Authority: IC 14-34-2-1

Affected: IC 14-34; 30 CFR 795.9

Sec. 140. (a) To the extent possible with available funds, the program administrator shall select and pay a qualified laboratory to make the determination and statement and provide other services referenced in subsection (b) for eligible operators who request assistance. Data collection and analysis may proceed concurrently with the development of mining and reclamation plans by the operator.

(b) The program administrator shall determine the data needed for each applicant or group of applicants. Data collected and the results provided to the program administrator shall be sufficient to satisfy the requirements for the following:

1. (1) The determination of the probable hydrologic consequences of the surface mining and reclamation operation in the proposed permit area and adjacent areas, including the engineering analyses and designs necessary for the determination in accordance with sections 47 and 85 of this rule, and any other applicable provisions of this article.
2. (2) The drilling and statement of the results of test borings or core samplings from the proposed permit area, in accordance with sections 30 and 71 of this rule and any other applicable provisions of this article.
3. (3) The development of cross section maps and plans required by sections 38 and 79 of this rule.
4. (4) The collection of archaeological and historic information and related plans required by sections 27, 37, 68, and 78 of this rule and any other archaeological and historic information required by the director.
5. (5) Preblast surveys required by section 42 of this rule.
6. (6) The collection of site-specific resources information, the production of protection and enhancement plans for fish and wildlife habitats required by sections 46 and 70 of this rule, and information and plans for any other environmental values required by the director under IC 14-34 or this article.

(c) Data collection and analysis may proceed concurrently with the development of mining and reclamation plans by the operator.

(d) Data collected under the small operator assistance program shall be made publicly available in accordance with section 113 of this rule. The program administrator shall develop procedures for interstate coordination and exchange of data.

(Natural Resources Commission; 312 IAC 25-4-140; filed Jun 21, 2001, 2:53 p.m.: 24 IR 3500, 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)