(A) The chief of the division of mineral resources management may order the immediate suspension of the drilling or reopening of a well in a coal bearing township after determining that the drilling or reopening activities present an imminent and substantial threat to public health or safety or to a miner's health or safety.

(B) Before issuing an order under division (A) of this section, the chief shall notify the chief of the division of oil and gas resources management and the owner in any manner that the chief of the division of mineral resources management determines would provide reasonable notification of the chief's intent to issue a suspension order. However, the chief may order the immediate suspension of the drilling or reopening of a well in a coal bearing township without prior notification to the owner if the chief has made reasonable attempts to notify the owner and the attempts have failed. If the chief orders the immediate suspension of such drilling or reopening, the chief shall provide the chief of the division of oil and gas resources management and the owner notice of the order as soon as practical.

(C) Not later than five days after the issuance of an order under division (A) of this section to immediately suspend the drilling or reopening of a well in a coal bearing township, the chief of the division of mineral resources management shall provide the owner an opportunity to be heard and to present evidence that the drilling or reopening activities will not likely result in an imminent and substantial threat to public health or safety or to a miner's health or safety, as applicable. If the chief, after considering all evidence presented by the owner, determines that the activities do not present such a threat, the chief shall revoke the suspension order.

(D) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, an owner may appeal a suspension order issued under this section to the reclamation commission in accordance with section 1513.13 of the Revised Code.

Amended by 129th General AssemblyFile No.28, HB 153, §101.01, eff. 9/29/2011.

Added by 128th General AssemblyFile No.27, SB 165, §1, eff. 6/30/2010.