CFR > Title 30 - Mineral Resources > CHAPTER VII—OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING RECLAMATION AND ENFORCEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR > SUBCHAPTER K—PERMANENT PROGRAM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS (parts 810 to 828) > PART 822—SPECIAL PERMANENT PROGRAM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS—OPERATIONS IN ALLUVIAL VALLEY FLOORS > 822.11—Essential hydrologic functions.

822.11—Essential hydrologic functions.

(a) The operator of a surface coal mining and reclamation operation shall minimize disturbances to the hydrologic balance by preserving throughout the mining and reclamation process the essential hydrologic functions of an alluvial valley floor not within the permit area.
(b) The operator of a surface coal mining and reclamation operation shall minimize disturbances to the hydrologic balance within the permit area by reestablishing throughout the mining and reclamation process the essential hydrologic functions of alluvial valley floors.