All coalbed methane wells shall be plugged in such a manner that any workable coal seam surrounding the well can be safely mined and that the well can be mined through. The chief shall promulgate rules specifying the manner and method of plugging coalbed methane wells and in doing so, or in entering any order for such plugging and reclamation, shall give special consideration to the ability to mine any affected coal seam safely and the protection of any affected coal seam for future mining.
Structure West Virginia Code
Chapter 22. Environmental Resources
Article 21. Coalbed Methane Wells and Units
§22-21-1. Declaration of Public Policy; Legislative Findings
§22-21-4. Chief; Powers and Duties Generally
§22-21-5. Duties of the Coalbed Methane Review Board; Meetings; Notice, Powers and Duties Generally
§22-21-7. Consent and Agreement of Coal Owner or Operator
§22-21-8. Performance Bonds; Corporate Surety or Other Security
§22-21-10. Procedure for Filing Comments
§22-21-11. Objections or Comments to Coalbed Methane Wells by Coal Owner or Operator; Hearings
§22-21-13. Review Board Hearing; Findings; Order
§22-21-15. Drilling Units and Pooling of Interests
§22-21-18. Operation on Drilling Units
§22-21-19. Validity of Unit Agreements
§22-21-21. Dry or Abandoned Wells
§22-21-24. Existing Mining Rights