§ 816.132 - Cessation of operations: Permanent.

§ 816.132 What actions must I take when I permanently cease mining operations?Cessation of operations: Permanent.

(a) Persons who permanently cease surface mining activities at a particular site must close, backfill, permanently shall close or backfill or otherwise permanently reclaim all disturbed affected areas, in accordance with this chapter and the permit approved by the regulatory authority.

(b) All underground openings, equipment, structures, underground openings, or other facilities must be removed and the affected land reclaimednot required for monitoring, unless approved by the regulatory authority approves retention of those features because they are as suitable for the postmining land use or environmental monitoring, shall be removed and the affected land reclaimed.

[44 FR 15395, Mar. 13, 1979, as amended at 81 FR 93392, Dec. 20, 2016; 82 FR 54979, Nov. 17, 2017]