                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

 MINING IN PROXIMITY TO GAS OR OIL WELLS (§ 45.2-707)

A. Except as provided in subsection D, an operator who plans to remove coal,
drive any passage or entry, or extend any workings in any mine within 500 feet
of any gas or oil well already drilled into the projected mine workings or in
the process of being drilled into the projected mine workings shall file with
the Chief a notice that such mining is taking place or will take place. The
notice shall include a copy of parts of the maps and plans required under &#xA7;
45.2-542 that show the mine workings or projected mine workings that are within
500 feet of the well. The operator shall simultaneously mail copies of such
notice, maps, and plans by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the well
operator and the Gas and Oil Inspector appointed pursuant to &#xA7; 45.2-1604.
Each notice shall contain a certification made by the operator that he has
complied with the provisions of this subsection.

B. Subsequent to the filing of the notice required by subsection A, the operator
may proceed with mining operations in accordance with the maps and plans;
however, without the prior approval of the Chief, he shall not remove any coal,
drive any entry, or extend any workings in any mine within 200 feet of any gas
or oil well already drilled or in the process of being drilled into the
projected mine workings.

C. The Chief shall adopt regulations that prescribe the procedure to be followed
by mine operators in petitioning the Chief for approval to conduct such
activities within 200 feet of a gas or oil well or a vertical ventilation hole
drilled or in the process of being drilled into the projected mine workings.
Each operator who files such a petition shall mail copies of the petition, maps,
and plans by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the well operator and
the Gas and Oil Inspector no later than the day of filing. The Gas and Oil
Inspector and the operator of the gas or oil well or vertical ventilation hole
shall have standing to object to any petition filed under this section. Such
objection shall be filed within 10 days following the date such petition is
filed.

D. Procedures for safely mining in proximity to or through a coalbed methane
well or a vertical ventilation hole developed for methane drainage in a mine
shall be addressed in the bleeder system plan for that mine required by &#xA7;
45.2-837.

HISTORY: 1990, c. 92, § 45.1-92.1; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.121; 1999, c. 256;
2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.