, and oil or other petroleum products, as 
    those terms are defined under any Federal, State, or local law or 
    regulation.
        Outstanding mineral rights means the rights owned by a party other 
    than the surface owner at the time the surface was conveyed to the 
    United States.
        SRNRA is the abbreviation for the Smith River National Recreation 
    Area, located within the Six Rivers National Forest, California.
    
    
    Sec. 292.62  Valid existing rights.
    
        (a) Definition. For the purposes of this subpart, valid existing 
    rights are defined as follows:
        (1) For certain ``Wild'' River segments. The rights associated with 
    all mining claims on National Forest System lands within the SRNRA in 
    ``wild'' segments of the Wild and Scenic Smith River, Middle Fork Smith 
    River, North Fork Smith River, Siskiyou Fork Smith River, and South 
    Fork Smith River, and their designated tributaries, except Peridotite 
    Creek and the lower 2.5 miles of Myrtle Creek, which:
        (i) Were properly located prior to January 19, 1981;
        (ii) Were properly maintained thereafter under the applicable law;
        (iii) Were supported by a discovery of a valuable mineral deposit 
    within the meaning of the United States mining laws prior to January 
    19, 1981, which discovery has been continuously maintained since that 
    date; and
        (iv) Continue to be valid;
        (2) For Siskiyou Wilderness. The rights associated with all mining 
    claims on National Forest System lands within the SRNRA in the Siskiyou 
    Wilderness except, those within the Gasquet-Orleans Corridor addition 
    or those rights covered by paragraph (a)(1) of this section which:
        (i) Were properly located prior to September 26, 1984;
        (ii) Were properly maintained thereafter under the applicable law;
        (iii) Were supported by a discovery of a valuable mineral deposit 
    within the meaning of the United States mining laws prior to September 
    26, 1984, which discovery has been continuously maintained since that 
    date; and
        (iv) Continue to be valid;
        (3) For all other lands. The rights associated with all mining 
    claims on National Forest System lands in that portion of the SRNRA not 
    covered by paragraph (a) (1) or (2) of this section which:
        (i) Were properly located prior to November 16, 1990;
        (ii) Were properly maintained thereafter under the applicable law;
        (iii) Were supported by a discovery of a valuable mineral deposit 
    within the
    
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    meaning of the United States mining laws prior to November 16, 1990, 
    which discovery has been continuously maintained since that date; and
        (iv) Continue to be valid;
        (b) Limited operations to confirm discovery. Upon receipt of a 
    proposed plan of operations as defined in Sec. 292.63 and of sufficient 
    information from the operator to show an exposure of valuable minerals 
    on a claim that predates the withdrawal of the federal land from the 
    operation of the Untied States mining laws, the authorized officer may 
    authorize limited mineral operations for the purpose of gathering 
    information to confirm or otherwise demonstrate the discovery of a 
    valuable mineral deposit consistent with the definition in paragraph 
    (a) of this section or to obtain evidence for a contest hearing 
    regarding the claim's validity. Such authorization shall be limited in 
    scope and duration so as to authorize only those operations that may be 
    necessary to confirm or demonstrate the discovery of a valuable mineral 
    deposit prior to the date of withdrawal of the federal land on which 
    the claim is situated. Pursuant to this paragraph, the authorized 
    officer shall not authorize any operations which would constitute 
    prospecting, exploration, or otherwise uncovering or discovering a 
    valuable mineral deposit.
    
    Locatable Minerals
    
    
    Sec. 292.63  Plan of operations supplementary requirements
    
        (a) Applicability. In addition to the activities for which a plan 
    of operations is required under Sec. 228.4 of this part, a plan of 
    operations is required when a proposed operation within the SRNRA 
    involves mechanical or motorized equipment, including a suction dredge 
    and/or sluice.
        (b) Information to support valid existing rights. A proposed plan 
    of operations within the SRNRA must include at least the following 
    information on the existence of valid existing rights.
        (1) The mining claim recordation serial number assigned by the 
    Bureau of Land Management;
        (2) A copy of the original location notice and conveyance deeds, if 
    ownership has changed since the date of location;
        (3) A copy of affidavits of assessment work or notices of intention 
    to hold the mining claim since the date of recordation with the Bureau 
    of Land Management;
        (4) Verification by the Bureau of Land Management that the holding 
    or maintenance fees have been paid or have been exempted;
        (5) Sketches or maps showing the location of past and present 
    mineral workings on the claims and information sufficient to locate and 
    define the mining claim corners and boundaries on the ground;
        (6) An identification of the valuable mineral that has been 
    discovered;
        (7) An identification of the site within the claims where the 
    deposit has been discovered and exposed;
        (8) Information on the quantity and quality of the deposit 
    including copies of assays or test reports, the width, locations of 
    veins, the size and extent of any deposit; and
        (9) Evidence of past and present sales of the valuable mineral.
        (c) Minimum information on proposed operations. In addition to the 
    requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, a plan of operations 
    must include the information required at 36 CFR 228.4 (c)(1) through 
    (c)(3) which includes information about the proponent and a detailed 
    description of the proposed operation. In addition, if the operator and 
    claim owner are different, the operator must submit a copy of the 
    authorization or agreement under which the proposed operations are to 
    be conducted. A plan of operations must also address the environmental 
    requirements of 36 CFR 228.8 which includes reclamation. In addition, a 
    plan of operations also must include the following:
        (1) An identification of the hazardous materials and any other 
    toxic materials, petroleum products, insecticides, pesticides, and 
    herbicides that will be used during the mineral operation, and the 
    proposed means for disposing of such substances;
        (2) An identification of the character and composition of the 
    mineral wastes that will be used or generated and a proposed method or 
    strategy for their placement, control, isolation, or removal; and
        (3) An identification of how public health and safety are to be 
    maintained.
    
    
    Sec. 292.64  Plan of operations approval.
    
        (a) Timeframe for review. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of 
    Sec. 292.62, upon receipt of a plan of operations, the authorized 
    officer shall review the information related to valid existing rights 
    and notify the operator in writing within one hundred and twenty (120) 
    days of one of the following situations:
        (1) That sufficient information on valid existing rights has been 
    provided and the anticipated date by which the valid existing rights 
    determination will be completed, which shall not be more than two (2) 
    years after the date of notification; unless the authorized officer, 
    upon finding of good cause with written notice and explanation to the 
    operator, extends the time period for completion of the valid existing 
    rights determination.
        (2) That the operator has failed to provide sufficient information 
    to review a claim of valid existing rights and, therefore, the 
    authorized officer has no obligation to evaluate whether the operator 
    has valid existing rights or to process the operator's proposed plan of 
    operations.
        (b) If the authorized officer concludes that there is not 
    sufficient evidence of valid existing rights, he or she shall so notify 
    the operator in writing. In the notice, the authorized officer shall 
    set forth the reasons for the determination, inform the operator that 
    the proposed mineral operation cannot be conducted, and advise the 
    operator that the Forest Service will promptly notify the Bureau of 
    Land Management of its determination and request the initiation of a 
    mineral contest action against the pertinent mining claims.
        (c) An authorized officer's decision pursuant to paragraph (b) that 
    there is not sufficient evidence of valid existing rights is a final 
    agency action not subject to further agency or Department of 
    Agriculture review or administrative appeal.
        (d) If the authorized officer concludes that there is sufficient 
    evidence of valid existing rights, he or she shall so notify the 
    operator in writing the review of the remainder of the proposed plan 
    will proceed.
        (e) Upon completion of the review of the plan of operations, the 
    authorized officer shall ensure that the minimum information required 
    by Sec. 292.62(c) has been addressed and, pursuant to Sec. 228.5(a) of 
    the chapter, notify the operator in writing whether or not the plan of 
    operations is approved.
        (f) If the plan of operations is not approved, the authorized 
    officer shall explain in writing why the plan of operations can not be 
    approved.
        (g) If the plan of operations is approved, the authorized officer 
    shall establish a time period for the proposed operations which shall 
    be for the minimum amount of time reasonably necessary for a prudent 
    operator to complete the mineral development activities covered by the 
    approved plan of operations.
        (h) An approved plan of operations is subject to review and 
    modification as follows:
        (1) to bring the plan into conformance with changes in applicable 
    federal law or regulation;
        (2) To respond to new information not available at the time the 
    authorized
    
    [[Page 47177]]
    
    officer approved the plan; for example, new listings of threatened or 
    endangered species; or
        (3) To correct errors or omissions made at the time the plan was 
    approved; for example, to ensure compliance with applicable federal law 
    or regulation.
        (i) If an operator desires to conduct operations that differ in 
    type, scope, or duration from those in an approved plan of operations, 
    and if those changes will result in resource impacts not anticipated 
    when the original plan was approved, the operator must submit a 
    supplemental plan or a modification of the plan for review and approval 
    by the authorized officer pursuant to Sec. 292.64 of this part.
    
    
    Sec. 292.65  Plan of operations suspension.
    
        (a) The authorized officer may suspend mineral operations due to an 
    operator's noncompliance with applicable statutes, regulations, or 
    terms and conditions of the approved plan of operations.
        (1) In those cases that present a threat of imminent harm to public 
    health, safety, or the environment, or where such harm is already 
    occurring, the authorized officer may take immediate action to stop the 
    threat or damage without prior notice. In such case, written notice and 
    explanation of the action taken shall be given the operator as soon as 
    reasonably practicable following the suspension.
        (2) Otherwise, the authorized officer must first notify the 
    operator in writing of the basis for the suspension and provide the 
    operator with a reasonably sufficient time to respond to the notice of 
    the authorized officer or to bring the mineral operations into 
    conformance with applicable laws, regulations, or the terms and 
    conditions of the approved plan of operations.
        (b) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the authorized 
    officer shall notify the operator not less than 30 days prior to the 
    date of the proposed suspension.
    
    Outstanding Mineral Rights
    
    
    Sec. 292.66  Operating plan requirements--outstanding mineral rights.
    
        (a) Proposals for mineral operations involving outstanding mineral 
    rights within the SRNRA must be documented in an operating plan and 
    submitted in writing to the authorized officer.
        (b) An operating plan for operations involving outstanding mineral 
    rights within the SRNRA must include the following:
        (1) The name and legal mailing address of the operator, owner, and 
    any lessees, assigns, and designees;
        (2) A copy of the deed or other legal instrument that conveyed the 
    outstanding mineral rights;
        (3) Sketches or maps showing the location of the outstanding 
    mineral rights, the proposed area of operations, including but not 
    limited to, existing and/or proposed roads or access routes identified 
    for use, any new proposed road construction, and the approximate 
    location and size of the areas to be disturbed, including existing or 
    proposed structures, facilities, and other improvements to be used;
        (4) A description of the type of operations which includes, at a 
    minimum, a list of the type, size, location, and number of structures, 
    facilities, and other improvements to be used;
        (5) An identification of the hazardous materials and any other 
    toxic materials, petroleum products, insecticides, pesticides, and 
    herbicides that will be used during the mineral operation, and the 
    proposed means for disposing of such substances;
        (6) An identification of the character and composition of the 
    mineral wastes that will be used or generated and a proposed method or 
    strategy for their placement, control, isolation, remediation, or 
    removal; and
        (7) A reclamation plan to reduce or control on-site and off-site 
    damage to natural resources resulting from mineral operations. The plan 
    must:
        (i) Provide reclamation to the extent practicable;
        (ii) Show how public health and safety are maintained;
        (iii) Identify and describe reclamation measures to include, but 
    not limited to, the following:
        (A) Reduction and/or control of erosion, landslides, and water 
    runoff;
        (B) Rehabilitation of wildlife and fisheries habitat to be 
    disturbed by the proposed mineral operation; and
        (C) Protection of water quality.
        (iv) Demonstrate how the area of surface disturbance will be 
    reclaimed to a condition or use that is consistent with the Six Rivers 
    National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan.
    
    
    Sec. 292.67  Operating plan approval--outstanding mineral rights.
    
        (a) Upon receipt of an operating plan, the authorized officer must 
    review the information related to the ownership of the outstanding 
    mineral rights and notify the operator that:
        (1) sufficient information on ownership of the outstanding mineral 
    rights has been provided; or
        (2) sufficient information on ownership of outstanding mineral 
    rights has not been provided, including an explanation of the specific 
    information that still needs to be provided, and that no further action 
    on the plan of operations will be taken until the authorized officer's 
    receipt of the specified information.
        (b) If the review shows outstanding mineral rights have not been 
    verified, the authorized officer must notify the operator in writing 
    that outstanding mineral rights have not been verified, explain the 
    reasons for such a finding, and that the proposed mineral operation 
    cannot be conducted.
        (c) If the review shows that outstanding mineral rights have been 
    verified, the authorized officer must notify the operator in writing 
    that outstanding mineral rights have been verified and that review of 
    the proposed operating plan will proceed.
        (d) The authorized officer shall review the operating plan to 
    determine if all of the following criteria are met:
        (1) The operating plan is consistent with the rights granted by the 
    deed;
        (2) The operating plan is consistent with the Six Rivers National 
    Forest Land and Resource Management Plan; and
        (3) The operating plan uses only so much of the surface as is 
    necessary for the proposed mineral operations.
        (e) Upon completion of the review of the operating plan, the 
    authorized officer shall notify the operator in writing of one of the 
    following:
        (1) The operating plan meets all of the criteria of paragraphs 
    (d)(1) through (d)(3) of this section and, therefore, is approved;
        (2) The operating plan does not meet one or more of the criteria in 
    paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(3) of this section. Where feasible, the 
    authorized officer may indicate changes to the operating plan that 
    would satisfy the criteria in paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(3) of this 
    section and, thus, if accepted by the operator, would result in 
    approval of the operating plan.
        (f) To conduct mineral operations beyond those described in an 
    approved operating plan, the owner or lessee must submit, in writing, 
    an amended operating plan to the authorized officer at the earliest 
    practicable date. New operations covered by the proposed amendment may 
    not begin until the authorized officer has reviewed and responded in 
    writing to the proposed amendment. The authorized officer shall review 
    a proposed amendment of an approved operating plan to determine that 
    the criteria in paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(3) of this section are 
    met.
    
    [[Page 47178]]
    
    Mineral Materials
    
    
    Sec. 292.68  Mineral material operations.
    
        Subject to the provisions of part 228, subpart C, and part 293 of 
    this chapter, the authorized officer may approve contracts and permits 
    for the sale or other disposal of mineral materials, including but not 
    limited to, common varieties of gravel, sand, or stone. However, such 
    contracts and permits may be approved only if the material is not 
    within a designated wilderness area and is to be used for the 
    construction and maintenance of roads and other facilities within the 
    SRNRA or the four excluded areas identified by the Act.
    
    Other Provisions
    
    
    Sec. 292.69  Concurrent reclamation.
    
        Plans of operations involving locatable minerals, operating plans 
    involving outstanding mineral rights, and contracts or permits for 
    mineral materials should all provide, to the maximum extent 
    practicable, that reclamation proceed concurrently with the mineral 
    operation.
    
    Indemnification
    
    
    Sec. 292.70  Indemnification.
    
        The owner and/or operator of mining claims and the owner and/or 
    lessee of outstanding mineral rights are jointly and severally liable 
    in accordance with Federal and State laws for indemnifying the United 
    States for the following:
        (a) Costs, damages, claims, liabilities, judgments, injury and 
    loss, including those incurred from fire suppression efforts, and 
    environmental response actions and cleanup and abatement costs incurred 
    by the United States and arising from past, present, and future acts or 
    omissions of the owner, operator, or lessee in connection with the use 
    and occupancy of the unpatented mining claim and/or mineral operation. 
    This includes acts or omissions covered by Federal, State, and local 
    pollution control and environmental statutes and regulations.
        (b) Payments made by the United States in satisfaction of claims, 
    demands or judgments for an injury, loss, damage, or costs, including 
    for fire suppression and environmental response action and cleanup and 
    abatement costs, which result from past, present, and future acts or 
    omissions of the owner, operator, or lessee in connection with the use 
    and occupancy of the unpatented mining claim and/or mineral operations.
        (c) Costs incurred by the United States for any action resulting 
    from noncompliance with an approved plan of operations or activities 
    outside an approved operating plan. Such costs may include, but need 
    not be limited to, attorneys' fees and expenses.
    
        Dated: September 2, 1997.
    Robert Lewis, Jr.,
    Acting Associate Chief.
    [FR Doc. 97-23722 Filed 9-5-97; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 3410-11-M
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
09/08/1997
Department:
Forest Service
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Proposed rule.
Document Number:
97-23722
Dates:
Comments must be received in writing by November 7, 1997.
Pages:
47167-47178 (12 pages)
RINs:
0596-AB39: Smith River National Recreation Area
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/0596-AB39/smith-river-national-recreation-area
PDF File:
97-23722.pdf
CFR: (13)
36 CFR 292.63(c)
36 CFR 228.2
36 CFR 292.60
36 CFR 292.61
36 CFR 292.62
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