4VAC25-130-773.21: Improvidently issued permits; rescission procedures

If the division, under 4VAC25-130-773.20 (c) (3), elects to suspend or rescind an improvidently issued permit, it shall serve on the permittee a notice of proposed suspension and rescission which includes the reasons for the finding of the division under 4VAC25-130-773.20 (b) and states that:

(a) Automatic suspension and rescission. After a specified period of time not to exceed 90 days the permit automatically will become suspended, and not to exceed 90 days thereafter rescinded, unless within those periods the permittee submits proof, and the division finds, that:

(1) The finding of the division under 4VAC25-130-773.20 (b) was erroneous;

(2) The permittee or other person responsible has abated the violation on which the finding was based, or paid the penalty or fee, to the satisfaction of the responsible agency;

(3) The violation, penalty or fee is the subject of a good faith appeal, or of an abatement plan or payment schedule with which the permittee or other person responsible is complying to the satisfaction of the responsible agency; or

(4) Since the finding was made, the permittee has severed any ownership or control link with the person responsible for, and does not continue to be responsible for, the violation, penalty or fee:

(b) Cessation of operations. After service of the notice of permit suspension or rescission, the permittee shall cease all surface coal mining and reclamation operations under the permit as set forth in the notice, except for violation abatement and for reclamation and other environmental protection measures as required by the division;

(c) A person may challenge an ownership or control listing or finding by submitting to the division a written explanation of the basis for the challenge, along with any evidence or explanatory materials that substantiates that the person did not or does not own or control the entire surface coal mining operation or relevant portion or aspect thereof. The person may request that any information submitted to the division under this section be held as confidential if it is not required to be made public under the Act. The division shall review the information and render a written decision regarding the person's ownership or control listing or link within 60 days from receipt of the challenge; and

(d) Right to appeal. The permittee or person aggrieved by the division's notice or decision may file an appeal for administrative review of the notice or decision under subdivision (c) of 4VAC25-130-775.11 or under the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).