4VAC25-130-840.14: Availability of records

(a) The division shall make available to the OSM, upon request, copies of all documents relating to applications for and approvals of existing, new, or revised coal exploration approvals or surface coal mining and reclamation operation permits and all documents relating to inspection and enforcement actions.

(b) Copies of all records, reports, inspection materials, or information obtained by the division shall be made immediately and conveniently available to the public in the area of mining until at least five years after expiration of the period during which the subject operation is active or is covered by any portion of a reclamation bond, except-

(1) As otherwise provided by state law; and

(2) For information not required to be made available under 4VAC25-130-772.15 and 4VAC25-130-773.13(d) or subdivison (d) of this section.

(c) The division shall ensure compliance with subdivison (b) of this section by either:

(1) Making copies of all records, reports, inspection materials, and other subject information available for public inspection at a federal, state, or local government office in the county where the mining is occurring or proposed to occur; or,

(2) At the division's option in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Chapter 37 ( § 2.2-3700 et seq.) of Title 2.2 of the Code of Virginia), providing copies of subject information promptly by mail at the request of any resident of the area where the mining is occurring or is proposed to occur, provided, that the division shall maintain for public inspection, at a federal, state, or local government office in the county where the mining is occurring or proposed to occur, a description of the information available for mailing and the procedure for obtaining such information. A list of government offices where information may be inspected can be obtained on request by contacting the division's Big Stone Gap office.

(d) In order to protect preparation for hearings and enforcement proceedings, the OSM and the division may enter into agreements regarding procedures for the special handling of investigative and enforcement reports and other such materials.