Each application shall describe and identify—

(a) The lands subject to surface coal mining operations over the estimated life of those operations and the size, sequence, and timing of the subareas for which it is anticipated that individual permits for mining will be sought; and

(b) The nature of cultural historic and archeological resources listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and known archeological sites within the proposed permit and adjacent areas.

(1) The description shall be based on all available information, including, but not limited to, information from the State Historic Preservation Officer and local archeological, historical, and cultural preservation groups.

(2) The regulatory authority may require the applicant to identify and evaluate important historic and archeological resources that may be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, through the—

(i) Collection of additional information,

(ii) Conduct of field investigations, or

(iii) Other appropriate analyses.

[44 FR 15363, Mar. 13, 1979, as amended at 48 FR 14822, Apr. 5, 1983; 52 FR 4262, Feb. 10, 1987; 81 FR 93330, Dec. 20, 2016; 82 FR 54956, Nov. 17, 2017]