Section 88.291. Hydrologic balance: general requirements

(a) Coal refuse disposal activities shall be planned and conducted to minimize disturbances to the prevailing hydrologic balance in the permit and adjacent areas and to prevent material damage to the hydrologic balance outside the permit area. The Department may require additional preventive, remedial or monitoring measures to assure that material damage to the hydrologic balance outside the permit area is prevented.

(b) Prevent pollution of water and prevent, to the maximum extent possible, changes to water quality and quantity, the depth to groundwater and in the location of surface water drainage channels so that the approved post disposal land use of the permit areas is not adversely affected.

(c) The treatment requirements and effluent limitations established under § 88.192 (relating to hydrologic balance: treatment facilities) may not be violated.

(d) Each person who conducts surface mining and reclamation activities shall conduct the mining and reclamation operation to prevent water pollution and, if necessary, operate and maintain the necessary water treatment facilities until applicable treatment requirements and effluent limitations established under § 88.192 are achieved and maintained. If these practices are not adequate, the person who conducts bank removal and reclamation activities shall provide the necessary water treatment facilities to obtain the applicable water quality standards.

The provisions of this § 88.291 adopted December 19, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 4789, effective July 31, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2382; amended March 30, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 1143, effective August 10, 1985, 15 Pa.B. 2872; amended May 8, 1998, effective May 9, 1998, 28 Pa.B. 2227. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (237188).