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| PRIOR PRINTER'S NO. 1813 | PRINTER'S NO. 2208 |
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| THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA |
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| SENATE BILL |
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| INTRODUCED BY KASUNIC, YUDICHAK, SOLOBAY, HUGHES AND FONTANA, NOVEMBER 21, 2011 |
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| SENATOR M. WHITE, ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY, AS AMENDED, MAY 23, 2012 |
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| AN ACT |
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1 | Amending Title 27 (Environmental Resources) of the Pennsylvania | <-- |
2 | Consolidated Statutes, providing for use of mine drainage |
3 | water. |
4 | Amending Title 27 (Environmental Resources) of the Pennsylvania | <-- |
5 | Consolidated Statutes, further providing for definitions, for |
6 | eligibility and project inventory, for landowner liability |
7 | limitation and exceptions, for project liability limitation |
8 | and exceptions and for exceptions. |
9 | The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
10 | hereby enacts as follows: |
11 | Section 1. Title 27 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated | <-- |
12 | Statutes is amended by adding a chapter to read: |
13 | CHAPTER 81A |
14 | MINE DRAINAGE WATER |
15 | Sec. |
16 | 81A01. Scope of chapter. |
17 | 81A02. Findings. |
18 | 81A03. Purpose. |
19 | 81A04. Definitions. |
20 | 81A05. Eligibility. |
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1 | 81A06. Natural gas operator liability limitation and |
2 | exceptions. |
3 | 81A07. Landowner liability limitation and exceptions. |
4 | 81A08. Water withdrawal permits. |
5 | 81A09. Relationship to Federal and State programs. |
6 | 81A10. Regulations. |
7 | § 81A01. Scope of chapter. |
8 | This chapter relates to the use of mine drainage water. |
9 | § 81A02. Findings. |
10 | The General Assembly finds and declares as follows: |
11 | (1) This Commonwealth is poised for an extensive |
12 | development of the Marcellus Shale and other conventional and |
13 | unconventional natural gas reserves through the use of |
14 | hydraulic fracturing technology. |
15 | (2) The hydraulic fracturing process utilizes large |
16 | quantities of water in the preparation and extraction of |
17 | natural gas from conventional and unconventional wells. |
18 | (3) This Commonwealth's long history of mining has left |
19 | some waters unreclaimed and polluted. |
20 | (4) This Commonwealth does not possess sufficient |
21 | resources to abate the pollution in these waters. |
22 | (5) Numerous natural gas operators who do not have a |
23 | legal responsibility to abate the pollution in these waters |
24 | are interested in utilizing these polluted waters to |
25 | hydraulically fracture conventional and unconventional |
26 | natural gas wells but are reluctant to engage in the usage |
27 | because of the potential liabilities associated with the |
28 | usage of the polluted water. |
29 | (6) It is in the best interest of the health, safety and |
30 | welfare of the people of this Commonwealth and the |
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1 | environment to encourage the use of the polluted water in the |
2 | hydraulic fracturing of conventional and unconventional |
3 | natural gas wells. |
4 | § 81A03. Purpose. |
5 | This chapter is intended to encourage the use of polluted |
6 | water in hydraulic fracturing activity, to aid in the protection |
7 | of wildlife, to protect water resources, to aid in the |
8 | prevention of the pollution of rivers and streams, to protect |
9 | the environmental values of this Commonwealth and to eliminate |
10 | or abate hazards to health and safety. It is the intent of the |
11 | General Assembly to encourage voluntary use of polluted water in |
12 | the hydraulic fracturing of conventional and unconventional |
13 | natural gas wells. The purpose of this chapter is to protect the |
14 | quality and availability of fresh water resources by limiting |
15 | liability which could arise as a result of the voluntary use of |
16 | polluted water in hydraulic fracturing of natural gas wells. |
17 | This chapter is not intended to limit the liability of a person |
18 | who under existing law is or may become responsible to address |
19 | the polluted water or anyone who by contract, order or otherwise |
20 | is required to or agrees to perform the reclamation or abate the |
21 | polluted water. |
22 | § 81A04. Definitions. |
23 | The following words and phrases when used in this chapter |
24 | shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the |
25 | context clearly indicates otherwise: |
26 | "Abandoned lands." Land adversely affected by mineral or oil |
27 | or gas extraction and left or abandoned in an unreclaimed or |
28 | inadequately reclaimed condition. |
29 | "Compact basin commission." As defined in section 3102 |
30 | (relating to definitions). |
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1 | "Department." The Department of Environmental Protection of |
2 | the Commonwealth. |
3 | "Eligible land and water." Land and water adversely affected |
4 | by mining or oil and gas extraction and left or abandoned in an |
5 | unreclaimed or inadequately reclaimed condition or left |
6 | discharging water pollution and for which no person has a |
7 | continuing reclamation or water pollution abatement obligation. |
8 | The term shall also include land and water adversely affected by |
9 | mining or oil and gas extraction and left in an unreclaimed or |
10 | inadequately reclaimed condition or left discharging water |
11 | pollution for which the department has forfeited and collected |
12 | the operators bonds and there is no outstanding claim, demand or |
13 | litigation concerning the bond forfeiture. |
14 | "Landowner." A person who holds either legal or equitable |
15 | interest in the surface or mineral estate of eligible land and |
16 | water or other real property. The term includes a mining |
17 | company. |
18 | "Mineral." Any aggregate or mass of mineral matter, whether |
19 | or not coherent, which is extracted by mining, including, but |
20 | not limited to, limestone, dolomite, sand, gravel, slate, |
21 | argillite, diabase, gneiss, micaceous sandstone known as |
22 | bluestone, rock, stone, earth, fill, slag, iron ore, zinc ore, |
23 | vermiculite, clay and anthracite and bituminous coal. |
24 | "Mining activity site." A mining site that is abandoned, |
25 | inactive or is or was permitted by the department under any of |
26 | the following acts: |
27 | (1) The act of June 22, 1937 (P.L.1987, No.394), known |
28 | as The Clean Streams Law. |
29 | (2) The act of May 31, 1945 (P.L.1198, No.418), known as |
30 | the Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act. |
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1 | (3) The act of April 27, 1966 (1st Sp.Sess., P.L.31, |
2 | No.1), known as The Bituminous Mine Subsidence and Land |
3 | Conservation Act. |
4 | (4) The act of September 24, 1968 (P.L.1040, No.318), |
5 | known as the Coal Refuse Disposal Control Act. |
6 | (5) The act of December 19, 1984 (P.L.1093, No.219), |
7 | known as the Noncoal Surface Mining Conservation and |
8 | Reclamation Act. |
9 | "Natural gas operator." A person who holds a permit issued |
10 | under the act of December 19, 1984 (P.L.1140, No.223), known as |
11 | the Oil and Gas Act, to drill an oil or natural gas well in a |
12 | conventional or unconventional formation. |
13 | "Person." A natural person, partnership, association, |
14 | association members, corporation, political subdivision of the |
15 | Commonwealth, an agency, instrumentality or entity of Federal |
16 | Government or State government or other legal entity recognized |
17 | by law as the subject of rights and liabilities. |
18 | "Polluted water." Water which contains water pollution and |
19 | which is found in or originates from a mining activity site on |
20 | eligible land and water. |
21 | "Water pollution." Waters of this Commonwealth that contain |
22 | pollution as defined in section 1 of the act of June 22, 1937 |
23 | (P.L.1987, No.394), known as The Clean Streams Law, which was |
24 | caused by mining activities, oil or gas extraction or |
25 | exploration for these resources. |
26 | "Water withdrawal permit." A permit or approval required by |
27 | a compact basin commission or the department to withdraw water |
28 | from the surface water or the groundwater. |
29 | § 81A05. Eligibility. |
30 | (a) General rule.--The following shall apply: |
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1 | (1) (i) Except as provided under subparagraph (ii), a |
2 | landowner who allows the withdrawal of polluted water |
3 | from eligible land and water that originates from a |
4 | mining activity site, or a natural gas operator who |
5 | withdraws polluted water from eligible land and water |
6 | that originates from a mining activity site and, in |
7 | accordance with this chapter, utilizes the polluted water |
8 | to hydraulically fracture a conventional or |
9 | unconventional natural gas well and reuses, recycles and |
10 | properly disposes of any unutilized hydraulic fracturing |
11 | waste water shall be immune from liability and may raise |
12 | the protections afforded by this chapter in any |
13 | subsequent legal proceeding which is brought to enforce |
14 | environmental laws or otherwise impose liability in |
15 | regard to the eligible land and water or any existing |
16 | water pollution abatement facilities on the eligible land |
17 | and water. |
18 | (ii) Nothing under this chapter shall relieve a |
19 | natural gas operator from liability for the proper |
20 | utilization and disposal of polluted water withdrawn from |
21 | eligible land and water that originates from a mining |
22 | activity site in accordance with this chapter. |
23 | (2) A natural gas operator shall only be eligible for |
24 | the protections and immunities provided under section 81A06 |
25 | (relating to natural gas operator liability limitation and |
26 | exceptions) if a written plan of the polluted water |
27 | withdrawal, utilization and disposal is submitted to and |
28 | approved by the department and, where applicable, a compact |
29 | basin commission. The plan shall include the approximate |
30 | volume of each withdrawal of polluted water, the locations of |
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1 | eligible land and water where the withdrawals of polluted |
2 | water will occur, the locations of the natural gas wells |
3 | where the withdrawn polluted water will be utilized in |
4 | hydraulic fracturing, whether any processing or pretreatment |
5 | will be made to the polluted water, and the reuse or |
6 | treatment and disposal of any of the polluted water that is |
7 | recovered by the natural gas operator from a well that is |
8 | hydraulically fractured. |
9 | (b) Departmental review.--The department shall review each |
10 | written plan. If the department determines that the plan meets |
11 | the following criteria, the department shall approve the plan: |
12 | (1) The plan provides that use of the polluted water |
13 | will preserve water quality and availability in this |
14 | Commonwealth through the use of polluted water in hydraulic |
15 | fracturing of conventional and unconventional natural gas |
16 | wells. |
17 | (2) The plan provides for proper storage of the polluted |
18 | water during its use and the ultimate proper disposal of the |
19 | polluted water following its use. |
20 | (3) The plan demonstrates that withdrawal of polluted |
21 | water will not cause or contribute to water pollution at the |
22 | site of the withdrawal from eligible land and water or any |
23 | other location hydrogeologically connected to the withdrawal |
24 | site and will not otherwise affect or threaten a current or |
25 | proposed mining operation. The demonstration shall include a |
26 | closure plan that describes how all wells used to withdraw |
27 | polluted water will be properly closed and plugged upon |
28 | conclusion of use. |
29 | § 81A06. Natural gas operator liability limitation and |
30 | exceptions. |
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1 | (a) General rule.--Except as provided under subsection (b), |
2 | a natural gas operator who withdraws polluted water from a |
3 | mining activity site on eligible land and water for use in |
4 | hydraulic fracturing natural gas wells: |
5 | (1) Shall not be deemed to assume legal responsibility |
6 | for or incur liability for any preexisting water pollution on |
7 | or hydrogeologically connected to the withdrawal site or for |
8 | the use of polluted water in hydraulic fracturing a |
9 | conventional or unconventional natural gas well. |
10 | (2) Shall not be subject to a citizen suit filed |
11 | pursuant to section 601 of the act of June 22, 1937 |
12 | (P.L.1987, No.394), known as The Clean Streams Law, for |
13 | pollution resulting from a withdrawal of polluted water and |
14 | its subsequent use. |
15 | (b) Exceptions.--Nothing under this chapter shall limit the |
16 | liability of a natural gas operator who withdraws polluted water |
17 | from a mining activity site on eligible land and water for use |
18 | in hydraulic fracturing conventional or unconventional natural |
19 | gas wells for liability which results from the withdrawal of the |
20 | polluted water and which would otherwise exist: |
21 | (1) For injury or damage resulting from the natural gas |
22 | operator's acts or omissions which are negligent, reckless or |
23 | constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct. |
24 | (2) For the natural gas operator's unlawful activities. |
25 | (3) For damage to landowners or other persons which |
26 | result from a withdrawal of polluted water if the written |
27 | plan described under section 81A05 (relating to eligibility) |
28 | was not provided to and approved by the department. |
29 | § 81A07. Landowner liability limitation and exceptions. |
30 | (a) General rule.--Except as provided under subsections (b) |
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1 | and (c), a landowner who provides access to the land which |
2 | results in withdrawals of polluted water for use in hydraulic |
3 | fracturing of conventional or unconventional natural gas wells: |
4 | (1) Shall be immune from liability for any injury or |
5 | damage suffered by a natural gas operator withdrawing |
6 | polluted water while the natural gas operator or its employee |
7 | is within the land necessary for withdrawal of polluted |
8 | water. |
9 | (2) Shall be immune from liability for any injury to or |
10 | damage suffered by a third party that arises out of or occurs |
11 | as a result of an act or omission of a natural gas operator |
12 | withdrawing polluted water which occurs during the |
13 | withdrawal. |
14 | (3) Shall be immune from liability for any injury to or |
15 | damage suffered by a third party which arises out of or |
16 | occurs as a result of a withdrawal of polluted water. |
17 | (4) Shall not be deemed to assume legal responsibility |
18 | to incur liability for any water pollution resulting from a |
19 | withdrawal of polluted water from a change in environmental |
20 | conditions at the mining activity site or any site |
21 | hydrogeologically connected thereto resulting from a |
22 | withdrawal of polluted water, or from its use in hydraulic |
23 | fracturing a conventional or unconventional natural gas well. |
24 | (5) Shall not be subject to a citizen suit filed under |
25 | section 601 of the act of June 22, 1937 (P.L.1987, No.394), |
26 | known as The Clean Streams Law, for pollution resulting from |
27 | a withdrawal of polluted water and its subsequent use. |
28 | (b) Duty to warn.--A landowner shall warn a natural gas |
29 | operator withdrawing polluted water of known abnormally |
30 | dangerous conditions located on the land in the area necessary |
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1 | to withdraw polluted water. Nothing under this chapter shall |
2 | limit in any way or affect a landowner's liability which results |
3 | from a landowner's failure to warn of the known abnormally |
4 | dangerous conditions. |
5 | (c) Exceptions to immunity.--Nothing under this chapter |
6 | shall limit in any way or affect a landowner's liability which |
7 | results from the withdrawal of polluted water and which would |
8 | otherwise exist: |
9 | (1) For any injury or damage resulting from the |
10 | landowner's acts or omissions which are negligent, reckless |
11 | or constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct. |
12 | (2) For the landowner's unlawful activities. |
13 | § 81A08. Water withdrawal permits. |
14 | Nothing under this chapter shall be construed to affect any |
15 | requirement for a water withdrawal permit. |
16 | § 81A09. Relationship to Federal and State programs. |
17 | The provisions of this chapter shall not prevent the |
18 | Commonwealth from enforcing requirements necessary or imposed by |
19 | the Federal Government as a condition to receiving or |
20 | maintaining program authorization, delegation, primacy or |
21 | Federal funds. |
22 | § 81A10. Regulations. |
23 | The department may promulgate rules and regulations necessary |
24 | to implement the provisions of this chapter. |
25 | Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days. |
26 | Section 1. The definitions of "eligible land and water," | <-- |
27 | "water pollution abatement facilities" and "water pollution |
28 | abatement project" in section 8104 of Title 27 of the |
29 | Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes are amended and the section |
30 | is amended by adding definitions to read: |
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1 | § 8104. Definitions. |
2 | The following words and phrases when used in this chapter |
3 | shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the |
4 | context clearly indicates otherwise: |
5 | * * * |
6 | "Eligible land and water." Land and water adversely affected |
7 | by mining or oil or gas extraction and left or abandoned in an |
8 | unreclaimed or inadequately reclaimed condition or left |
9 | discharging water pollution and for which no person has a |
10 | continuing reclamation or water pollution abatement obligation. |
11 | The term shall also include land and water adversely affected by |
12 | mining or oil or gas extraction and left in an unreclaimed or |
13 | inadequately reclaimed condition or left discharging water |
14 | pollution for which the Department of Environmental Protection |
15 | has forfeited and collected the operators bonds and there is no |
16 | outstanding litigation concerning the bond forfeiture. Without |
17 | limiting the foregoing, for purposes of water pollution |
18 | abatement projects involving the use of mine drainage or mine |
19 | pool water for hydraulic fracturing or other development of a |
20 | gas well, the term also includes land and water adversely |
21 | affected by mining and left in an unreclaimed or inadequately |
22 | reclaimed condition, or left discharging water pollution for |
23 | which a treatment trust fund naming the department as the |
24 | beneficiary of the trust has been established. |
25 | * * * |
26 | "Mine operator." The permittee of an active or closed mine |
27 | that treats mine drainage under a permit issued by the |
28 | department. |
29 | * * * |
30 | "Treated mine drainage." Water from an active or closed mine |
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1 | that is treated by the mine operator under a permit issued by |
2 | the department. Treated mine drainage that meets the effluent |
3 | limits for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System |
4 | permit for the source mine is not a solid waste as defined in |
5 | section 103 of the act of July 7, 1980 (P.L.380, No.97), known |
6 | as the Solid Waste Management Act, and the regulations |
7 | promulgated thereunder. |
8 | * * * |
9 | "Water pollution abatement facilities." The methods for |
10 | treatment or abatement of water pollution located on or |
11 | associated with eligible lands and water. These methods include, |
12 | but are not limited to, a structure, system, practice, technique |
13 | or method constructed, installed or followed to reduce, treat or |
14 | abate such water pollution. The methods also include a |
15 | structure, system, practice, technique or method constructed, |
16 | installed or followed to enable the use of mine drainage or mine |
17 | pool water from eligible land and water for hydraulic fracturing |
18 | or other development of a gas well. |
19 | "Water pollution abatement project." A plan for treatment or |
20 | abatement of water pollution located on eligible lands and |
21 | water. These plans include, but are not limited to, the |
22 | practices to be followed and the installation, operation and |
23 | maintenance of facilities to reduce, treat or abate such water |
24 | pollution. The plans also include the use of mine drainage or |
25 | mine pool water from eligible land and water for hydraulic |
26 | fracturing or other development of a gas well that may or may |
27 | not be located on eligible lands and water. The use of treated |
28 | mine drainage from a permitted mining activity site for the |
29 | hydraulic fracturing or other development of a gas well is |
30 | considered a water pollution abatement project subject to the |
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1 | provisions of this chapter. |
2 | Section 2. Section 8105(d) of Title 27 is amended to read: |
3 | § 8105. Eligibility and project inventory. |
4 | * * * |
5 | (d) Departmental review.--The department shall review each |
6 | proposed reclamation project and approve the project if the |
7 | department determines the proposed project: |
8 | (1) will result in the regrading of the land to stable |
9 | contours that blend in and complement the drainage pattern of |
10 | the surrounding terrain with no highwalls, spoil piles or |
11 | depressions to accumulate water; |
12 | (2) will result in the appropriate revegetation of the |
13 | site; and |
14 | (3) is not likely to result in water pollution as |
15 | defined in section 1 of the act of June 22, 1937 (P.L.1987, |
16 | No.394), known as The Clean Streams Law. |
17 | The department shall review each proposed water pollution |
18 | abatement project and approve the project if the department |
19 | determines the proposed project is likely to improve the water |
20 | quality [and is not likely to make the water pollution worse] of |
21 | an existing discharge of pollution or will likely have a |
22 | beneficial impact on water resources in this Commonwealth. |
23 | * * * |
24 | Section 3. Section 8106(a)(3) of Title 27 is amended and the |
25 | section is amended by adding a subsection to read: |
26 | § 8106. Landowner liability limitation and exceptions. |
27 | (a) General rule.--Except as specifically provided in |
28 | subsections (b) and (c), a landowner who provides access to the |
29 | land, without charge or other consideration, which results in |
30 | the implementation of a reclamation project or a water pollution |
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1 | abatement project: |
2 | * * * |
3 | (3) Shall be immune from liability for any injury to or |
4 | damage suffered by a third party, including a downstream |
5 | riparian landowner, which arises out of or occurs as a result |
6 | of a reclamation project or a water pollution abatement |
7 | project. |
8 | * * * |
9 | (d) Use of mine water for hydraulic fracturing.-- |
10 | Notwithstanding a provision of this chapter, landowners and mine |
11 | operators that are responsible for treating mine drainage or |
12 | mine pool water from a permitted mining activity site shall not |
13 | be deemed to assume legal responsibility for or to incur |
14 | liability with respect to a cost, injury or damage that arises |
15 | out of or occurs in connection with the use of mine drainage, |
16 | mine pool water or treated mine water in connection with the |
17 | hydraulic fracturing process or other development of a gas well. |
18 | Section 4. Sections 8107(a)(1) of Title 27 is amended and |
19 | the subsection is amended by adding paragraphs to read: |
20 | § 8107. Project liability limitation and exceptions. |
21 | (a) General rule.--Except as specifically provided in |
22 | subsection (b), a person who provides equipment, funding, |
23 | materials or services at no cost to the Commonwealth or at cost |
24 | for a reclamation project or a water pollution abatement project |
25 | or who implements any such project: |
26 | (1) Shall be immune from liability for any injury to or |
27 | damage suffered by a person, including a downstream riparian |
28 | landowner, which arises out of or occurs as a result of: |
29 | (i) the water pollution abatement facilities |
30 | constructed or installed during the water pollution |
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1 | abatement project; and |
2 | (ii) a reclamation project or a water pollution |
3 | abatement project. |
4 | * * * |
5 | (5) May not be considered to be engaging in surface or |
6 | underground mining activities under the act of May 31, 1945 |
7 | (P.L.1198, No.418), known as the Surface Mining Conservation |
8 | and Reclamation Act, or the act of April 27, 1966 (1st |
9 | Sp.Sess., P.L.31, No.1), known as The Bituminous Mine |
10 | Subsidence and Land Conservation Act, when the water |
11 | pollution abatement project involves the use of mine drainage |
12 | or mine pool water for hydraulic fracturing or other |
13 | development of a gas well. |
14 | (6) May not be considered to be engaging in the |
15 | processing, treatment or disposal of a solid waste under the |
16 | act of July 7, 1980 (P.L.380, No.97), known as the Solid |
17 | Waste Management Act, or in the discharge of industrial waste |
18 | or pollutants under the act of June 22, 1937 (P.L.1987, |
19 | No.394), known as The Clean Streams Law, when using mine |
20 | drainage, mine pool water or treated mine water for hydraulic |
21 | fracturing or other development of a gas well. |
22 | * * * |
23 | Section 5. Section 8111(a) of Title 27 is amended to read: |
24 | § 8111. Exceptions. |
25 | (a) General [rule] rules.--The following shall not be |
26 | eligible for nor shall that person receive the benefit of the |
27 | protections and immunities available under this chapter, |
28 | provided that, any person who uses and any person who allows the |
29 | use of or provides mine drainage, mine pool water or treated |
30 | mine water, as part of a water pollution abatement project, |
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1 | including a mine operator that provides for payment or otherwise |
2 | treated mine drainage for hydraulic fracturing or other |
3 | development of a gas well shall receive the benefit of the |
4 | protections and immunities available under this chapter: |
5 | (1) Any person who under existing law shall be or may |
6 | become responsible to reclaim the land or treat or abate the |
7 | water pollution [or]; |
8 | (2) any person who [for] receives payment [or], |
9 | consideration or [who receives] some other benefit through a |
10 | contract [or] to reclaim the land or treat or abate the water |
11 | pollution except as provided by this subsection; or |
12 | (3) any person who through a consent order and agreement |
13 | or otherwise agrees or is ordered to perform or complete |
14 | reclamation or treat or abate water pollution as well as a |
15 | surety which provided a bond for the site [shall not be |
16 | eligible for nor shall that person receive the benefit of the |
17 | protections and immunities available under this chapter]. |
18 | * * * |
19 | Section 6. This act shall take effect in 60 days. |
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