1. (a) On the basis of an inspection, if the commission or its authorized representative or agent determines that a permittee is in violation of a requirement of this chapter or a permit condition required by this chapter, but the violation does not create an imminent danger to the health or safety of the public or is not causing or reasonably expected to cause significant imminent harm to land, air, or water resources, the commission shall issue a notice to the permittee or his agent setting a reasonable time not to exceed 30 days for the abatement of the violation.
2. (b) If, on expiration of the period of time as originally set or subsequently extended, for good cause shown, and on written finding of the commission, the commission finds that the violation has not been abated, it may order a cessation of surface mining operations on the portion of this area relevant to the violation. However, if requested by the operator, a hearing must be held prior to a commission finding or order.
3. (c) The cessation order shall remain in effect until the commission determines that the violation has been abated or until modified, vacated, or terminated by the commission under Section 131.263 of this code.

Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 2631, ch. 871, art. I, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1977.