| (a) Surface coal mining and reclamation operations on prime farmland shall be conducted to: (1) separately remove the topsoil, or remove other suitable soil materials which will create a final soil having a greater productive capacity than that which existed prior to mining; and (2) separately remove the B or C horizon or other suitable soil material to provide the thickness of suitable soil required by §12.624 of this title (relating to Prime Farmland: Soil Replacement). (b) The minimum depth of soil and soil material to be removed and stored for use in reconstruction of prime farmland shall be sufficient to meet the soil replacement requirements of §12.624(b) of this title (relating to Prime Farmland: Soil Replacement).
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