45.1-184.2 - Succession of one operator by another at uncompleted project.
§ 45.1-184.2. Succession of one operator by another at uncompleted project.
Where one operator succeeds another at any uncompleted operation, whether bysale, assignment, lease, merger, or otherwise, the Director may release thefirst operator from all liability under this chapter as to that particularoperation and transfer the permit to the successor operator; provided,however, that the successor operator has complied with the requirements ofthis chapter, and the successor operator assumes as part of his obligationunder this chapter, all liability for the reclamation of the area of landaffected by the first operator. No fee, or any portion thereof, paid by thefirst operator shall be returned to either operator. The permit fee for thesuccessor operator for the area of land permitted by the first operator shallbe $16 per acre, except as provided by § 45.1-180.4. The mining permit forthe successor operator shall be valid for one year from the date of issuanceand shall be renewed thereafter in accordance with the provisions of thischapter.
(1977, c. 312; 1996, cc. 648, 659; 2003, cc. 542, 550.)