§ 4.1168 Amendments to pleadings.

(a) An application for review may be amended once as a matter of right prior to the filing of an answer and thereafter by leave of the administrative law judge upon proper motion.

(b) Upon receipt of an initial or amended application for review or subsequent to granting leave to amend, the administrative law judge shall issue an order setting a time for filing an amended answer if the judge determines that such an answer is appropriate.

§ 4.1169 Failure to state a claim.

Upon proper motion or after the issuance of an order to show cause by the administrative law judge, an administrative law judge may dismiss at any time an application for review which fails to state a claim upon which administrative relief may be granted.

§ 4.1170 Related notices or orders.

(a) An applicant for review shall file a copy of any subsequent notice or order which modifies, vacates, or terminates the notice or order sought to be reviewed within 10 days of receipt.

(b) An applicant for review of a notice shall file a copy of an order of cessation for failure timely to abate the violation which is the subject of the notice under review within 10 days of receipt of such order.

(c) If an applicant for review desires to challenge any subsequent notice or order, the applicant must file a separate application for review.

(d) Applications for review of related notices or orders are subject to consolidation.

§ 4.1171 Burden of proof in review of section 521 notices or orders.

(a) In review of section 521 notices of violation or orders of cessation or the modification, vacation, or termination thereof, including expedited review under § 4.1180, OSM shall have the burden of going forward to establish a prima facie case as to the validity of the notice, order, or modification, vacation, or termination thereof.

(b) The ultimate burden of persuasion shall rest with the applicant for review.

The purpose of §§ 4.1180-4.1187 is to govern applications filed under section 525(b) of the act for expedited review of orders of cessation for which temporary relief has not been granted under section 525(c) or section 526(c) of the act. If a person is qualified to receive a 30-day decision under these regulations, he may waive that right and file an application under § 4.1164, and the procedures in § 4.1160 et seq. shall apply. If there is a waiver as set forth in § 4.1186, the final administrative decision shall be issued within 120 days of the filing of the application. § 4.1181 Who may file.

(a) An application for review of an order of cessation may be filed under this section, whenever temporary relief has not been granted under section 525(c) or section 526(c) of the act, by

(1) A permittee who has been issued an order of cessation under section 521(a)(2) or section 521(a)(3) of the act; or

(2) Any person having an interest which is or may be adversely affected by the issuance of an order of cessation under section 521(a)(2) or section 521(a)(3) of the act.

(b) A permittee or any person having an interest which is or may be adversely affected by a section 521(a)(2) or section 521(a)(3) order of cessation waives his right to expedited review upon being granted temporary relief pursuant to section 525(c) or section 526(c) of the act.

§ 4.1182 Where to file.

The application shall be filed in the Hearings Division, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, OHA, Arlington, Va. 22203.

§ 4.1183 Time for filing.

(a) Any person intending to file an application for expedited review under section 525(b) of the act shall notify the field solicitor, Department of the Interior, for the region in which the mine site is located, within 15 days of

receipt of the order. Any person not served with a copy of the order shall file notice of intention to file an application for review within 20 days of the date of issuance of the order.

(b) Any person filing an application for review under § 4.1184 shall file the application within 30 days of receipt of the order. Any person not served with a copy of the order shall file an application for review within 40 days of the date of issuance of the order.

§ 4.1184 Contents of application.

(a) Any person filing an application for expedited review under section 525(b) of the act shall incorporate in that application regarding each claim for relief

(1) A statement of facts entitling that person to administrative relief;

(2) A request for specific relief;

(3) A specific statement which delineates each issue to be addressed by the applicant during the expedited proceeding;

(4) A copy of the order sought to be reviewed;

(5) A list identifying each of applicant's witnesses by name, address, and place of employment, including expert witnesses and the area of expertise to which they will address themselves at the hearing, and a detailed summary of their testimony;

(6) Copies of all exhibits and other documentary evidence that the applicant intends to introduce as evidence at the hearing and descriptions of all physical exhibits and evidence which is not capable of being copied or attached; and

(7) Any other relevant information. (b) If any applicant fails to comply with all the requirements of § 4.1184(a), the administrative law judge may find that the applicant has waived the 30-day decision requirement or the administrative law judge shall order that the application be perfected and the application shall not be considered filed for purposes of the 30day decision until perfected. Failure to timely comply with the administrative law judge's order shall constitute a waiver of the 30-day decision.

§4.1185 Computation of time for decision. In computing the 30-day time period for administrative decision, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, Federal legal holidays, and other nonbusiness days shall be excluded in the computation.

§ 4.1186 Waiver of the 30-day decision requirement.

(a) Any person qualified to receive a 30-day decision may waive that right(1) By filing an application pursuant to § 4.1160-71;

(2) By failing to comply with all the requirements of § 4.1184(a); or

(3) In accordance with § 4.1187(j). (b) Any person qualified to receive a 30-day decision shall waive that right

(1) By obtaining temporary relief pursuant to section 525(c) or section 526(c) of the act;

(2) By failing to perfect an application pursuant to § 4.1184(b); or

(3) In accordance with § 4.1187(i).

§ 4.1187 Procedure if 30-day decision requirement is not waived.

If the applicant does not waive the 30-day decision requirement of section 525(b) of the act, the following special rules shall apply

(a) The applicant shall serve all known parties with a copy of the application simultaneously with the filing of the application with OHA. If service is accomplished by mail, the applicant shall inform all known parties by telephone at the time of mailing that an application is being filed and shall inform the administrative law judge by telephone that such notice has been given. However, no ex parte communication as to the merits of the proceeding may be conducted with the administrative law judge.

(b) Any party desiring to file a response to the application for review shall file a written response within 5 working days of service of the application.

(c) If the applicant has requested a hearing, the administrative law judge shall act immediately upon receipt of the application to notify the parties of the time and place of the hearing at least 5 working days prior to the hearing date.

(d) The administrative law judge may require the parties to submit proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law at the hearing which may be orally supplemented on the record at the hearing or, where proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law have not been submitted at the hearing, they may be orally presented for the record at the hearing.

(e) The administrative law judge shall make an initial decision. He shall either rule from the bench on the application, orally stating the reasons for his decision or he shall issue a written decision. If the administrative law judge makes an oral ruling, his approval of the record of the hearing shall constitute his written decision. The decision of the administrative law judge must be issued within 15 days of the filing of the perfected application under § 4.1184.

(f) If any party desires to appeal to the Board, such party shall

(1) If the administrative law judge makes an oral ruling, make an oral statement, within a time period as directed by the administrative law judge, that the decision is being appealed and request that the administrative law judge certify the record to the Board; or

(2) If the administrative law judge issues a written decision after the close of the hearing, file a notice of appeal with the administrative law judge and with the Board within 2 working days of receipt of the administrative law judge's decision.

(g) If the decision of the administrative law judge is appealed, the Board shall act immediately to issue an expedited briefing schedule, and the Board shall act expeditiously to review the record and issue its decision. The decision of the Board must be issued within 30 days of the date the perfected application is filed with OHA pursuant to § 4.1184.

(h) If all parties waive the opportunity for a hearing and the administrative law judge determines that a hearing is not necessary, but the applicant does not waive the 30-day decision requirement, the administrative law judge shall issue an initial decision on the application within 15 days of receipt of the application. The decision

shall contain findings of fact and an order disposing of the application. The decision shall be served upon all the parties and the parties shall have 2 working days from receipt of such decision within which to appeal to the Board. The Board shall issue its decision within 30 days of the date the perfected application is filed with OHA pursuant to § 4.1184.

(i) If at any time after the initiation of this expedited procedure, the applicant requests a delay or acts in a manner so as to frustrate the expeditious nature of this proceeding or fails to comply with any requirement of § 4.1187(a), such action shall constitute a waiver of the 30-day requirement of section 525(b) of the act.

(j) If the applicant seeks to offer witnesses, exhibits, or testimony at the hearing in addition to those identified, submitted, described, or summarized in the application for expedited review perfected in accordance with the requirements of § 4.1184, upon objection by an opposing party to such offer, the administrative law judge may allow such objecting party additional time in order to prepare for cross-examination of unidentified witnesses or to identify and prepare rebuttal evidence or otherwise uncover any additional prejudice which may result to such party. The administrative law judge may rule that the running of the 30-day time for decision is stayed for the period of any additional time allowed pursuant to this subsection or may determine that the applicant has waived his right to the 30-day decision.

PROCEEDINGS FOR SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF PERMITS UNDER SECTION 521(a)(4) OF THE ACT

§ 4.1190 Initiation of proceedings.

(a) A proceeding on a show cause order issued by the Director of OSM pursuant to section 521(a)(4) of the Act shall be initiated by the Director of OSM filing a copy of such an order with the Hearings Division, OHA, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Va. 22203, at the same time the order is issued to the permittee.

(b) A show cause order filed with OHA shall set forth

(1) A list of the unwarranted or willful violations which contribute to a pattern of violations;

(2) A copy of each order or notice which contains one or more of the violations listed as contributing to a pattern of violations;

(3) The basis for determining the existence of a pattern or violations; and

(4) Recommendations whether the permit should be suspended or revoked, including the length and terms of a suspension.

§ 4.1191 Answer.

The permittee shall have 30 days from receipt of the order within which to file an answer with the Hearings Division, OHA, Arlington, Va.

§ 4.1192 Contents of answer.

The permittee's answer to a show cause order shall contain a statement setting forth—

(a) The reasons in detail why a pattern of violations, as described in 30 CFR 722.16, does not exist or has not existed, including all reasons for contesting

(1) The fact of any of the violations alleged by OSM as constituting a pattern of violations;

(2) The willfulness of such violations; or

(3) Whether such violations were caused by the unwarranted failure of the permittee;

(b) All mitigating factors the permittee believes exist in determining the terms of the revocation or the length and terms of the suspension;

(c) Any other alleged relevant facts; and

(d) Whether a hearing on the show cause order is desired.

§ 4.1193 Burden of proof in suspension or revocation proceedings.

In proceedings to suspend or revoke a permit, OSM shall have the burden of going forward to establish a prima facie case for suspension or revocation of the permit. The ultimate burden of persuasion that the permit should not be suspended or revoked shall rest with the permittee.

§ 4.1194 Determination by the administrative law judge.

(a) Upon a determination by the administrative law judge that a pattern of violations exists or has existed, pursuant to 30 CFR 722.16 (c)(2) or (c)(3), the administrative law judge shall order the permit either suspended or revoked. In making such a determination, the administrative law judge need not find that all the violations listed in the show cause order occurred, but only that sufficient violations occurred to establish a pattern.

(b) If the permit is suspended, the minimum suspension period shall be 3 working days unless the administrative law judge finds that imposition of the minimum suspension period would result in manifest injustice and would not further the purposes of the act. Also, the administrative law judge may impose preconditions to be satisfied prior to the suspension being lifted.

(c) The decision of the administrative law judge shall be issued within 20 days following the date the hearing record is closed by the administrative law judge or within 20 days of receipt of the answer, if no hearing is requested by any party and the administrative law judge determines that no hearing is necessary.

(d) At any stage of a suspension or revocation proceeding being conducted by an administrative law judge, the parties may enter into a settlement, subject to the approval of the administrative law judge.

§ 4.1195 Summary disposition.

(a) In a proceeding under this section where the permittee fails to appear at a hearing, the permittee shall be deemed to have waived his right to a hearing and the administrative law judge may assume for purposes of the proceeding that—

(1) Each violation listed in the order occurred;

(2) Such violations were caused by the permittee's unwarranted failure or were willfully caused; and

(3) A pattern of violations exists.

(b) In order to issue an initial decision concerning suspension or revocation of the permit when the permittee

fails to appear at the hearing, the administrative law judge shall either conduct an ex parte hearing or require OSM to furnish proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law.

§ 4.1196 Appeals.

Any party desiring to appeal the decision of the administrative law judge shall have 5 days from receipt of the administrative law judge's decision within which to file a notice of appeal with the Board. The Board shall act immediately to issue an expedited briefing schedule. The decision of the Board shall be issued within 60 days of the date the hearing record is closed by the administrative law judge or, if no hearing is held, within 60 days of the date the answer is filed.

APPLICATIONS FOR REVIEW OF ALLEGED DISCRIMINATORY ACTS UNDER SECTION 703 OF THE ACT

§ 4.1200 Filing of the application for review with the Office of Hearings and Appeals.

(a) Pursuant to 30 CFR 830.13, within 7 days of receipt of an application for review of alleged discriminatory acts, OSM shall file a copy of the application in the Hearings Division, OHA, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Va. 22203. OSM shall also file in the Hearings Division, OHA, Arlington, Va., a copy of any answer submitted in response to the application for review.

(b) The application for review, as filed in the Hearings Division, OHA, shall be held in suspense until one of the following takes place

(1) A request for temporary relief is filed pursuant to § 4.1203;

(2) A request is made by OSM for the scheduling of a hearing pursuant to 30 CFR 830.14(a);

(3) A request is made by the applicant for the scheduling of a hearing pursuant to 30 CFR 830.14(a);

(4) A request is made by the applicant for the scheduling of a hearing pursuant to 30 CFR 830.14(b); or

(5) A request is made by OSM that OHA close the case because OSM, the applicant, and the alleged discriminating person have entered into an agreement in resolution of the discrimina

tory acts and there has been compliance with such agreement.

§ 4.1201 Request for scheduling of a hearing.

(a) If OSM determines that a violation of section 703(a) of the act has probably occurred and was not resolved at the informal conference, it shall file with the Hearings Division, OHA, a request on behalf of the applicant that a hearing be scheduled. The request shall be filed within 10 days of the completion of the informal conference, or where no conference is held, within 10 days following the scheduled conference. Where OSM makes such a request, it shall represent the applicant in the administrative proceedings, unless the applicant desires to be represented by private counsel.

(b) If OSM declines to request that a hearing be scheduled and to represent the applicant, it shall within 10 days of the completion of the informal conference, or where no conference is held, within 10 days following the scheduled conference, notify the applicant of his right to request the scheduling of a hearing on his own behalf. An applicant shall file a request for the scheduling of a hearing in the Hearings Division, OHA, within 30 days of service of such notice from OSM.

(c) If no request for the scheduling of a hearing has been made pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) of this section and 60 days have elapsed from the filing of the application for review with OSM, the applicant may file on his own behalf a request for the scheduling of a hearing with the main office of OHA. Where such a request is made, the applicant shall proceed on his own behalf, but OSM may intervene pursuant to § 4.1110.