Okla. Stat. tit. 45, § 45-791.1: Alternative reclamation practices

In order to encourage advances in mining and reclamation

practices or to allow post-mining land use for industrial,

commercial, residential or public use (including recreation

facilities), the Department with approval by the Secretary of the

Interior may authorize departures in individual cases on an

experimental basis from the environmental protection performance

standards promulgated under Sections 746 through paragraph 2 of

Section 760 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes. Such practices may

be authorized if:

1. The experimental practices are potentially more or at least

as environmentally protective, during and after mining operations,

as those required by promulgated standards;

2. The mining operations approved for particular land use or

other purposes are not larger or more numerous than necessary to

determine the effectiveness and economic feasibility of the

experimental practices; and

3. The experimental practices do not reduce the protection

afforded public health and safety below that provided by promulgated

standards.