2023 Indiana Code › Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources › Article 34. Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation › Chapter 19. Abandoned Mines › 14-34-19-15. Mine Land Reclamation Projects; Requirements

Sec. 15. (a) This section applies to the following:
(1) When the department is considering a mine land reclamation project under IC 14-34-1-2 or 312 IAC 25-2-3 that is:
(A) at least fifty percent (50%) funded by funds appropriated from a governmental entity that finances the construction through either the entity's budget or general revenue bonds; or
(B) less than fifty percent (50%) funded by funds appropriated from a governmental entity that finances the construction through either the entity's budget or general revenue bonds if the construction is an approved reclamation project under Title IV of the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1201 through 30 U.S.C. 1328) and this chapter.
Government financing guarantees, insurance, loans, funds obtained through industrial revenue bonds or their equivalent, or in-kind payments are not considered funds appropriated by a governmental entity under this subdivision.
(2) When the level of funding for the construction will be less than fifty percent (50%) of the total cost because of planned coal extraction.
(b) The department must make the following determinations:
(1) The likelihood that coal will be mined under a surface coal mining and reclamation operations permit issued under this article. The determination must consider available information, including the following:
(A) Coal reserves from existing mine maps or other sources.
(B) Existing environmental conditions.
(C) All prior mining activity on or adjacent to the site.
(D) Current and historical coal production in the area.
(E) Any known or anticipated interest in mining the site.
(2) The likelihood that nearby mining activities might create new environmental problems or adversely affect existing environmental problems at the site.
(3) The likelihood that reclamation activities at the site might adversely affect nearby mining activities.
(c) If a decision is made to proceed with the reclamation project, the department must make the following determinations:
(1) The limits on any coal refuse, coal waste, or other coal deposits that can be extracted under the exemption under IC 14-34-1-2 and 312 IAC 25-2-3.
(2) The delineation of the boundaries of the abandoned mine lands reclamation project.
(d) The following documentation must be included in the abandoned mine lands reclamation case file:
(1) Determinations made under subsections (b) and (c).
(2) The information taken into account in making the determinations.
(3) The names of the persons making the determinations.
(e) The department must do the following for each project:
(1) Characterize the site regarding mine drainage, active slide and slide prone areas, erosion and sedimentation, vegetation, toxic materials, and hydrological balance.
(2) Ensure that the reclamation project is conducted according to provisions of 30 CFR Subchapter R, this chapter, and applicable procurement provisions to ensure the timely progress and completion of the project.
(3) Develop specific site reclamation requirements, including, when appropriate, performance bonds that comply with procurement procedures.
(4) Require the contractor conducting the reclamation to provide, before reclamation begins, applicable documents that authorize the extraction of coal and any payment of royalties.
(f) The contractor must obtain a surface coal mining and reclamation operations permit under this article for any coal extracted beyond the limits of the incidental coal specified in subsection (c)(1).
As added by P.L.71-2004, SEC.31.