Section 30.53a - Powers and duties of the departmentThe department shall have the power and its duty shall be to:
(a) Administer the coal refuse disposal control program pursuant to the provisions of this act.(b) Cooperate with appropriate Federal, State, interstate and local units of government and with appropriate private organizations in carrying out its duties under this act.(c) Adopt such policies, standards and procedures, consistent with the rules and regulations of the Environmental Quality Board, as shall be necessary for effective coal refuse disposal, to conserve the air, water and land resources of the Commonwealth, protect the public health and safety, prevent and eliminate public nuisances, and enable it to carry out the purposes and provisions of this act.(d) Report to the Legislature from time to time on further assistance that may be needed to administer this act.(e) Initiate, conduct and support research, demonstration projects, and investigations and coordinate all State agency research programs pertaining to coal refuse disposal systems.(f) Issue such permits and orders and conduct such inspections as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this act and the policies, rules and regulations, and standards adopted pursuant to the act.(g) Review all Commonwealth research programs pertaining to coal refuse disposal, including but not limited to water quality and air pollution control: Provided, however, That this section shall not be construed to limit the authority of each department to conduct research programs and operations as authorized by law.(h) Review and take appropriate action on all permit applications submitted pursuant to the provisions of this act and to issue orders to cease operations, to issue, modify, suspend or revoke permits pursuant to this act and to the rules and regulations adopted hereto.(i) Enter upon, examine and inspect each and every coal refuse disposal area in the Commonwealth, as often as necessary to determine whether coal refuse disposal areas are being operated in accordance with the provisions of this act.(j) Establish limitations on the duration of permits in accord with rules and regulations and establish conditions for permit issuance and renewals.1968, Sept. 24, P.L. 1040, No. 318, § 3.1, added 1980, Oct. 10, P.L. 807, No. 154, § 2, imd. effective.