SURFACE-MINED LAND - BONDS

Amends the Surface-Mined Land Conservation and Reclamation Act. Changes certain provisions concerning the amount of any bond that is required to be filed with the Department of Natural Resources by an operator. Provides that the penalty of such bond shall be determined by the Director for lands to be affected by surface mining, including slurry and gob disposal areas (rather than the penalty of such bond shall be an amount between $600 and $5,000 per acre as determined by the Director for lands to be affected by surface mining, including slurry and gob disposal areas). Further provides that bond amounts shall be sufficient to ensure the completion of the reclamation plan specified in the approved permit if the work has to be performed by the Department in the event of forfeiture and that the Department shall prescribe standards for the determination of the amount of bonds. Establishes certain criteria which the Department shall consider in establishing such standards. Provides that in no case shall the bond for the entire area under one permit be less than $600 per acre or $3,000, whichever is greater.