Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 50, December 14, 2024
Section 89.68 - Cessation of operations: temporary(a) The operator shall support and maintain surface access openings to underground operations until they are closed as required by § 89.83 (relating to closing of underground mine openings). In areas in which there are no current operations, but in which operations are to be resumed under an approved permit, surface facilities shall be secured and maintained to ensure safety to people, livestock and wildlife. Temporary abandonment, may not relieve a person of his obligation to comply with any provisions of the approved permit.(b) Before temporary cessation of mining and reclamation operations for a period of 30 days or more, or as soon as it is known that a temporary cessation will extend beyond 30 days, the operator shall submit to the Department a notice of intention to cease operations. This notice shall include a statement of the exact number of surface areas and the horizontal and vertical extent of subsurface strata which have been affected prior to cessation, the extent and kind of reclamation of the surface area which will have been accomplished prior to cessation, and identification of the backfilling, regrading, revegetation, environmental monitoring, underground opening closures and water treatment activities that will continue during the temporary cessation.The provisions of this § 89.68 adopted July 30, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2473, effective 7/31/1982, 12 Pa.B. 2382. This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 88.493 (relating to minimum environmental protection performance standards); 25 Pa. Code § 89.83 (relating to closing of underground mine openings); and 25 Pa. Code § 89.173 (relating to performance standards).