Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as limiting the powers of the Director relating to coal surface mining operations and reclamation. The provisions of Chapter 10 (§ 45.2-1000 et seq.), including requirements for permits and bonds, shall apply to gas, oil, or geophysical operations located on any area for which a coal surface mining permit is in effect and shall be in addition to the requirements for gas, oil, or geophysical operations set forth in this chapter, except that well work and the operation of pipelines on an area that has been reclaimed by the surface mine operator or the Director shall be treated as postmining uses. The Director shall give special consideration to the development and adoption of variances from the postmining use requirements of Chapter 10 for gas, oil, or geophysical operations; however, all such variances shall be consistent with the provisions of Chapter 10.

Terms Used In Virginia Code 45.2-1601

  • Mine: includes all of the land or property of the mining plant, including both the surface and subsurface, that is used in or contributes directly or indirectly to the mining, concentration, or handling of the mineral resources, including all roads. See Virginia Code 45.2-1600
  • Oil: means natural crude oil or petroleum and other hydrocarbons, regardless of gravity, that are produced at the well in liquid form by ordinary production methods and are not the result of condensation of gas after it leaves the underground reservoir. See Virginia Code 45.2-1600
  • Well: means any shaft or hole sunk, drilled, bored, or dug into the earth or into underground strata for the extraction, injection, or placement of any gaseous or liquid substance or any shaft or hole sunk or used in conjunction with such extraction, injection, or placement. See Virginia Code 45.2-1600

1982, c. 347, § 45.1-289; 1984, c. 590; 1990, c. 92, § 45.1-361.2; 2013, cc. 47, 129; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.

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