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Oklahoma Administrative Code (Last Updated: March 11, 2021) |
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TITLE 460. Department of Mines |
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Chapter 20. The Permanent Regulations Governing the Coal Reclamation Act of 1979 |
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Subchapter 47. Special Permanent Program Performance Standards: Auger Mining |
SECTION 460:20-47-4. Auger mining: hydrologic balance
Latest version.
- (a) Auger mining shall be planned and conducted to minimize disturbances of the prevailing hydrologic balance in accordance with the requirements of Sections 460:20-43-8 and 460:20-43-9 of these Regulations.(b) All auger holes, except as provided in (c) of this Section, shall be:(1) Sealed within 72 hours after completion with an impervious and noncombustible material, if the holes are discharging water containing acid- or toxic-forming material. If sealing is not possible within 72 hours, the discharge shall be treated commencing within 72 hours after completion to meet applicable effluent limitations and water-quality standards until the holes are sealed; and(2) Sealed with an impervious noncombustible material, as contemporaneously as practicable with the augering operation, as approved by the Department, if the holes are not discharging water containing acid- or toxic-forming material.(c) Auger holes need not be sealed with an impervious material so as to prevent drainage if the Department determines that:(1) The resulting impoundment of water may create a hazard to the environment or public health or safety, and(2) The drainage from the auger holes will:(A) Not pose a threat of pollution to surface water, and(B) Comply with the requirements of Sections 460:20-43-8 and 460:20-43-9 of these Regulations.(d) Surface drainage must be directed away from the highwall during augering operations in order to maintain the stability of the highwall and protect persons conducting the augering.