| (a) An exploratory or monitoring well may only be transferred by the person who conducts underground mining activities for further use as a water well with the prior approval of the Commission. That person and the surface owner of the lands where the well is located shall jointly submit a written request to the Commission for that approval. (b) Upon an approved transfer of a well, the transferee shall: (1) assume primary liability for damages to persons or property from the well; (2) plug the well when necessary, but in no case later than abandonment of the well; and (3) assume primary responsibility for compliance with §§12.501-12.503 of this title (relating to Casing and Sealing of Exposed Underground Openings: General Requirements, to Casing and Sealing of Exposed Underground Openings: Temporary, and to Casing and Sealing of Exposed Underground Openings: Permanent) with respect
to the well. (c) Upon an approved transfer of a well, the transferor shall be secondarily liable for the transferee's obligation under subsection (b) of this section, until release of the bond or other equivalent guarantee required by Subchapter J of this chapter (relating to Bond and Insurance Requirements for Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Operations) for the area in which the well is located.
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