1.1 This practice covers the minimum elements for the accurate location and description of geospatial data for defining a coal mining environmental resource monitoring location (ERML).

1.1.1 This practice addresses coal mining geospatial environmental resource monitoring data relative to the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). This geospatial data shall be obtained from each state, tribal, or federal, or combinations thereof, coal mining regulatory authority (RA) authorized under SMCRA to regulate surface coal mining operations (SCMO). Each RA shall be the authoritative data source (ADS) for coal mining geospatial data.

1.1.2 As used in this practice, coal mining ERML's represents points where surface, ground water, and geologic drill hole chemistry are used to determine any probable hydrologic consequences where coal removal, reclamation and related supporting activities has occurred, is occurring, or is planned and authorized by the RA within a defined SCMO. These locations may also include dam safety, impoundments, diversions, air quality, air blasts (blasting), construction (refuse piles), and subsidence.

1.1.3 This standard is one of several that have been approved or are in development related to SMCRA approved coal mining operations. Also under development is a terminology standard. Initial development of these standards is being done on an individual basis; however, they may be consolidated to reduce repetition of information between them.

1.2 This practice applies to pre-SMCRA and post-SMCRA ERML's.

1.3 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 regulator limitations prior to use.

1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

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 project's 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.