The prohibitions and limitations of Section 460:20-7-4 do not apply to surface coal mining operations for which a valid permit, issued under this chapter, exists when the land comes under the protection of Section 460:20-7-4. This exception applies only to lands within the permit area as it exists when the land comes under the protection of Section 460:20-7-4.
Okla. Admin. Code § 460:20-7-4.1