25 Pa. Code § 87.176 - Auger mining
(a) Auger
mining associated with surface mining activities shall be conducted to maximize
recoverability of mineral reserves remaining after the mining activities are
completed. A person who conducts auger mining operations shall leave areas of
undisturbed coal to provide access for removal of those reserves by future
underground mining activities, unless the person who conducts surface mining
activities demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Department that the coal
reserves have been depleted or are limited in thickness or extent to the point
that it will not be practicable to recover the remaining coal
reserves.
(b) An auger hole may not
be made closer that 500 feet (152.40 meters) in horizontal distance to
abandoned or active underground mine workings, except as approved in accordance
with §
87.135 (relating to protection of
underground mining).
(c) To prevent
pollution of surface water and groundwater and to reduce fire hazards, an auger
hole shall be plugged to prevent the discharge of water from the hole and
access of air to the coal. An auger hole shall be plugged within 30 days after
completion by backfilling and compacting noncombustible and impervious material
into the hole to a depth sufficient to form a watertight seal. Plugging shall
be done within 72 hours after completion if the holes are discharging water
containing acid or toxic forming material.
(d) The Department will prohibit auger mining
unless the person conducting the surface mining activities demonstrates, the
following
(1) Adverse water quality impacts
can be prevented or corrected.
(2)
Fill stability can be achieved.
(3)
The auger mining is necessary to maximize the utilization, recoverability or
conservation of the solid fuel resources.
(4) Subsidence resulting from auger mining
will not disturb or damage powerlines, pipelines, buildings or other
facilities.
Notes
This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 87.82 (relating to auger mining).
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