Oklahoma § 45-751 - Disturbances to hydrologic balance

§ 45-751. Disturbances to hydrologic balance

The operator shall minimize the disturbances to the prevailing

hydrologic balance, at the mine site and in associated offsite

areas, and to the quality and quantity of water in surface and

ground water systems both during and after surface coal mining

operations and during reclamation by:

1. Avoiding acid or other toxic mine drainage by such measures

as, but not limited to:

a. preventing or removing water from contact with toxic

producing deposits,

b. treating drainage to reduce toxic content which

adversely affects downstream water upon being released to water

courses, and

c. casing, sealing, or otherwise managing boreholes,

shafts, and wells and keeping acid or other toxic drainage from

entering ground and surface waters;

2. a. Conducting surface coal mining operations so as to

prevent, to the extent possible using the best technology

currently available, additional contributions of suspended solids to

streamflow, or runoff outside the permit area, but in no event shall

contributions be in excess of requirements set by applicable state

or federal law, and

b. constructing any siltation structures pursuant to this

paragraph prior to commencement of surface coal mining operations.

Such structures shall be certified by a qualified registered

engineer to be constructed as designed and as approved in the

reclamation plan;

3. Cleaning out and removing temporary or large settling ponds

or other siltation structures from drainways after disturbed areas

are revegetated and stabilized, and depositing the silt and debris

at a site and in a manner approved by the Department;

4. Restoring recharge capacity of the mined area to

approximate premining conditions;

5. Avoiding channel deepening or enlargement in operations

requiring the discharge of water from mines;

6. Preserving throughout the mining and reclamation process

the essential hydrologic functions of alluvial valley floors in the

arid and semiarid areas of the country; and

7. Such other actions as the Department may prescribe.

Laws 1978, c. 10, § 11, emerg. eff. Feb. 2, 1978.