Section 1816.13   Casing and Sealing of Drilled Holes: General Requirements

Each exploration hole, other drill or borehole, well, or other exposed underground opening shall be cased, sealed, or otherwise managed, as approved by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Mines and Minerals (Department), to prevent acid or other toxic drainage from entering ground or surface waters, to minimize disturbance to the prevailing hydrologic balance, and to ensure the safety of people, livestock, fish and wildlife, and machinery in the permit and adjacent area.  If these openings are uncovered or exposed by surface mining activities within the permit area they shall be permanently closed, unless approved for water monitoring, or otherwise managed in a manner approved by the Department.  Use of a drilled hole or borehole or monitoring well as a water well must meet the provisions of Section 1816.41.  This Section does not apply to holes solely drilled and used for blasting.

(Source:  Amended at 20 Ill. Reg. 2027, effective January 19, 1996)