(a) Upon completion of mining, openings,
except those approved for water monitoring or otherwise managed in a manner
approved by the Department, shall be closed to prevent degradation of surface
and groundwaters; to assist in returning the groundwater as near to its
premining level as possible; to assist in returning the hydrologic balance as
near to its premining condition as possible; to prevent underground mine fires;
to prevent access to underground workings; and to ensure the safety of people,
livestock, fish and wildlife. Prior to closing an opening, the plan for the
closing shall be approved by the Department.
(b) During operation of a mine, openings that
become inactive and have no further use shall be immediately closed in
accordance with subsection (a).
(c)
Temporarily inactive openings shall be closed to ensure the safety of people,
livestock, fish and wildlife in accordance with §
89.68 (relating to cessation of
operations: temporary).
(d) If water
from a coal mining activity is discharged into an underground mine for
treatment with the drainage from the mine, that underground mine may not be
closed or sealed until the permittee of the coal mining activity applies for
and receives approval from the Department for an alternate water handling
procedure.
Notes
The
provisions of this § 89.83 adopted December 19, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 4789,
effective 7/31/1982, 12 Pa.B.
2382; amended July 30, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2473, effective
7/31/1982, 12 Pa.B. 2382;
amended June 15, 1990, 20 Pa.B. 3383, effective 7/27/1991, 21 Pa.B.
3316.
This section cited in 25 Pa. Code §
86.133 (relating to general
requirements); 25 Pa. Code §
86.134 (relating to coal
exploration performance and design standards); 25 Pa. Code §
88.493 (relating to minimum
environmental protection performance standards); 25 Pa. Code §
89.68 (relating to cessation of
operations: temporary); and 25 Pa. Code §
89.173 (relating to performance
standards).
