(a) Delegation of functions.--In accordance with regulations promulgated by the Environmental Quality Board, the department may, by agreement, delegate to a conservation district one or more of its regulatory functions under this act for surface mining operators licensed to mine less than 2,000 tons of marketable minerals per year. Any conservation district acting pursuant to a delegation agreement shall have the same powers and duties otherwise vested in the department to implement this act to the extent delegated by agreement.

(b) Activities to be monitored and supervised.--The department shall monitor and supervise the activities of each conservation district conducted pursuant to a delegation agreement.

(c) Appeals.--Any person aggrieved by an action of a district under a delegation agreement may appeal the action as provided by Title 2 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (relating to administrative law and procedure) within 30 days following notice of the action.