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 19 (§ 45.1-226 et seq.), including requirements for permits and bonds, shall apply to gas, oil, or geophysical operations located on areas 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 areas that have 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 promulgation of variances from the postmining use requirements of Chapter 19 for gas, oil, or geophysical operations; however, all such variances shall be consistent with the provisions of Chapter 19.

History

1982, c. 347, § 45.1-289; 1984, c. 590; 1990, c. 92; 2013, cc. 47, 129.