Pennsylvania Code
Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Part I - Department of Environmental Protection
Subpart C - Protection of Natural Resources
Article I - Land Resources
Chapter 88 - ANTHRACITE COAL
Subchapter B - SURFACE ANTHRACITE COAL MINES: MINIMUM ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Section 88.115 - Backfilling and grading: general requirements

(a) Disturbed areas shall be returned to their approximate original contour except as specifically exempted in § 88.116 (relating to backfilling and grading: reaffecting previously mined lands).

(b) Backfilled material shall be placed to minimize adverse effects on groundwater, minimize offsite effects, and to support the approved postmining land use.

(c) Timing of backfilling and grading may not exceed the following:

(d) Backfilling equipment needed to complete the restoration may not be removed from the operation until backfilling and leveling has been completed and approved in writing by the Department. However, upon written request by the operator to the Department specifying the need to remove backfilling equipment for protection of backfilling equipment from weather conditions, for required maintenance or for protection from vandalism during strikes, the Department may approve, in writing, the temporary removal if inspection of the site demonstrates that the operation is in compliance with the rules of the EQB and the statutes of the Commonwealth relating to environmental protection and the request for temporary removal is justified for the reasons specified by the operator. Temporarily-removed backfilling equipment shall be returned to the site promptly upon the Department's direction. Backfilling equipment shall be operable, in use and capable of meeting the requirements of the reclamation plan throughout the life of the mining operation.