Ohio § 1514.50

§ 1514.50.

(A) The chief of the division of mineral resources management or an authorized employee

of the division of mineral resources management may enter on lands to make inspections

in accordance with this chapter and rules adopted under it when necessary in the discharge

of the duties specified in this chapter and the rules.  No person shall prevent or hinder the chief or an authorized employee of the division

in the performance of those duties. (B) For purposes of performing reclamation of land affected by surface mining operations

on which the holder of a permit issued under this chapter has defaulted or otherwise

failed to timely conduct the reclamation required by section 1514.05 of the Revised Code , the chief may enter on the land and perform reclamation that the chief determines

is necessary to protect public health or safety or the environment.  In order to perform the reclamation, the chief may enter on adjoining land or other

land that is necessary to access the land on which the surface mining occurred and

on which the reclamation is to be performed.  The chief shall provide reasonable advance notice to the owner of any land to be

entered for the purpose of access for reclamation under this chapter.  The division shall return the land that was used to access the former surface mining

operation to the same or an improved grade, topography, and condition that existed

prior to its use by the division. (C) When conducting investigations pursuant to section 1514.13 of the Revised Code , the chief or an authorized employee of the division may enter on lands to conduct

water supply surveys, measure ground water levels and collect data when necessary

to define the cone of depression, or perform other duties for the purposes of that

section.