Sec. 134.014. COAL EXPLORATION OPERATIONS. (a) A person who conducts coal exploration operations that substantially disturb the natural land surface shall comply with commission rules adopted to govern those operations. The rules shall require that before conducting the exploration, a person file with the commission notice of intent to explore and include with the notice:
(1) a description of the exploration area and the period of proposed exploration; and
(2) provisions for reclaiming, in accordance with the performance standards in Sections 134.091 through 134.109, the land disturbed in exploration, including provisions for reclamation of excavations, roads, and drill holes and for removal of necessary facilities and equipment.
(b) A person who conducts coal exploration operations that substantially disturb the natural land surface in violation of this section or a rule adopted under this section is subject to Sections 134.174 through 134.181.
(c) An operator may not remove more than 250 tons of coal under an exploration permit without the specific written approval of the commission.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 12.02(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 25.01(d), eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Structure Texas Statutes
Chapter 134 - Texas Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Act
Subchapter B. Powers and Duties of Commission
Section 134.011. General Authority of Commission
Section 134.013. Rulemaking and Permitting
Section 134.014. Coal Exploration Operations
Section 134.015. Surface Effects of Underground Mining
Section 134.016. Development of Process for Designating Areas Unsuitable for Surface Coal Mining
Section 134.017. Petition for Designation
Section 134.018. Hearing on Designation
Section 134.019. Commission Statement
Section 134.020. Designation of Area as Unsuitable for Surface Coal Mining
Section 134.021. Integration With Land Use Planning and Regulation Processes
Section 134.022. Prohibition on Surface Coal Mining in Certain Areas
Section 134.023. Cooperative Agreements With Federal Government
Section 134.024. Experimental Practices
Section 134.025. Certification of Blasters
Section 134.026. Monitoring, Reporting, and Inspections
Section 134.027. Monitoring of Operations That Affect Aquifers
Section 134.028. Inspection Procedure
Section 134.029. Procedure on Detection of Violation
Section 134.030. Rules Regarding Monitoring, Reporting, and Inspections