LAC 43:XV.6311. Availability of Records

A. Copies of all records, reports, inspection materials or information obtained by the office under the Act or these regulations shall be made immediately available to the public in the area of mining until at least five years after expiration of the period during which the subject operation is active or is covered by any portion of a reclamation bond so that they are conveniently available to residents of that area, except that the office may refuse to make available: 1. investigatory records compiled for law enforcement purposes; and 2. information not required to be made available under §§2101.C.3, 2119 or 3111. B. The office shall ensure compliance with §6311.A by either: 1. making copies of all records, reports, inspection materials and other subject information available for public inspection at a federal, state or local government office in the parish where the mining is occurring or proposed to occur; or 2. at the office's option and expense, providing copies of subject information promptly by mail at the request of any resident of the area where the mining is occurring or is proposed to occur, provided, that the office shall maintain for public inspection, at a federal, state or local government office in the parish where the mining is occurring or proposed to occur, a description of the information available for mailing and the procedure for obtaining such information. C. In order to protect preparation for hearings and enforcement proceedings, the director and the commissioner may enter into agreements regarding procedures for the special handling of investigative and enforcement reports and other such material.