(a) The secretary is vested with jurisdiction over all aspects of this article and has the exclusive authority to perform all acts necessary to implement this article.(b) The secretary shall develop a regulatory program for the exploration, development, and production of geothermal resources in this state. The regulatory program promulgated by the secretary shall include, but not be limited to, the following:(1) Application for a permit on a form prescribed by the secretary and containing any information the secretary considers is necessary to issue a decision on the permit application;(2) A procedure for reviewing a permit application and issuance of decision to grant or deny a permit;(3) A procedure allowing the public to comment on a permit application prior to issuance of a decision by the secretary;(4) A permit term not to exceed five years;(5) A procedure to renew or modify permits on forms prescribed by the secretary and containing any information the secretary considers is necessary to issue a decision on the renewal or modification;(6) Fees for permit applications and for permit renewals and modifications;(7) A procedure to suspend or revoke permits;(8) Standards for necessary to issue a decision on the renewal or modification;(6) Fees for permit applications and for permit renewals and modifications;(7) A procedure to suspend or revoke permits;(8) Standards for developing, drilling, plugging, and reclaiming well sites;(9) Guidelines for the safe disposal of spent geothermal fluids and other unusable or contaminated fluids generated in the production of geothermal resources;(10) Standards to ensure protection of all water resources of this state; and(11) Inspections and investigations to ensure compliance with any provision in this article or rule or permit or order issued by the secretary.
West Virginia Legal Code