27-1253. Approval; criteria

The state mine inspector shall approve a reclamation plan for exploration operations within sixty days after receiving a complete plan if the plan provides for the reclamation of surface disturbances at the exploration operations according to the following requirements, as applicable:

1. Exploration access roads that the operator constructs and that will not be part of a postexploration use shall be reclaimed in a timely manner after the exploration is completed.  If a governmental unit or agency will accept dedication or conveyance of an access road, reclamation is not required.  Reclamation shall include removing culverts, restoring drainage to its general predisturbance configuration, ripping the road surface to reduce compaction and aid revegetation and controlling access of motorized vehicles to the reclaimed area.

2. Holes that are drilled for aggregate exploration purposes, unless completed for water monitoring, withdrawal or other use, shall be plugged, sealed or capped promptly after their use is completed as prescribed by rule by the department of water resources and as necessary to ensure the safety of persons, domestic animals, livestock and machinery in the area.

3. Drill pads shall be reshaped promptly after completion of drilling to prevent erosion and to establish contours that are generally compatible with the adjacent areas or shall be ripped to reduce compaction and aid revegetation and, if appropriate, seeded to minimize erosion.

4. Mud pits that are used for drilling fluids and produced waters shall be reclaimed after hazardous substances are removed and disposed of, if necessary, and after they are sufficiently dry by reshaping to contours that are generally compatible with the adjacent areas.  If it is appropriate to the area, suitable growth media shall be spread and seeded over the pit area.

5. Exploration trenches and pits shall be backfilled and reclaimed as soon as practicable as prescribed in the reclamation plan.  If the trench or pit will remain open, measures shall be taken to stabilize the sides to address erosion control and to restrict access.  Trench and pit reclamation shall include backfilling, reshaping to contours generally compatible with the adjacent areas and, if appropriate for the area, seeding to reestablish vegetation.

6. Areas that have been cleared by blading with mechanized equipment during exploration operations shall be reshaped after exploration is completed, unless used for a postexploration use, to be generally compatible with the adjacent area.  Compacted areas shall be ripped to aid revegetation.