Section 1817.13  Casing and Sealing of Exposed Underground Openings: General Requirements

Each exploration hole, other drillhole or borehole, shaft, well, or other exposed underground opening shall be cased, lined, or otherwise managed, as approved by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Mines and Minerals (Department), to prevent acid or other toxic drainage from entering ground and surface waters, to minimize disturbance to the prevailing hydrologic balance, and to ensure the safety of people, livestock, fish and wildlife, and machinery in the permit area and adjacent area.  Each exploration hole, drillhole or borehole, or well that is uncovered or exposed by mining activities within the permit area shall be permanently closed, unless approved for water monitoring, or otherwise managed in a manner approved by the Department.  Use of a drilled hole or borehole, or monitoring well as a water well must meet the provisions of Section 1817.41.  This Section does not apply to holes solely drilled and used for blasting in the area affected by surface operations.

(Source:  Amended at 20 Ill. Reg. 1993, effective January 19, 1996)