PENNSYLVANIA REGULATORY PROGRAM

PENNSYLVANIA CODE (Pa. Code)
TITLE 25   ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
CHAPTER 89. UNDERGROUND MINING OF COAL AND COAL PREPARATION FACILITIES

SUBCHAPTER G   IN SITU PROCESSING
   25 Pa. Code Sec. 89.161    General requirements. 
   25 Pa. Code Sec. 89.162    Information requirements. 
   25 Pa. Code Sec. 89.163    Performance standards. 

NOTE:
Cross references to OSM's federal regulations and SMCRA appear in double braces to the right of the Rule or
Section number, e.g., " 25 Pa. Code Sec. 86.13.   COMPLIANCE WITH PERMITS.   {{ 30 CFR 773.17 }}". 
The cross references were compiled using the preambles to OSM's approval of amendments to the Pennsylvania
regulatory program published in the Federal Register and from the file of Pennsylvania regulatory material in the
COALEX Library in LexisNexis. 

25 Pa. Code Sec. 89.161  GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.  {{ 30 CFR 828.1, 828.2, 828.11 & 828.12 }}
(a) In situ processing means those activities on the surface or underground which involve in-place processing and
removal of coal or coal by-products. For the purpose of this subchapter, in situ processing does not include the
collection of methane and natural gas by means of boreholes and wells or the drilling, stimulation or construction of
boreholes or wells for the collection of methane and natural gas. Such activities shall meet the requirements of the
Gas Operations Well-Drilling Petroleum and Coal Mining Act (52 P. S. Secs. 2120 2602). 

(b) A person who conducts or intends to conduct in situ processing shall obtain a permit from the Department in
accordance with this chapter and Chapter 86 (relating to surface and underground coal mining: general).

(Source:  The provisions of this Sec. 89.161 adopted February 17, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 524, effective August 4, 1984, 14
Pa.B. 2860.)

25 Pa. Code Sec. 89.162  INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS.  {{ 30 CFR 828.1, 828.2, 828.11 & 828.12 }}
(a) Each application for in situ processing shall meet the information requirements of this chapter. 

(b) Each application for in situ processing shall include a plan that ensures that all pollution-forming and radioactive
gases, solids or liquids constituting a fire, health, safety or environmental hazard and caused by, or used in, the
mining and recovery process are used, stored, treated, confined or disposed of in accordance with this title. 

( c) The information required in this subchapter shall be designed and implemented to achieve the performance
standards set forth in this subchapter.

(Source:  The provisions of this Sec. 89.162 adopted February 17, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 524, effective August 4, 1984, 14
Pa.B. 2860.)

25 Pa. Code Sec. 89.163  PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.  {{ 30 CFR 828.1, 828.2, 828.11 & 828.12 }}
(a) In situ processing shall be conducted in accordance with the performance standards and design criteria of this
chapter. 

(b) In addition, in situ processing shall be conducted to prevent flow of the process recovery fluid: 
     (1) Horizontally beyond the affected area identified in the permit. 
     (2) Vertically into overlying or underlying acquifers. 

( c) The operator shall restore the quality of affected groundwater above and below the production zone, to the
approximate premining levels or better, to ensure that the potential use is not diminished.

(Source:  The provisions of this Sec. 89.163 adopted February 17, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 524, effective August 4, 1984, 14
Pa.B. 2860.)