---
kind: "section"
citation: "30 C.F.R. § 819.15"
title: "30"
number: "819.15"
heading: "Auger mining: Hydrologic balance."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/30/819.15"
---

# §819.15. Auger mining: Hydrologic balance.

- (a) Auger mining shall be planned and conducted to minimize disturbances of the prevailing hydrologic balance in accordance with the requirements of §§ [816.41](/cfr/30/816.41.md) and [816.42](/cfr/30/816.42.md) of this chapter.
- (b) All auger holes, except as provided in [paragraph (c)](#c) of this section, shall be—
  - (1) Sealed within 72 hours after completion with an impervious and noncombustible material, if the holes are discharging water containing acid-or toxic-forming material. If sealing is not possible within 72 hours, the discharge shall be treated commencing within 72 hours after completion to meet applicable effluent limitations and water-quality standards until the holes are sealed; and
  - (2) Sealed with an impervious noncombustible material, as contemporaneously as practicable with the augering operation, as approved by the regulatory authority, if the holes are not discharging water containing acid-or toxic-forming material.
- (c) Auger holes need not be sealed with an impervious material so as to prevent drainage if the regulatory authority determines that—
  - (1) The resulting impoundment of water may create a hazard to the environment or public health or safety, and
  - (2) **The drainage from the auger holes will—**
    - (i) Not pose a threat of pollution to surface water, and
    - (ii) Comply with the requirements of §§ [816.41](/cfr/30/816.41.md) and [816.42](/cfr/30/816.42.md) of this chapter.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: Pub. L. 95-87, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.

### Source

Source: 48 FR 19322, Apr. 28, 1983, unless otherwise noted.