                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

 COAL EXPLORATION OPERATIONS (§ 45.2-1008)

A. Any coal exploration operation that substantially disturbs the natural land
surface shall be conducted in accordance with exploration regulations adopted by
the Director. Such regulations shall, at a minimum, (i) require that any person,
prior to conducting any exploration under this section, file with the Director
notice of intention to explore that includes a description of the exploration
area and the proposed period of exploration and (ii) include provisions for the
reclamation, in accordance with the performance standards established pursuant
to &#xA7; 45.2-1017, of all lands disturbed in exploration, including all
excavations, roads, and drill holes, and for the removal of necessary facilities
and equipment.

B. Information submitted to the Director pursuant to this section as
confidential concerning trade secrets or privileged commercial or financial
information that relates to the competitive rights of the person or entity
intended to explore the described area shall be exempt from disclosure under the
Virginia Freedom of Information Act (&#xA7; 2.2-3700 et seq.) and shall not be
disclosed.

C. Any person who conducts any coal exploration activity that substantially
disturbs the natural land surface in violation of this section or any regulation
issued pursuant thereto is subject to the provisions of &#xA7; 45.2-1021.

D. No person shall remove more than 250 tons of coal while engaged in a coal
exploration operation without a specific written coal exploration permit issued
by the Director.

HISTORY: 1979, c. 290, § 45.1-233; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.