§ 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.
Source The provisions of this § 87.176 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; amended May 8, 1998, effective May 9, 1998, 28 Pa.B. 2227. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (206856) to (206857).
Cross References This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 87.82 (relating to auger mining).
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