Section 132.08. Reclamation plan.

  The reclamation plan for the mining site shall include the following:

(1)  Detailed information and maps on reclamation procedures including:

(a) Manner, location, sequence and anticipated duration of reclamation.

(b) Ongoing reclamation procedures during mining operations.

(c) Proposed interim and final topography and slope stabilization.

(d) Proposed final land use and relationship to surrounding land and land use.

(e) Plans for long-term maintenance of mining site including:

1. Monitoring of wastes and ground and surface water quality.

2. Names of persons legally and operationally responsible for long-term maintenance.

(f) Projected costs of reclamation including estimated cost to the state of fulfilling the reclamation plan.

(2)  Evidence satisfactory to the department that the proposed reclamation will conform with the following minimum standards:

(a) All toxic and hazardous wastes, refuse, tailings and other solid waste shall be disposed of in conformance with applicable state and federal statutes or regulations.

(b) All tunnels, shafts or other underground openings shall be sealed in a manner which will prevent seepage of water in amounts which may be expected to create a safety, health or environmental hazard, unless the applicant can demonstrate alternative uses which do not endanger public health and safety and which conform to applicable environmental protection and mine safety laws and rules.

(c) All underground and surface runoff waters from mining sites shall be managed, impounded or treated so as to prevent soil erosion to the extent practicable, flooding, damage to agricultural lands or livestock, damage to wild animals, pollution of ground or surface waters, damage to public health or threats to public safety.

(d) All surface structures constructed as a part of the mining activities shall be removed, unless they are converted to an acceptable alternate use.

(e) Adequate measures shall be taken to prevent significant surface subsidence, but if such subsidence does occur, the affected area shall be reclaimed.

(f) All topsoil from surface areas disturbed by the mining operation shall be removed and stored in an environmentally acceptable manner for use in reclamation.

(g) All disturbed surface areas shall be revegetated as soon as practicable after the disturbance to stabilize slopes and prevent air and water pollution, with the objective of reestablishing a variety of plants and animals indigenous to the area immediately prior to mining, unless such reestablishment is inconsistent with the provisions of s. 293.01 (23) , Stats. Plant species not indigenous to the area may be used if necessary to provide rapid stabilization of slopes and prevention of erosion, if such species are acceptable to the department, but the ultimate goal of reestablishment of indigenous species shall be maintained.

(3)  If it is physically or economically impracticable or environmentally or socially undesirable for the reclamation process to return the affected area to its original state, the reasons therefor and a discussion of alternative conditions and uses to which the affected area can be put.

(4)  If the anticipated life and total area of the mineral deposit are of sufficient magnitude as determined by the department, a comprehensive long-term plan showing, in detail satisfactory to the department, the manner, location and estimated sequential timetable for reclamation of the entire area of contiguous land which will be affected by mining and which is owned, leased or under option for purchase or lease by the operator at the time of application. When a mineral deposit lies on or under the lands of more than one operator, the department shall require the operators to submit mutually consistent comprehensive plans.

History: Cr. Register, August, 1982, No. 320 , eff. 9-1-82; correction in (2) (g) made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats., Register, January, 2000, No. 529 .