Training, Studies and Investigations

Assessment Conferences

  • Assessment Conferences via Microsoft Teams
    Description: This video is about how to access and use Teams for Assessment Conferences. The directions apply to industry, DEP inspectors, as well as the public who want to participate in the conferences.
    Type: MP4 Video
    Length: 5:18

Training Materials

DMR Industry Training 2020

DMR Industry Training 2019

DMR Industry Training 2018

  • Common eDMR Errors
    Description: Overview of common electronic DMR errors.
    Type: PowerPoint Slideshow

  • Endangered Species Act 2018
    Description: The Endangered Species Act requires regulators to consider potential effects on the threatened and endangered species during the permitting process.
    Author: Dustin Johnson
    Type: PDF

  • ESS Common Corrections
    Description: Industry Fall Training 2018
    Author: Dustin Johnson
    Type: PowerPoint Slideshow

  • NPDES Session 1
    Description: NPDES Industry Training - Session 1 - Permitting Issues
    Date: April 17, 2018
    Author: William Borth
    Type: PowerPoint Slideshow

  • NPDES Session 2
    Description: NPDES Industry Training - Session 2 - Permitting Actions Using Spreadsheets
    Date: May 16, 2018
    Author: William Borth
    Type: PowerPoint Slideshow

  • NPDES Session 3
    Description: NPDES Industry Training - Session 3 - Policies and Procedures
    Date: August 22, 2018
    Author: William Borth
    Type: PowerPoint Slideshow

  • Selenium Policy Changes
  • Description: WV Selenium Chronic Aquatic Life Standard Implementation - Revision 4
    Date: September, 2018
    Author: Kevin Seagle
    Type: PowerPoint Slideshow

  • Storm Water Runoff Analysis (SWORA)
    Description: 38CSR2 5.6.a Storm Water Runoff Became Effective June 1, 2003. Each application for a permit shall contain a storm water runoff analysis. Provided, however, an exemption may be considered on a case by case basis for mining operations with permitted acreage less than 50 acres. Furthermore, haulroads, loadouts, and ventilation facilities are excluded from this requirement.
    Author: R. B. (Barry) Doss, PE, PS, MBA, President, Doss Engineering, Inc.
    Type: PowerPoint Slideshow

DMR Industry Training 2017

  • Bond Release
    Description: Bond Release Procedures and Requirements.
    Date: July, 2017
    Author: Bill Little

  • New NPDES Policies and Guidance Procedures
    Revised: November 28, 2016

  • Removal of Sediment Control Structures
    Description: To provide a procedure for removal of sediment control structures upon a drainage areameeting the definition of“reclamation area”per 40CFR434 while ensuring preservation of the hydrologic balance and meeting applicable regulations pertaining to abandonment procedures.

  • Selenium Fish Tissue Plans and BAS Report Submittals
    Description: Covers BAS Annual Monitoring Submittals, Selenium Chronic Aquatic Life Implementation Guidance Document, Selenium Fish Tissue Study Plan, and Potential Pitfalls.

  • State Historic Preservation Office - Section 106
    Description: The head of any Federal agency having direct or indirect jurisdiction over a proposed Federal or federally assisted undertaking in any State and the head of any Federal department or independent agency having authority to license any undertaking, prior to the approval of the expenditure of any Federal funds on the undertakingor prior to the issuance of any license, shall take into account the effect of the undertaking on any historic property. The head of the Federal agency shall afford the Council a reasonable opportunity to comment with regard to the undertaking.
    Authors: Katie M. Turner, Archaeologist and Ernest E. Blevins, Structural Historian, West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office.

  • Threatened and Endangered Species Act Overview
    Description: The purpose of the 1973 Endangered Species Act is to provide a means whereby the ecosystems upon which endangeredand threatenedspecies depend may be conserved as well as to provide a program for the conservation of such endangered and threatened species.
    Author: Chase Allred, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

  • Topsoil Substitue Variance Update
    Date: August, 2017

DMR Industry Training 2015

  • Above Ground Storage Tank Regulations and the Mining Industry
    Description: Applicable regulations, spill prevention control and countermeasures (SPCC), 47 CSR 58 Ground Water Protection Rule, 28 CSR 2F Groundwater Protection Rules Coal Mining Operations, WV Code Chapter 22, Article 30 (AST Act),...
    Author: Joe Sizemore, Assistant Chief Inspector, Environmental Enforcement
    Date: November 9, 2015
  • SWROA - State of the SWROA
    Description: Surface Water Runoff AnalysisPolicy Update

  • Removal of Sediment Control Structures
    Description:To provide a procedure for removal of sediment control structures upon a drainage areameeting the definition of“reclamation area” per 40CFR434 while ensuring preservation of the hydrologic balance and meeting applicable regulations pertaining to abandonment procedures.

  • Threatened and Endangered Species in WV
    Description: Listings, Life Histories, and Potential Protective Measures

  • Selenium Study Industry Training 2015
    Description: H.B. 2579 Selenium Study:Precursor to State-Specific Aquatic Life Criteria for Selenium

  • WET Failure and the Adaptive Managemnet Plan
    Date: October, 2016
    Author: Pam Drooger

  • Final Selenium Implementation dated January 13, 2014
    Description: The Final Selenium Implementation required by the West Virginia Legislature. The West Virginia Legislature during its 2013 Regular Session with an effective date of July 12, 2013 adopted House Bill 2579. The Bill does not change the existing water quality criteria for selenium however, calls for the DEP to propose a new selenium criterion for legislative approval within two years. The Bill also requires the DEP to establish an implementation plan within six months that includes, at a minimum: (1) implementing the criteria as a threshold standard; (2) a monitoring plan that will include chemical speciation of any selenium discharge; (3) a fish population survey and monitoring plan to be implemented at a representative location to assess any possible impacts from selenium discharges if the criteria are exceeded; and, (4) reporting the results of the monitoring to DEP for use in development of a state-specific criteria. The Statewide Monitoring Plan for Assessment of Potential Selenium Impact to Fish Populations will be implemented as required under House Bill 2579 to achieve the goal Legislature.
    Date: January 13, 2014

  • NPDES Translator Study
    Description: This document is our current guidance on adding Dissolved Aluminum to the Permit and the requirements and approval of Translator Studies
    Date: January 9, 2004

  • Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Assessment Quality Assurance / Quality Control
    Description: In accordance with a settlement agreement between the plaintiffs and the state, defendant in Civil Action No. 3:00-0058; Ohio River Valley Environmental Coalition, Inc., et al. v. Stephanie R. Timmermeyer, Secretary for the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), et al. and Green Valley Coal Company et al., Intervenor – Defendants; a quality review panel (Appendix A) was created. This panel was created to review the cumulative hydrologic impact assessments (CHIAs) that the DEP performs and the hydrologic monitoring plans that the agency approves in 12 selected surface mine permits issued after May 5, 2004. This panel is referred to as the CHIA QA\QC Panel.
    Date: February 5, 2007

  • US Army corps of Engineers Huntington District Regulatory & Permits Information and Public Notices

Studies and Investigations

Flood Advisory Findings

The Flood Analysis Technical Team (FATT) in conjunction with the Flood Investigative Advisory Committee, both enacted by Governor’s Executive Order No. 16-01, performed an investigation evaluating the hydrological aspects of the May and July, 2001, floods in southern West Virginia. The investigation focused on possible flooding impacts from logging and mining activities.

Contents:

Slurry Underground Injection Control Investigation

In February 2007, the West Virginia Legislature mandated that a comprehensive environmental study of the injection of coal preparation plant slurry into underground mines be conducted through the adoption of Senate Concurrent Resolution 15 (SCR-15). SCR-15 required that the study of the hydrologic impacts of slurry injection be completed within one year by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), followed by a study of the health effects of slurry injection by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau of Public Health (WVDHHR). This report represents the results of the hydrologic review by the WVDEP. WVDEP enlisted the assistance of the Federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) in conducting this study. The WVDEP acknowledges the participation and assistance of the WVDHHR throughout this phase of the study.

Contents:

Prenter Report

On October 1, 2010, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) issued Purchase Order DEP15223 to Triad Engineering, Inc. (Triad) to evaluate allegations of negative impacts to the quality of groundwater being used as a drinking source by residents along Laurel Creek and its tributaries in Boone County, WV. This area is commonly referred to as Prenter Road. Specifically, the WVDEP Request for Proposals indicated that the purpose of the study would be as follows: “Determine what human activity, including coal mining and ancillary activity, may have negatively affected the quality of groundwater being used as a drinking water source by residents of the study area.” The investigation began December 1, 2010 and continued for approximately one year. This report represents the results of the study.

Contents: