All nonmetallic mining sites subject to this
chapter shall be reclaimed in conformance with the standards contained
below.
Nonmetallic mining reclamation shall be conducted
and completed in a manner that assures compliance with the water quality
standards for surface waters and wetlands of the Wisconsin Department
of Natural Resources contained in Chapters NR 102 to NR 105, Wisconsin
Administrative Code. Before disturbing the surface of a nonmetallic
mining site and removing topsoil, all necessary measures for diversion
and drainage of runoff from the site to prevent pollution of waters
of the state shall be installed in accordance with the reclamation
plans approved pursuant to this chapter. Diverted or channelized runoff
resulting from reclamation may not adversely affect neighboring properties.
Topsoil or topsoil substitute material shall
be redistributed in accordance with the reclamation plan approved
pursuant to this chapter in a manner which minimizes compaction and
prevents erosion. Topsoil or topsoil substitute material shall be
uniformly redistributed, except where uniform redistribution is undesirable
or impractical. Topsoil or topsoil substitute material redistribution
may not be performed during or immediately after a precipitation event
until the soils have sufficiently dried.
Except for permanent roads or similar surfaces
identified in the reclamation plan approved pursuant to this chapter,
all surfaces affected by nonmetallic mining shall be reclaimed and
stabilized by revegetation or other means. Revegetation and site stabilization
shall be in accordance with the approved reclamation plan and shall
be performed as soon as practicable after mining activity has permanently
ceased in any part of the mine site.
Intermittent mining may be conducted provided that the possibility of intermittent cessation of operations is addressed in an operator's reclamation permit, no environmental pollution or erosion of sediments is occurring, and financial assurance for reclamation pursuant to §
514-22 is maintained covering all remaining portions of the site that have been affected by nonmetallic mining and that have not been reclaimed.
During the period of the site reclamation, after
the operator has stated that reclamation is complete but prior to
release of financial assurance, the operator shall perform any maintenance
necessary to prevent erosion, sedimentation or environmental pollution,
to comply with the standards of this chapter, or to meet the goals
specified in the reclamation plan approved pursuant to this chapter.