45.1-233 - Coal exploration operations. - Virginia Statutes

§ 45.1-233. Coal exploration operations.

A. Coal exploration operations which substantially disturb the natural landsurface shall be conducted in accordance with exploration regulationspromulgated by the Director. Such regulations shall include, at a minimum (i)the requirement that prior to conducting any exploration under this section,any person must file with the Director notice of intention to explore andsuch notice shall include a description of the exploration area and theperiod of supposed exploration, and (ii) provisions for reclamation, inaccordance with the performance standards established pursuant to § 45.1-242,of all lands disturbed in exploration, including excavations, roads, drillholes, and the removal of necessary facilities and equipment.

B. Information submitted to the Director pursuant to this section asconfidential concerning trade secrets or privileged commercial or financialinformation which relates to the competitive rights of the person or entityintended to explore the described area shall not be available for publicexamination.

C. Any person who conducts any coal exploration activities whichsubstantially disturbs the natural land surface in violation of this sectionor regulations issued pursuant thereto shall be subject to the provisions of§ 45.1-246.

D. No person shall remove more than 250 tons of coal while engaged in coalexploration operations without a specific written coal exploration permitissued by the Director.

(1979, c. 290.)