Section 88.316. Coal refuse disposal: abandoned unreclaimed surface mines

(a) The applicant shall demonstrate that the overburden and coal refuse can be graded to AOC or approved alternative designed plan, and will not create a pollution problem.

(b) Coal refuse which is to be submerged in abandoned water-filled surface mines shall meet the requirements of § 88.304 (relating to hydrologic balance: discharge of water into an underground mine). There may not be a discharge from such mines.

(c) The refuse shall be disposed at a minimum of 10 feet above the base of the pit floor unless the disposal design plan specifies submerging the coal refuse in water-filled surface mines.

(d) The coal refuse may not be deposited against any exposed coal seams. All exposed coal seams will be covered by nonacid, nontoxic and noncombustible spoil to a thickness adequate to prevent combustion of the coal seam.

The provisions of this § 88.316 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. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (92645).