(a) In addition to the requirements of W.S. § 35-11-406, and the applicable regulations contained in Chapter 2, Section 1, applications for a permit for underground coal mining operations shall contain all information required by Chapter 2, except Section 5(a)(ix)(C), (E) and (xi), and as limited below: - (i) Information required on soils, vegetation, archaeology, fish and wildlife resources, topography, geology, and mineral deposits shall be limited to those areas affected by surface operations or subsidence. Information required on surface water shall be limited to the immediate drainage area of those lands affected by surface operations or subsidence. Information required for the geological description pursuant to Chapter 2, Section 4(a) (viii)shall be as follows:
- (A) For areas where surface operations and facilities will cause removal of overburden down to the level of the coal seam ( this does not include test boring and core sampling areas), all information outline in Chapter 2, Section 4(a) (viii);
- (B) For all other areas, all information outlined in Chapter 2, Section 4(a) (viii), except that the information called for in paragraph (C) is restricted to the strata immediately overlying and underlying the coal seam(s) to be mined; and
- (C) For areas where room-and-pillar operations are proposed, information on the thickness and engineering properties of clays or soft rock, if any, in the mined coal overlying and underlying strata.
- (ii) The pre-application investigation to determine whether lands may be prime farmland shall be limited to the area proposed to be affected by surface operations or subsidence.
- (iii) A narrative description of the construction, modification, use, maintenance, and removal of mine development waste.
- (iv) A detailed description, with appropriate drawings of permanent entry seals and downslope barriers designed to ensure stability under anticipated hydraulic heads within the mine workings, or measures to prevent or control gravity discharges of water.
- (v) Information and evaluations on the potential for and the extent of subsidence, and the effect it may have on structures, the continued use of the surface land and aquifers or recharge areas. Such information shall include a map of all underground workings showing areas of planned and potential subsidence. If the Administrator determines that subsidence may cause material damage to the reasonably foreseeable use of structures, the land surface or groundwater, a subsidence control plan shall be developed and shall include:
- (A) A description of the mining methods;
- (B) Extent and effect of any planned and controlled subsidence;
- (C) Except for areas where planned subsidence is projected to be used, measures to be taken in the mine to prevent or minimize subsidence, including backfilling of voids and leaving areas in which no coal is removed; and
- (D) Measures to be taken to prevent, lessen, or mitigate material damage or loss of value to property, including reinforcement, relocation, restoration, or replacement of structures and features; monitoring; and purchase of property or insurance. The manner of determining the degree of material damage or loss of value of property shall be described.
- (vi) A description including detailed maps and cross-sections for the location, design and construction of surface entries and access to underground workings including ventilation shafts.
- (vii) A detailed reclamation plan which shall demonstrate that reclamation shall be accomplished in accordance with Section 2 of this Chapter.