Inspection and monitoring

(a) Inspections (1) In general The Secretary concerned shall make inspections of mineral activities to ensure compliance with this Act. (2) Timing The Secretary concerned shall establish the frequency of inspections for mineral activities conducted under a permit issued under this Act, with the Secretary concerned requiring not less than 1 complete inspection per calendar quarter. (3) Annual inspections After revegetation has been established in accordance with a reclamation plan, the Secretary concerned shall conduct not less than 2 complete inspections per year. (4) Seasonal activities The Secretary concerned shall have the discretion to modify the inspection frequency for mineral activities that are conducted on a seasonal basis, except that the Secretary concerned shall require not less than 2 complete inspections per calendar year. (5) Financial assurance Inspections shall continue under this subsection until the final release of financial assurance. (b) Monitoring The Secretary concerned shall require all operators— (1) to develop and maintain a monitoring and evaluation system to identify compliance with all requirements of a permit approved under this Act; and (2) to submit such reports as may be required by the Secretary concerned.