Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 25, June 22, 2024
Section 89.36 - Protection of the hydrologic balance(a) The operation plan shall describe, with appropriate maps and cross sections, the measures to be taken to ensure the protection of the hydrologic balance and to prevent adverse hydrologic consequences. The measures shall address: (1) The quality and quantity of surface and groundwater within the proposed permit and adjacent areas.(2) The rights of present users to surface and groundwater.(3) The control of surface and groundwater drainage into, through and out of the permit area.(4) The treatment, when required, of surface and groundwater drainage from the permit area, and proposed quantitative limits on pollutants in discharges as provided in § 89.52 (relating to water quality standards, effluent limitations and best management practices).(b) The operation plan shall also describe how the proposed mine development plan will prevent or minimize adverse hydrologic consequences. The plan shall consider: (1) The location of mine openings to prevent postmining discharges as required by § 89.54 (relating to preventing discharges from underground mines).(2) Possible alterations in the mine development plan or method of mining in response to adverse impacts on the hydrologic balance as indicated by the groundwater monitoring system.(c) The operation plan shall include a description of the measures which will be taken to replace water supplies which are contaminated, diminished or interrupted by underground mining activities. An operator is not required to provide a replacement water supply prior to mining as a condition for securing a permit.The provisions of this § 89.36 adopted December 19, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 4789, effective 7/31/1982, 12 Pa.B. 2382; amended July 30, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2473, effective 7/31/1982, 12 Pa.B. 2382; amended June 12, 1998, effective 6/13/1998, 28 Pa.B. 2761. This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 86.37 (relating to criteria for permit approval or denial); 25 Pa. Code § 86.81 (relating to program services); and 25 Pa. Code § 89.59 (relating to surface water and groundwater monitoring).