4VAC25-31-220: Requirements for bonding of mineral mines

A. Once the permit application is deemed complete, the applicant shall submit a bond or bonds on a form meeting the requirements in 4VAC25-31-220 through 4VAC25-31-270, made payable to the department and conditioned upon the satisfactory performance of all the requirements of this chapter, the approved permit, and Chapter 12 ( § 45.2-1200 et seq.) of Title 45.2 of the Code of Virginia, including completion of the reclamation plan so that the land will be capable of supporting the approved post-mining land use.

B. The bond or bonds shall cover the entire area presently disturbed by mining plus the estimated number of acres to be disturbed in the upcoming year.

C. As additional areas outside the bonded acreage are to be disturbed to facilitate the mining operation, the permittee shall file a bond or bonds to cover the acreage with the division.

D. Bond shall be posted and accepted by the division prior to disturbing an area for mining-related activity.

E. Permitted operators shall certify annually with the permit renewal the type, current insurer or bank, and the amount of all reclamation bonds.