444.845. Coal exploration permit required--contents of application--bond required--confidential items--limitation on removal of coal--sections 444.800 to 444.940 applicable to coal exploration rules a

MISSOURI STATUTES AND CODES

444.845. Coal exploration permit required--contents of application--bond required--confidential items--limitation on removal of coal--sections 444.800 to 444.940 applicable to coal exploration rules a

Coal exploration permit required--contents of application--bondrequired--confidential items--limitation on removal of coal--sections444.800 to 444.940 applicable to coal exploration rules andregulations.

444.845. 1. All persons conducting coal explorationoperations must obtain a permit and those operations whichsubstantially disturb the natural land surface must be conductedin accordance with exploration regulations adopted by thecommission. The permit application shall include, at a minimum,a description of the exploration area and the period of supposedexploration and provisions for reclamation in accordance with theperformance standards in section 444.855 of all lands disturbedin exploration, including excavations, roads, drill holes, andthe removal of necessary facilities and equipment; and shall beaccompanied by a bond pursuant to section 444.830, except thatthe minimum bond shall be one thousand dollars.

2. Information submitted pursuant to this subsection asconfidential concerning trade secrets or privileged commercial orfinancial information which relates to the competitive rights ofthe person or entity intended to explore the described area shallnot be available for public examination.

3. Any person who conducts any coal exploration activitieswhich substantially disturb the natural land surface in violationof this section or regulations issued pursuant thereto shall besubject to the provisions of section 444.870.

4. No operator shall remove more than two hundred and fiftytons of coal pursuant to an exploration permit without thespecific written approval of the commission.

5. The provisions of this law are applicable to coalexploration operations with such modifications to the permitapplication requirements, permit approval or denial procedures,bond requirements and other appropriate requirements as arenecessary to accommodate the distinct differences for coalexploration operations. The commission shall promulgate rulesand regulations setting forth such modifications.