SECTION 12.516. Hydrologic Balance: Acid-Forming and Toxic-Forming Materials

Drainage from acid-forming and toxic-forming underground development waste and spoil, if any, into ground and surface waters shall be avoided by:

(1) identifying, burying, and treating, where necessary, waste and spoil which, in the judgment of the Commission, may be detrimental to vegetation or may adversely affect water quality, if not treated or buried;

(2) preventing water from coming into contact with acid-forming and toxic-forming materials in accordance with §12.553 of this title (relating to Backfilling and Grading: Covering Coal and Acid- and Toxic-Forming Materials), and other measures required by the Commission; and

(3) burying or otherwise treating all acid-forming or toxic-forming underground development waste and spoil within 30 days after they are first exposed on the mine site, or within a lesser period required by the Commission. Temporary storage of such materials may be approved by the Commission upon a finding that burial or treatment within 30 days is not feasible and will not result in any material risk of water pollution or other environmental damage. Storage shall be limited to the period until burial or treatment first becomes feasible. Acid-forming and toxic-forming underground development waste and spoil to be stored shall be placed on impermeable material and protected from erosion and contact with surface water.

Source Note: The provisions of this §12.516 adopted to be effective April 7, 1997, 22 TexReg 3093.