Illinois Statutes Chapter 225. Professions,Occupations and Business Operations § 720/4.11. Other Impacts

§ 4.11. Other Impacts. (a) With respect to other surface impacts of underground mining operations not specified in this Article, including but not limited to the construction of new roads or the improvement or use of existing roads to gain access to the site of such activities, and for haulage, repair areas, storage areas, processing areas, shipping areas, and other areas on which are sited structures, facilities, or other property or materials on the surface, resulting from or incident to such activities, the standards set forth in and established under Article III shall be complied with. The Department shall by rule make such modifications in the requirements imposed by this Section as are necessary to accommodate the distinct difference between surface and underground coal mining operations. Such rules shall compensate for regional differences and shall be consistent with and no more stringent than rules adopted under the Federal Act.  1

(b) To the extent possible using the best technology currently available, the operator shall minimize disturbances and adverse impacts of the underground mining operation on fish, wildlife, and related environmental values, and achieve enhancement of such resources where practicable.

(c) Openings for all new drift mines working acid-producing or iron-producing coal seams shall be located in such a manner as to prevent a gravity discharge of water from the mine.