Section 90.304. Application for authorization

(a) An operator who requests authorization under this subchapter shall comply with the permit application requirements of Chapter 86 (relating to surface and underground coal mining: general) and Subchapters A—D, except as specifically modified by this subchapter. The operator shall also:

(1) Delineate on a map the proposed pollution abatement area, including the location of the preexisting discharges.

(2) Provide a description of the hydrologic balance for the proposed pollution abatement area that includes:

(i) Results of a detailed water quality and quantity monitoring program, including seasonal variations, variations in response to precipitation events and modeled baseline pollution loads using this monitoring program.

(ii) Monitoring for pH, alkalinity, acidity, total iron, total manganese, aluminum, sulfates, total suspended solids and other water quality parameters the Department deems relevant.

(3) Provide a description of the abatement plan that represents best technology and includes the following:

(i) Plans, cross-sections and schematic drawings describing the abatement plan proposed to be implemented.

(ii) A description and explanation of the range of abatement level that is anticipated to be achieved, costs and each step in the proposed abatement plan.

(iii) A description of the standard of success for revegetation necessary to ensure success of the abatement plan.

(b) The operator seeking this authorization shall continue the water quality and quantity monitoring program required by subsection (a)(2) after making the authorization request. The operator shall submit the results of this continuing monitoring program to the Department on a monthly basis until a decision on the authorization request is made.