Section 1762.15  Exploration on Lands Designated as Unsuitable for Surface Coal Mining Operations

Designation of any area as unsuitable for all or certain types of surface coal mining operations pursuant to Section 7.02(a), (b) and (c) of the State Act and 62 Ill. Adm. Code 1761 through 1764 does not prohibit coal exploration operations in the area, if conducted in accordance with the State Act and 62 Ill. Adm. Code 1700 through 1850 and other applicable requirements.  Exploration operations on any lands designated unsuitable for surface coal mining operations must be approved by the Department under 62 Ill. Adm. Code 1772 to insure that exploration does not interfere with any value for which the area has been designated unsuitable for surface coal mining.

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 8345, effective May 27, 2005)