Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 44, November 2, 2024
Section 88.91 - Hydrologic balance: general requirements(a) Surface mining activities shall be planned and conducted to minimize disturbances to the prevailing hydrologic balance in the permit and adjacent areas and to prevent material damage to the hydrologic balance outside the permit area. The Department may require additional preventive, remedial or monitoring measures to assure that material damage to the hydrologic balance outside the permit area is prevented. Where the area has been previously mined, the surface mining activity shall be planned and conducted to maximize the abatement of water pollution and the reclamation of the land.(b) Changes in water quality and quantity, the depth to groundwater, and the location of surface water drainage channels shall be minimized so that the approved postmining land use of the permit area is not adversely affected.(c) The treatment requirements and effluent limitations established under § 88.92 (relating to hydrologic balance: effluent standards) may not be violated.(d) A person who conducts surface mining activities shall conduct the mining and reclamation operation to prevent water pollution and, if necessary, operate and maintain the necessary water treatment facilities until applicable treatment requirements and effluent limitations established under § 88.92 are achieved and maintained. If these practices are not adequate, the person who conducts surface mining activities shall provide the necessary water treatment facilities to obtain the applicable water quality standards.The provisions of this §88.91 adopted December 19, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 4789, effective 7/31/1982, 12 Pa.B. 2382; amended March 30, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 1143, effective 8/10/1985, 15 Pa.B. 2872; amended May 8, 1998, effective 5/9/1998, 28 Pa.B. 2227.