Section 90.129. Coal refuse disposal: abandoned unreclaimed surface mines

(a) The volume of coal refuse to be disposed in the pit may not exceed in thickness 60% of the height of the highwall, if the applicant can demonstrate the overburden and coal refuse can be graded to approximate original contours and the disposal of the coal refuse will not create a water pollution problem.

(b) The coal refuse shall be disposed at a minimum of 10 feet above the base of the pit floor or the seasonal high water table whichever is higher.

(c) The coal refuse shall be spread and compacted in 2-foot layers, meet the requirements of § 90.125 (relating to coal refuse disposal: construction requirements) and may not exceed the volume set forth in subsection (a).

(d) The coal refuse may not be deposited against an exposed coal seam. An exposed coal seam shall be covered by nonacid, nontoxic and noncombustible spoil at a minimum of 2.5 times the thickness of the coal.

(e) The Department may require treatment of the coal refuse.

The provisions of this § 90.129 adopted December 19, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 4789, effective July 31, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2382; amended July 30, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2473, effective July 31, 1982, 12 Pa.B. 2382; amended June 15, 1990, 20 Pa.B. 3383, effective July 27, 1991, 21 Pa.B. 3316. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (149053).

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 90.39 (relating to ponds, impoundments, banks, dams, embankments, piles and fills).