Section 1772.11  Notice Requirements for Exploration Removing 250 Tons of Coal or Less

a)         Any person who intends to conduct coal exploration operations outside the permit area during which less than 250 tons of coal will be removed shall prior to conducting the exploration, file with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Mines and Minerals (Department) a written notice of intention to explore.

b)         The notice shall include:

1)         The name, address, and telephone number of the person seeking to explore;

2)         The name, address, and telephone number of the person's representative who will be present at, and responsible for, conducting the exploration activities;

3)         A statement of the period of intended exploration, and a precise narrative or other specific description of the location of the intended exploration which identifies which Sections will be affected;

4)         A description of the method of exploration to be used and the practices that will be followed to protect the environment and to reclaim the area from adverse impacts of the exploration activities in accordance with the applicable requirements of 62 Ill. Adm. Code 1815;

5)         In addition, the notice shall include a copy of a fully executed "Application for Test Hole Permit" (Form OG-7) or "Test Hole Record and Plugging Affidavit" (Form OG-8) if required by the Oil and Gas Division of the Department for the proposed activities.  Forms are available from the Oil and Gas Division of the Department which will supervise closure in accordance with 62 Ill. Adm. Code 240.

c)         A notice of intention to explore is not an application for a permit.

(Source:  Amended at 20 Ill. Reg. 2084, effective January 19, 1996)