(a) Part 764 of this chapter, State Processes for Designating Areas Unsuitable for Surface Coal Mining Operations, pertaining to petitioning, initial processing, hearing requirements, decisions, data base and inventory systems, public information, and regulatory responsibilities shall apply to surface coal mining and reclamation operations.

(b) The Secretary shall notify the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Ecology of any area designated unsuitable or for which such designation has been requested or terminated.