§ 15-58-510 - Environmental protection performance standards. - Arkansas Statutes

15-58-510. Environmental protection performance standards.

(a) Any permit issued pursuant to this chapter to conduct surface coal mining operations and any authorization to conduct coal exploration operations shall require that operations will meet all applicable performance standards of this chapter and the regulations issued pursuant to this chapter.

(b) The commission shall issue regulations which are consistent with and in accordance with, but no more restrictive than, all the applicable environmental protection performance standards found in Public Law 95-87 and in the regulations issued pursuant to Public Law 95-87.

(c) The commission shall issue regulations requiring the training, examination, and certification of persons engaging in or directly responsible for blasting or use of explosives in surface coal mining operations.

(d) All departures, variances, and exceptions from the performance standards which are provided in Public Law 95-87 and in the regulations issued pursuant to that chapter and other departures, variances, and exceptions which may be granted through a state program shall be provided for in the regulations issued by the commission pursuant to this chapter. The departures, variances, and exceptions provided for in Public Law 95-87 and in the regulations issued pursuant to that law shall be granted or allowed upon a showing of the same circumstances and conditions required in Public Law 95-87 or in the regulations issued pursuant to that law.