25 Pa. Code § 86.132
The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Coal exploration-The field gathering of surface or subsurface geologic, physical or chemical data by mapping, trenching, drilling, geophysical or other techniques necessary to determine the quality of overburden and coal of an area, or the gathering of environmental data, to establish the conditions of an area.
Substantially disturb-For purposes of coal exploration, including, but not limited to, to have a significant impact upon land, air or water resources by activities such as blasting, mechanical excavation or altering coal or water exploratory holes or wells, construction of roads and other access routes, removal of topsoil or overburden and the placement of structures, excavated earth or other debris on the surface of land.
25 Pa. Code § 86.132