(a) Part 817 of this chapter, Permanent Program Performance Standards—Underground Mining Activities, shall apply to any person who conducts underground mining operations.

(b) No person shall conduct surface coal mining operations except in compliance with the Georgia Safe Dams Act and Rules for Safety of the Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division; the Solid Waste Management Rules of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, Chapter 391-3-4; and the Georgia Seed Laws and Regulation 4.