Authority: IC 14-34-2-1

Affected: IC 14-34-18-3

Sec. 54. "Fragile lands" means geographic areas containing natural, ecologic, scientific, or aesthetic resources that could be damaged or destroyed by surface coal mining operations. Examples of fragile lands include the following:

1. (1) Valuable habitats for fish or wildlife.
2. (2) Critical habitats for endangered or threatened species of animals or plants.
3. (3) Uncommon geologic formations.
4. (4) Paleontological sites.
5. (5) National natural landmarks.
6. (6) Areas where mining may cause flooding.
7. (7) Environmental corridors containing a concentration of ecologic and aesthetic features.
8. (8) Areas of recreational value due to high environmental quality.
9. (9) Buffer zones adjacent to the boundaries of areas where surface coal mining operations are prohibited under IC 14-34-18-3 and 312 IAC 25-3-1 through 312 IAC 25-3-2.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 25-1-54; filed Jun 21, 2001, 2:53 p.m.: 24 IR 3409, eff Dec 1, 2001; readopted filed May 29, 2007, 9:51 a.m.: 20070613-IR-312070146RFA; readopted filed Sep 19, 2013, 10:12 a.m.: 20131016-IR-312130125RFA; readopted filed Mar 26, 2019, 3:40 p.m.: 20190424-IR-312190011RFA; readopted filed Mar 25, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: 20250423-IR-312240574RFA)