Section 690-702 - Written authorization(a) Requirement.--No mining or removal of minerals shall be permitted within the safety zone unless authorization is specifically granted in advance and in writing by the department.(b) Procedure.--Authorization shall only be granted upon application of the operator. Application shall be accompanied by four copies of a plan of the proposed mining operation. The plan shall indicate the thickness of the unconsolidated strata, the thickness of the rock strata and coal beds overlying the bed to be mined, the thickness of the bed, the width of the mine openings, the width of the pillars to be left and any other special features that may be deemed necessary as affecting the contemplated first mining.(c) Examinations.--The department shall make periodic examinations to determine the accuracy of plans, maps and drawings submitted to it under the provisions of this section.2008, July 7, P.L. 654, No. 55, §702, effective in 180 days [ 1/5/2009].