La. Admin. Code tit. 43 § XV-2101

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section XV-2101 - General Requirements: Coal Exploration

A. Any person desiring to conduct exploration operations, as defined herein, shall:

1. file with the commissioner an application, in triplicate, upon forms furnished by the commissioner, for an area permit to engage in exploration operations. Such application shall be filed at least 30 days prior to the requested date of issuance;

2. submit a permit fee of $50 for each application filed. Each application shall be restricted to a township;

3. submit a bond in the amount of $3,000 for each township affected; provided, the number of test holes and core holes shall not exceed 72. In the event test holes or core holes are to exceed 72, the bond shall be increased by $30 for each additional test or core hole; provided that the number of test or core holes for a township is first approved by the office;

4. describe the nature of the exploration operations for which applications are made which shall include a general description of the exploration areas, the methods of ingress and egress to be utilized, verification of permission to conduct the explorations from the owners of the land affected, and further attesting that any substantial disturbances to the surface of the land shall be reported to the commissioner and reclaimed in accordance with §915 of the Act and these regulations.

B. The exploration operations permit shall be valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance and the bond may be increased at any time during this period if the commissioner should deem it necessary. Within six months after expiration of the area permit, the applicant shall submit a report to the commissioner setting forth a record of the location of each test or core hole drilled; the location of each site, if any, of substantial disturbance to the surface, together with a description of the disturbance and the reclamation done; an affidavit attesting that each test or core hole has been properly plugged and abandoned; and that each site of substantial disturbance has been reclaimed according to the standards of §915 of the Act and the regulatory program.

C. The required bond shall be released after the commissioner has:

1. determined that the test or core holes have been properly plugged;

2. determined that each area of substantial disturbance has been properly reclaimed; and

3. been furnished with the core analysis and the logs of each test or core hole drilled, where available. Core analyses and logs shall be due within six months after expiration of the permit and shall be considered confidential if request is made in accordance with §2119. B 1

D. Exploration which will take place on lands designated as unsuitable for surface coal mining operations under Subpart 2 shall be subject to the permitting requirements under §2111

La. Admin. Code tit. 43, § XV-2101

Promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 5:395 (December 1979), amended LR 14:441 (July 1988), LR 20:447 (April 1994).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 30:901-932.