When the scope of a project for which an excavation permit has been issued is proposed to be altered so as to affect either the size or location of the excavation the rate of removal, or the plan for reclamation, the owner shall submit an application for amendment of his excavation permit. The amended application shall be subject to approval in the same manner as provided for an excavation permit. No application for amendment to increase the size of a permitted excavation will be allowed unless at least one-half of the area covered by the prior permit is reclaimed in accordance with the approved site Reclamation Plan.