A. The authority to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the provisions and the policy of this chapter and the authority to adopt definitions for use in interpreting this chapter are hereby vested in the Director.

B. The authority to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter is hereby vested in the Director. In administering and enforcing the provisions of this chapter pursuant to the findings and legislative policy adopted by the General Assembly, the Director shall exercise the following powers in addition to any other powers conferred upon him by law:

1. To supervise the administration and enforcement of this chapter and all rules and regulations and orders promulgated thereunder;

2. To issue orders to enforce the provisions of this chapter, all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the terms and conditions of any permit;

3. To make investigations and inspections to insure compliance with any provision of this chapter or any rules, regulations, or orders promulgated thereunder;

4. To encourage and conduct investigations, research, experiments and demonstrations, and to collect and disseminate information relating to surface mining and reclamation of lands and waters affected by surface mining;

5. To receive any federal funds, state funds or any other funds and to enter into any contracts, for which funds are available, to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

C. In addition to any administrative remedy granted herein, the Director may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for an injunction against any violation of the provisions of this chapter, and the rules, regulations and orders promulgated hereunder or to compel the performance of acts required thereby without regard to any adequate remedy which may exist at law, such injunction to be issued without bond. However, with regard to the suspension of mining operations, § 45.1-193.1 shall control.

1977, c. 312; 1984, c. 590.