Pennsylvania Statutes Title 52 P.S. Mines and Mining § 681.5. Permit; application; map; cross-sections; information; overburden; backfilling

(a) Before any person licensed as a strip mining operator shall hereafter proceed to mine coal, commonly known as anthracite, by the strip mining method, he shall apply to the Department of Mines and Mineral Industries  1 on a form prepared and furnished by the department for a permit for each separate operation.

(b) As a part of each application for a permit, the operator shall furnish, in duplicate, a map or plan of mining and restoration on a scale of not less than four hundred (400) feet to the inch, showing the location and extent of the proposed stripping pit with respect to the land lines of adjoining properties, together with the location of any public highway, dwelling house or stream of water. The map of the proposed stripping pit shall be accompanied by cross-sections at intervals not to exceed five hundred (500) feet. Such cross-sections shall include the following information: tidal elevations of the surface, top of the coal seam, bottom of strip mine pit; the cross-sections shall provide surface elevations for a distance of not less than three hundred (300) feet beyond the outlines of the proposed stripping pit; there shall be located on the cross-section the outline of the proposed stripping pit and the approximate area of the placement of the overburden. The operator shall furnish a detailed proposal showing the manner, time and distance for backfilling. The operator shall be required to furnish the department with new maps and cross-sections at the end of each year of operation.

(c) Any permit issued by the department as required by this act shall permit the operation of the pit for a period of one (1) year from the date of issue unless sooner suspended by the secretary.