1. (a) An exploration hole, other drill or borehole, well or other exposed underground opening—except for holes solely drilled and used for blasting—or other opening exposed during surface mining activities shall be cased, sealed or otherwise managed as approved by the Department if necessary to:

   1. (1) Prevent acid or other toxic drainage from entering groundwaters or surface waters.
   2. (2) Minimize disturbance to the prevailing hydrologic balance.
   3. (3) Ensure the safety of people, property, livestock, fish and wildlife, and machinery in the permit and adjacent area.
   4. (4) Prevent groundwater and surface water from entering underground mine workings.
2. (b) Use of a drilled hole, borehole or monitoring well as a water well shall meet § 77.532 (relating to surface water and groundwater monitoring).
3. (c) Gas and oil wells shall be sealed in accordance with the Oil and Gas Act (58 P.S. § § 601.101—601.605).

Source

The provisions of this § 77.503 adopted March 16, 1990, effective March 17, 1990, 20 Pa.B. 1643; amended January 30, 1998, effective January 31, 1998, 28 Pa.B. 619. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (198740) to (198741).

Cross References

This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 77.109 (relating to noncoal exploration activities); and 25 Pa. Code § 77.456 (relating to reclamation information).