Where one operator succeeds another at any uncompleted operation, by sale, assignment, lease or otherwise, the secretary may release the first operator from all liability under this act as to that particular operation if both operators have complied with the requirements of this act and the regulations promulgated pursuant hereto, and the successor operator assumes as part of his obligation under this act all liability for grading, planting and reclamation on the land affected by the former operator.
52 P.S. § 3318