§ 45-783. Limitations on surface coal mining operations.

After August 3, 1977, and subject to valid existing rights, no surface coal mining operations except those which existed on August 3, 1977, shall be permitted:

1.  Within one hundred (100) feet of the outside right-of-way line of any public road, except where mine access roads or haulage roads join such right-of-way line and except that the Department may permit such roads to be relocated or the area affected to lie within one hundred (100) feet of such road, if after public notice and opportunity for public hearing in the locality a written finding is made that the interests of the public and the landowners affected thereby will be protected;

2.  Within three hundred (300) feet from any occupied dwelling, unless waived by the owner thereof, nor within three hundred (300) feet of any public building, school, church, community or institutional building, public park, or within one hundred (100) feet of a cemetery;

3.  Within twenty-five (25) feet plus one and one-half (1 1/2) times the depth of the surface cut from the property line of an adjacent property owner, if the surface cut removes and does not replace lateral support, unless there is written agreement between the operator and the adjacent property owner; or

4.  On any land prohibited by federal law.

Laws 1979, c. 249, § 50, emerg. eff. June 1, 1979.