1. (1) Any person who intends to conduct coal exploration operations outside a permit area during which 250 tons or less of coal will be removed and less than one-half acre is disturbed in the coal exploration, shall file with the Regulatory Authority a written notice of intention to explore and shall comply with Rule 880-X-8C-.08 of these regulations. Exploration which will take place on lands designated as unsuitable for surface coal mining operations under Chapter 880-X-7 shall be subject to the permitting requirements under 880-X-8C-.05.

2. (2) The notice shall include --

   1. (a) The name, address, and telephone number of the person seeking to explore;
   2. (b) The name, address, and telephone number of the person's representative who will be present at, and responsible for conducting, the exploration activities;
   3. (c) A precise description to the nearest quarter-quarter-quarter-quarter section or the location shown on a topographical map at a scale of 1:24,000 or larger of the exploration area, showing the general location of drill holes and trenches, existing and proposed roads, occupied dwellings, topographic features, bodies of surface water, and pipelines;
   4. (d) A statement of the period of the expected commencement and termination of intended exploration;
   5. (e) A description of the methods of exploration to be used and practices proposed to be followed to protect the environment from adverse impacts as a result of the exploration activities, including reclamation procedures in accordance with Subchapter 880-X-10B.

Author: Randall C. Johnson

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§9-16-71, 73, 74, 75, 80, 81, 82, 87.

History: May 20, 1982. Amended: September 18, 1990; effective: August 2, 1991.