Virginia Administrative Code
Title 4 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Agency 25 - DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Chapter 130 - COAL SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION REGULATIONS
Part 817 - Permanent Program Performance Standards-Underground Mining Activities
Section 4VAC25-130-817.13 - Casing and sealing of exposed underground openings; general requirements

Each exploration hole, other drill or borehole, shaft, well, or other exposed underground opening shall be cased, sealed, or otherwise managed, as approved by the division, to prevent acid or other toxic drainage from entering ground and surface waters, to minimize disturbance to the prevailing hydrologic balance, and to ensure the safety of people, livestock, fish, and wildlife, and machinery in the permit and adjacent areas. If these openings are uncovered or exposed by mining activities within the permit area, they shall be permanently closed, unless approved for water monitoring, or otherwise managed in a manner approved by the division. Use of a drilled hole or borehole or monitoring well as a water well must meet the provisions of 4VAC25-130-817.41. This section does not apply to holes solely drilled and used for blasting, in the area affected by surface operations.

Statutory Authority

§§ 45.1-161.3 and 45.1-230 of the Code of Virginia.