United States v. Devil's Hole, Inc. United States of America v. Hecla MacHinery and Equipment Company, Inc

OPINION OF THE COURT

GIBBONS, Circuit Judge:

Devil’s Hole, Inc. and Hecla Mining and Machinery Co. appeal from judgments against them in a suit by the United States for reclamation fees claimed to be due under section 402 of the Surface Mining Act. 1 P.L. 95-87, Title IV § 402, 91 Stat. 457, 30 U.S.C. § 1232. They claim that the court erred, both factually and legally, in holding that they owe such fees. We affirm.

I

Title IV of the Surface Mining Act, dealing with abandoned mine reclamation, creates a trust fund in the Treasury of the United States for the restoration of land and water resources…