How HB 1557 changes current law

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill amends the Coal Refuse Disposal Control Act to enhance requirements for the design of coal refuse disposal areas, specifically including provisions for revegetation and erosion prevention.

• Section 6.1(i)

  [for a period in excess of ninety days unless the department, for reasons of a labor strike or business necessity, approves a longer period that shall not exceed one year]

  Removes the specific conditions under which the operator can request an extension for temporary cessation of operation.

• Section 6.1(i)

  the system shall allow for revegetation and the prevention of erosion. → SHALL ALLOW FOR REVEGETATION AND THE PREVENTION OF EROSION.

  Emphasizes that all systems for new coal refuse disposal areas must include provisions for revegetation and erosion prevention.

• Section 6.1(i)

  when the operator temporarily ceases operation of the coal refuse disposal area [for a period in excess of ninety days unless the department, for reasons of a labor strike or business necessity, approves a longer period that shall not exceed one year] or when the operator permanently ceases operation of the coal refuse disposal area. → when the operator temporarily ceases operation of the coal refuse disposal area.

  Clarifies that the system for preventing precipitation must be installed when operations cease temporarily or permanently, removing the specific conditions related to labor strikes and business necessity.

• Section 6.1(j)

  HOWEVER, THE DEPARTMENT MAY PROMULGATE REGULATIONS TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONNECTION OF COAL REFUSE OR RELATED MATERIAL TO THE COAL REFUSE DISPOSAL AREA.

  Grants the department the authority to make regulations regarding the connection of coal refuse to disposal areas.