Section 512.1 - Pillar support study(a) The purpose of this section is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and update of the Joint Coal and Gas Committee Gas Well Pillar Study commissioned in 1956 by the Department of Mines and Mineral Industries.(b) Within 60 days of the effective date of this section, the department shall commission an independent study to conduct an assessment of the following:(1) The appropriate pillar size around an active well, an inactive well, a well cluster, an inactive well cluster, a plugged well cluster or a plugged well necessary to ensure the integrity of the well to furnish adequate protection to the workable coal seam and to ensure the safety and protection of coal miners.(2) Any additional criteria or standards that should be considered by the department when considering the approval of pillars around an oil or gas well which penetrates a workable coal seam.(c) The independent expert shall solicit input, recommendations, data and other relevant information from representatives of the department, the coal industry and the gas industry as part of its assessment.(d) The assessment required under subsection (b) shall be submitted to the department within 240 days of the effective date of this section and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.1984, Dec. 18, P.L. 1069, No. 214, § 12.1, added 2011, May 13, P.L. 7, No. 2, § 5, imd. effective.