BUREAU OF GEOLOGY


research on peat impacts, but CEIP's future funding is in doubt due to
federal cutbacks. Should OCS revenue sharing pass Congress, it is likely
that CEIP will be able to fund a significant portion of future research.
 "The task force believes that the most urgent detailed research needs
now apparent are:
 *sources and mechanisms of mercury release into drainage water;
 *delineation of the specific areas where peat mining should be prohib-
 ited;
 *development of improved water control techniques;
 *development of improved reclamation schemes;
 *impacts of wet reclamation;
 *legal and institutional issues of perpetual pumping;
 *impacts of perpetual pumping;
 cumulative impacts of multiple mining activities.
 "Research efforts outside DNRCD should be closely followed, and
interagency cooperation should be sought. Peat-related issues have been
the focus of a recently intensified research effort by several federal agen-
cies and other states (Minnesota, in particular). A continuing, long-term
effort to stay informed of their efforts, and to communicate our results to
them, is recommended.
11. Additional Resources Needed to Carry Out State Responsibility
 "The Department will experience significant costs for regional moni-
toring, research, supervising on-site monitoring by permit holders, evalu-
ating monitoring results, and the development of adequate environmen-
tal safeguards. Funds to pay these costs should be sought.
 "Possible sources of these funds are permit fees, legislative appropria-
tions, federal grants, severance taxes, and voluntary contributions from
peat mine operators.
 "In addition to increased costs, DNRCD's responsibilities towards peat
mining may impose significantly increased workloads and personnel
requirements. These may create problems in the regional DNRCD field
offices which deal with peat mines; this particularly applies to the Wash-
ington office. These needs should be carefully reviewed by the appropri-
ate divisions and action taken prior to major crises arising.
12. Technical Advisory Assistance
 "DNRCD will soon face technical issues related to peat mining and use
which will require the advice of outside experts. The evaluation of moni-
toring results and the resolution of the questions of wet reclamation and
perpetual pumping are two such matters. The Assistant Secretary for
Natural Resources should be charged with oversight in securing the nec-
essary outside technical expertise. It is anticipated that this expertise can
be secured on our ad hoc basis from universities, industry, federal agen-
cies, and state agencies outside DNRCD. In the future, advisory commit-
tees or consulting services may be needed.
13. Link to State Energy Policy Council and Department of Commerce
 The state Energy Policy Council should be informed on peat mining