Oklahoma § 45-754.2 - Performance standards

§ 45-754.2. Performance standards

The operator shall also fulfill the following performance

standards:

1. Conduct surface coal mining operations so as to maximize the

utilization and conservation of the solid fuel resource being

recovered so that reaffecting the land in the future through surface

coal mining can be minimized;

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 45. Mines and Mining

2. Stabilize and protect all surface areas including spoil

piles affected by the surface coal mining and reclamation operation

to effectively control erosion and attendant air and water

pollution;

3. Restore the topsoil or the best available subsoil which is

best able to support vegetation;

4. Insure that all debris, acid-forming materials, toxic

materials, or materials constituting a fire hazard are treated or

buried and compacted or otherwise disposed of in a manner designed

to prevent contamination of ground or surface waters and that

contingency plans are developed to prevent sustained combustion;

5. Insure that the construction, maintenance and postmining

conditions of access roads into and across the site of operations

will control or prevent erosion and siltation, pollution of water,

damage to fish or wildlife or their habitat, or public or private

property;

6. Refrain from the construction of roads or other access ways

up a stream bed or drainage channel or in such proximity to such

channel so as to seriously alter the normal flow of water;

7. Protect off-site areas from slides or damage occurring

during the surface coal mining and reclamation operations, and not

deposit spoil material or locate any part of the operations or waste

accumulations outside the permit area;

8. To the extent possible using the best technology currently

available, minimize disturbances and adverse impacts of the

operation on fish, wildlife, and related environmental values, and

achieve enhancement of such resources where practicable;

9. Provide for an undisturbed natural barrier beginning at the

elevation of the lowest coal seam to be mined and extending from the

outslope for such distance as the Department shall determine shall

be retained in place as a barrier to slides and erosion; and

10. Meet such other criteria as are necessary to achieve

reclamation in accordance with the purposes of this act, taking into

consideration the physical, climatological, and other

characteristics of the site.

Laws 1979, c. 249, § 28, emerg. eff. June 1, 1979.