312 IAC 25-6-76 Underground mining; hydrologic balance; general requirements

Sec. 76. (a) Underground mining activities shall be planned and conducted to minimize changes to the prevailing hydrologic balance in both the permit area and adjacent areas, to prevent material damage to the hydrologic balance outside the permit area, in order to prevent long term adverse changes in that balance that could result from those activities. (b) Changes in water quality and quantity, in the depth of ground water, and in the location of surface water drainage channels shall be minimized so that the approved postmining land use of the permit is not adversely affected. (c) In no case shall federal and Indiana water quality statutes, regulations, rules, standards, or effluent limitations be violated. (d) Operations shall be conducted to minimize water pollution. If necessary, treatment methods shall be used to control water pollution. (e) Each person who conducts surface mining activities shall emphasize mining and reclamation practices that prevent or minimize water pollution. Changes in flow or drainage shall be used in preference to the use of water treatment facilities. (f) Acceptable practices to control and minimize water pollution include the following: (1) Stabilizing disturbed areas through land shaping. (2) Diverting run-off. (3) Achieving quickly germinating and growing stands of temporary vegetation. (4) Regulating channel velocity of water. (5) Lining drainage channels with rock or vegetation. (6) Mulching. (7) Selectively placing and sealing acid-forming and toxic-forming materials. (8) Designing mines to prevent gravity drainage of acid waters. (9) Sealing. (10) Controlling subsidence. (11) Preventing acid mine drainage. (g) If the practices listed in subsection (f) are not adequate to meet the requirements of sections 70 through 75 of this rule, this section, and sections 77 through 132 of this rule, the person who conducts underground mining activities shall operate and maintain the necessary water treatment facilities for as long as treatment is required under sections 70 through 75 of this rule, this section, and sections 77 through 132 of this rule.