§6966b Use of granular mine tailings

Summary

The Administrator must, within 180 days after August 10, 2005, and after consulting the Secretary of Transportation and other federal agency heads, make rules for the safe, environmentally protective use of granular mine tailings from the Tar Creek, Oklahoma Mining District (called "chat") in cement or concrete and in transportation construction projects (including asphalt) that use federal funds. The rules must consider whether to set a numeric limit for lead and other hazardous substances. When making the rules, the Administrator must look at past and current uses of chat in asphalt and weigh the environmental and public health risks and benefits of removing, transporting, and using it. The public must be asked for comments. After the rules are made, any use of chat in transportation projects paid for with federal funds must follow them. These rules do not change any law or regulation already in effect on August 10, 2005.