(a) The commissioner is authorized to issue stop work orders for coal surface mining operations in accordance with subsections (b) and (c).
(b) When certain coal surface mining activities have polluted waters of the state as a result of an operator's failure or refusal to comply with permit conditions, the commissioner may issue a stop work order to the operator. The stop work order shall specify those parts of the coal surface mining activities on site that are contributing to the pollution that must stop. The stop work order shall remain in effect until the department determines that the operator has installed or repaired all necessary measures to comply with the permit so that further pollution associated with the surface mining activities will not occur.
(c) A written request for a hearing before the board of water quality, gas, and oil on the stop work order must be filed by the operator to the commissioner within thirty (30) days of receipt of notice. If the operator files that request and also makes a specific request for an informal meeting with the commissioner to show cause why the stop work order should not have been issued, then the commissioner or, at the commissioner's option, the deputy or assistant commissioner, shall meet with the operator within three (3) working days after the hearing request is filed. Any modification or revocation of the stop work order shall be in writing. If the commissioner or the commissioner's designee upholds the stop work order, it shall remain in effect until resolution of the appeal or until the operator comes into compliance. If no request for hearing is made within thirty (30) days of the receipt of notice, the stop work order becomes final and not subject to review.
(c) A written request for a hearing before the board on the stop work order must be filed by the operator to the commissioner within thirty (30) days of receipt of notice. If the operator files that request and also makes a specific request for an informal meeting with the commissioner to show cause why the stop work order should not have been issued, then the commissioner or, at the commissioner's option, the deputy or assistant commissioner, shall meet with the operator within three (3) working days after the hearing request is filed. Any modification or revocation of the stop work order shall be in writing. If the commissioner or the commissioner's designee upholds the stop work order, it shall remain in effect until resolution of the appeal or until the operator comes into compliance. If no request for hearing is made within thirty (30) days of the receipt of notice, the stop work order becomes final and not subject to review.
(d) Failure of an operator to comply with a stop work order issued pursuant to this section shall subject the operator to the penalties in § 69-3-115.
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