(a) Waiver of permit requirements.--The Environmental Quality Board may, by regulation, waive the permit requirements for any category of surface mining operation under this act which it determines has an insignificant effect upon the safety and protection of life, health, property and the environment.

(b) Issuance of general permits.--The department may, in accordance with rules adopted by the Environmental Quality Board, issue general permits on a regional or Statewide basis for any category of surface mining operation under this act if the department determines that the operations in the category are similar in nature and can be adequately regulated utilizing standardized specifications and conditions. General permits shall specify the design, operating and monitoring conditions as are necessary to adequately protect life, health, property and the environment, under which the operations may be conducted without applying for and obtaining individual permits. The department may require the registration of any operation constructed pursuant to a general permit. All general permits shall be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin at least 30 days prior to the effective date of the permit.