30 USC § 1309a - Subsidence

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t30/s1309a"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_prima_facie"
title: "30 USC § 1309a - Subsidence"
title_number: 30
title_name: "MINERAL LANDS AND MINING"
section_number: "1309a"
section_name: "Subsidence"
chapter_number: 25
chapter_name: "SURFACE MINING CONTROL AND RECLAMATION"
subchapter_number: "VII"
subchapter_name: "ADMINISTRATIVE AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS"
positive_law: false
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-04-17"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(Pub. L. 95–87, title VII, § 720, as added Pub. L. 102–486, title XXV, § 2504(a)(1), Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3104.)"
---


# § 1309a. Subsidence

**(a)** **Requirements** Underground coal mining operations conducted after October 24, 1992, shall comply with each of the following requirements:

Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit or interrupt underground coal mining operations.

**(1)** Promptly repair, or compensate for, material damage resulting from subsidence caused to any occupied residential dwelling and structures related thereto, or non-commercial building due to underground coal mining operations. Repair of damage shall include rehabilitation, restoration, or replacement of the damaged occupied residential dwelling and structures related thereto, or non-commercial building. Compensation shall be provided to the owner of the damaged occupied residential dwelling and structures related thereto or non-commercial building and shall be in the full amount of the diminution in value resulting from the subsidence. Compensation may be accomplished by the purchase, prior to mining, of a noncancellable premium-prepaid insurance policy.

**(2)** Promptly replace any drinking, domestic, or residential water supply from a well or spring in existence prior to the application for a surface coal mining and reclamation permit, which has been affected by contamination, diminution, or interruption resulting from underground coal mining operations.

**(b)** **Regulations** October 24, 1992

Within one year after , the Secretary shall, after providing notice and opportunity for public comment, promulgate final regulations to implement subsection (a).

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**Source Credit**: (Pub. L. 95–87, title VII, § 720, as added Pub. L. 102–486, title XXV, § 2504(a)(1), Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3104.)

## Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Review of Existing Requirements and Report to Congress

, , , directed Secretary of the Interior to review existing requirements related to underground coal mine subsidence and natural gas and petroleum pipeline safety, submit a report detailing results of review to Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of Senate and Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of House of Representatives within 18 months of , and, where appropriate, to commence a rulemaking to address any deficiencies in existing law determined in the review regarding notification, coordination and mitigation.