(a) This section applies to any person who conducts or intends to conduct surface coal mining and reclamation operations utilizing in situ processing activities.

(b) Any application for a permit for operations covered by this section shall be made according to all requirements of this subchapter applicable to underground mining activities. In addition, the mining and reclamation operations plan for operations involving in situ processing activities shall contain information establishing how those operations will be conducted in compliance with the requirements of 30 CFR part 828, including—

(1) Delineation of proposed holes and wells and production zone for approval of the regulatory authority;

(2) Specifications of drill holes and casings proposed to be used;

(3) A plan for treatment, confinement or disposal of all acid-forming, toxic-forming or radioactive gases, solids, or liquids constituting a fire, health, safety or environmental hazard caused by the mining and recovery process; and

(4) Plans for monitoring surface and ground water and air quality, as required by the regulatory authority.

(c) No permit shall be issued for operations covered by this section, unless the regulatory authority first finds, in writing, upon the basis of a complete application made in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section, that the operation will be conducted in compliance with all requirements of this subchapter relating to underground mining activities, and 30 CFR parts 817 and 828.