N.M. Admin. Code § 19.8.21.2102 - ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

In addition to the requirements of 19.8.20 NMAC, each person who conducts combined surface and underground mining operations shall comply with the following:

A. A 500-foot barrier pillar of coal shall be maintained between the surface and underground mining activities in any one seam. The director and the mine safety and health administration, and the state mine inspector, may, however, approve a lesser distance, after finding by the director that mining at a lesser distance will result in:

(1) improved coal resources recovery;

(2) abatement of water pollution; or

(3) elimination of hazards to the health and safety of the public.

B. The vertical distance between combined surface and underground mining activities working separate seams shall be sufficient to provide for the health and safety of the workers and to prevent surface water from entering the underground workings.

C. No combined activities shall reduce the protection provided public health and safety below the level of protection required for those activities if conducted without a variance.

Notes

N.M. Admin. Code § 19.8.21.2102

11-29-97; 19.8.21.2102 NMAC- Rn, 19 NMAC 8.2.21.2102, 9-29-2000