Utah Administrative Code
Topic - Natural Resources
Title R645 - Oil, Gas and Mining; Coal
Rule R645-103 - Areas Unsuitable for Coal Mining and Reclamation Operations
Section R645-103-300 - Utah Criteria for Designating Areas as Unsuitable for Coal Mining and Reclamation Operations
Current through Bulletin 2024-18, September 15, 2024
310. Responsibility. The Division will use the criteria in R645-103-300 for the evaluation of each petition for the designation of nonfederal and non-Indian areas as unsuitable for coal mining and reclamation operations.
320. Criteria for Designating Land as Unsuitable.
321. Upon petition, an area will be designated as unsuitable for all or certain types of coal mining and reclamation operations if the Division determines that reclamation is not technologically and economically feasible under the State Program.
322. Upon petition, an area may be (but is not required to be) designated as unsuitable for certain types of coal mining and reclamation operations, if the operations will:
330. Land Exempt from Designation as Unsuitable for Coal Mining and Reclamation Operations. The requirements of R645-103-300 do not apply to:
331. Lands on which coal mining and reclamation operations were being conducted on August 3, 1977;
332. Lands covered by a permit issued under the Act; or
333. Lands where substantial legal and financial commitments in coal mining and reclamation operations were in existence prior to January 4, 1977.
340. Exploration on Land Designated as Unsuitable for Coal Mining and Reclamation Operations. Designation of any area as unsuitable for all or certain types of coal mining and reclamation operations pursuant to Section 40-10-24 of the Act or Section 522 of the Federal Act and R645-103-300 does not prohibit coal exploration in the area, if conducted in accordance with applicable provisions of the State Program or under the terms of a State/Federal cooperative agreement pursuant to section 523(c) of the Federal Act. Coal exploration on any lands designated unsuitable for coal mining and reclamation operations must be approved by the Division under R645-200, to ensure that exploration does not interfere with any value for which the area has been designated unsuitable for coal mining and reclamation operations.