Section 1817.101  Backfilling and Grading: General Requirements

a)         Surface areas disturbed incident to underground mining activities shall be backfilled and graded in accordance with the time schedule approved by the Department as a condition of the permit, but not later than 12 months after cessation of active use as determined by the Department.

b)         Backfilling and grading.

1)         Backfilled material shall be placed to minimize adverse effects on ground water, minimize off-site effects, and support the approved post-mining land use;

2)         The post-mining grades slopes need not be uniform;

3)         Cut-and-fill terraces may be used only in those situations expressly identified in Section 1817.102; and

4)         Mine development wastes, excess spoil, and coal processing waste disposal areas shall be reclaimed in a manner to support the approved post-mining land use.

(Source:  Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 5938, effective March 21, 2000)