1.1 This practice covers the minimum elements for the accurate location and description of data for defining a coal surface mining permit boundary.

1.1.1 This practice addresses coal mining geospatial data relative to the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). This geospatial data shall be obtained from each state or federal, or both, coal mining Regulatory Authority (RA) authorized under SMCRA to regulate coal surface mining operations (CSMO). Each RA shall be the authoritative data source (ADS) for coal mining geospatial data.

1.1.2 As used in this practice, a coal surface mining boundary represents an area where coal removal and reclamation has occurred or is occurring within a defined CSMO.

1.2 This practice is limited to coal surface mining operations after passage of SMCRA.

1.3 This practice does not address pre-SMCRA mining, permit bond releases, and permit bond forfeitures of CSMOs.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a projects many unique aspects. The word "Standard" in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.