The requirements of this Rule do not apply to --
- (a) Lands on which surface coal mining operations were being conducted on August 3, 1977;
- (b) Lands covered by a permit issued under the Act; or
- (c) Lands where substantial legal and financial commitments in surface coal mining operations were in existence prior to January 4, 1977.
Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, § § 9-16-71, 73, 74, 75, 80, 87, 92, 96.