No person may engage in nonmetallic mining or in nonmetallic mining reclamation without possessing a nonmetallic mining reclamation permit issued pursuant to the applicable reclamation ordinance unless the activity is specifically exempted in § 514-6 or Subsection B of the definition of "nonmetallic mining site" in § 514-8.
A. 
Required submittal. All operators of nonmetallic mining sites shall apply for a reclamation permit from Price County. All applications for reclamation permits under this section shall be accompanied by the following information:
(1) 
A brief description of the general location and nature of the nonmetallic mine.
(2) 
A legal description of the property on which the nonmetallic mine is located or proposed, including the parcel identification number.
(3) 
The names, addresses and telephone numbers of all persons or organizations who or which are owners or lessors of the property on which the nonmetallic mining site is located.
(4) 
The name, address and telephone number of the person or organization who or which is the operator.
(5) 
A certification by the operator of its intent to comply with the statewide nonmetallic mining reclamation standards established by Article II.
B. 
Reclamation permit application contents.
(1) 
The operator of any nonmetallic mine site shall submit an application that meets the requirements specified below to the Price County Zoning Department prior to beginning operations:
(a) 
The information required by Subsection A.
(b) 
The plan review and annual fees required by §§ 514-34 and 514-35.
(c) 
A reclamation plan conforming to § 514-21.
(d) 
A certification that the operator will provide, as a condition of the reclamation permit, financial assurance as required by § 514-22 upon granting of the reclamation permit and before mining begins.
(2) 
To avoid duplication, the permit application and submittals required under this subsection may, by reference, incorporate existing plans or materials that meet the requirements of this chapter.
A. 
Reclamation plan required. All operators who conduct or plan to conduct nonmetallic mining shall submit to Price County a reclamation plan that meets all of the following requirements and complies with the reclamation standards of Article II.
B. 
Site information. The reclamation plan shall include information sufficient to describe the existing natural and physical conditions of the site, including but not limited to:
(1) 
Maps of the nonmetallic mining site, including the general location; property boundaries; the aerial extent, geologic composition and depth of the nonmetallic mineral deposit; the distribution, thickness and type of topsoil; the location of surface waters and the existing drainage patterns; and the approximate elevation of groundwater, as determined by existing hydrogeologic information. In specific instances where the existing hydrogeologic information is insufficient for purposes of the reclamation plan, the applicant may supplement the information with the opinion of a licensed professional geologist or hydrologist.
(2) 
Topsoil or topsoil substitute material, if required to support revegetation needed for reclaiming the site to approved post-mining land use, can be identified using County soil surveys or other available information, including that obtained from a soil scientist or the University of Wisconsin soil science extension agent or other available information resources.
(3) 
Information available to the mine operator on biological resources, plant communities, and wildlife use at and adjacent to the proposed or operating mine sites.
(4) 
Existing topography as shown on contour maps of the site at ten-foot contour intervals.
(5) 
Location of man-made features on or near the site.
(6) 
For proposed nonmetallic mining sites that include previously mined areas, a plan view drawing showing the location and extent of land previously affected by nonmetallic mining, including the location of stockpiles, wash ponds and sediment basins.
C. 
Post-mining land use.
(1) 
The reclamation plan shall specify a proposed post-mining land use for the nonmetallic mine site. The proposed post-mining land use shall be consistent with local land use plans and local zoning at the time the plan is submitted, unless a change to the land use plan or zoning is proposed. The proposed post-mining land use shall also be consistent with all applicable local, state, or federal laws in effect at the time the plan is submitted.
(2) 
Land used for nonmetallic mineral extraction in areas zoned under an exclusive agricultural use ordinance pursuant to § 91.38, Wis. Stats., shall be restored to agricultural use.
D. 
Reclamation measures. The reclamation plan shall include a description of the proposed reclamation, including methods and procedures to be used and a proposed schedule and sequence for the completion of reclamation activities for various stages of reclamation of the nonmetallic mining site. The following shall be included:
(1) 
A description of the proposed earthwork and reclamation, including final slope angles, highwall reduction, benching, terracing and other structural slope stabilization measures and, if necessary, a site-specific engineering analysis performed by a registered professional engineer as provided by § 514-14A or B.
(2) 
The methods of topsoil or topsoil substitute material removal, storage, stabilization and conservation that will be used during reclamation.
(3) 
A plan or map which shows anticipated topography of the reclaimed site and any water impoundments or artificial lakes needed to support the anticipated future land use of the site.
(4) 
A plan or map which shows surface structures, roads and related facilities after the cessation of mining.
(5) 
The estimated cost of reclamation for each stage of the project or the entire site if reclamation staging is not planned.
(6) 
A revegetation plan which shall include timing and methods of seed bed preparation, rates and kinds of soil amendments, seed application timing, methods and rates, mulching, netting and any other techniques needed to accomplish soil and slope stabilization.
(7) 
Quantifiable standards for revegetation adequate to show that a sustainable stand of vegetation has been established which will support the approved post-mining land use. Standards for revegetation may be based on the percent vegetative cover, productivity, plant density, diversity or other applicable measures.
(8) 
A plan and, if necessary, a narrative showing erosion control measures to be employed during reclamation activities. These shall address how reclamation activities will be conducted to minimize erosion and pollution of surface water and groundwater.
(9) 
A description of any areas which will be reclaimed on an interim basis sufficient to qualify for the waiver of fees pursuant to § 514-37D(1) and release of financial assurance pursuant to § 514-37D(2) and which will be subsequently disturbed prior to final reclamation. Descriptions shall include an identification of the proposed areas involved, methods of reclamation to comply with the standards in Article II and timing of interim and final reclamation.
(10) 
A description of how the reclamation plan addresses the long-term safety of the reclaimed mining site. The description shall include a discussion of site-specific safety measures to be implemented at the site and include measures that address public safety with regard to adjacent land uses.
E. 
Criteria for successful reclamation. The reclamation plan shall contain criteria for assuring successful reclamation in accordance with § 514-17.
F. 
Certification of reclamation plan. The operator shall provide a signed certification that reclamation will be carried out in accordance with the reclamation plan. If the operator does not own the land, the landowner or lessor, if different from the operator, shall also provide signed certification that he or she concurs with the reclamation plan and will allow its implementation.
G. 
Existing plans and approvals. To avoid duplication of effort, the reclamation plan required by this section may, by reference, incorporate existing plans or materials that meet the requirements of this chapter.
H. 
Approval of reclamation plan. Price County shall approve, conditionally approve or deny the reclamation plan submitted under this section in writing in accordance with § 514-24B for mines that apply for a reclamation permit in conformance with § 514-20. Conditional approvals of reclamation plans shall be made according to § 514-24E and denials of reclamation plans shall be made pursuant to § 514-25. The operator shall keep a copy of the reclamation plan approved under this subsection at the mine site or, if not practicable, at the operator's nearest place of business.
A. 
Financial assurance requirements. All operators of nonmetallic mining sites in Price County shall prepare and submit a proof of financial assurance that meets the following requirements:
(1) 
Notification. The regulatory authority shall provide written notification to the operator of the amount of financial assurance required under Subsection A(3).
(2) 
Filing. Following approval of the nonmetallic mining reclamation permit, and as a condition of the permit, the operator shall file a financial assurance with Price County. The financial assurance shall provide that the operator shall faithfully perform all requirements in this chapter, an applicable reclamation ordinance and the reclamation plan. Financial assurance shall be payable exclusively to Price County. In cases where one or more other regulatory authorities regulate a nonmetallic mining site, all financial assurance shall be made payable to Price County only if it currently has primary regulatory responsibility.
(3) 
Amount and duration of financial assurance. The amount of financial assurance shall equal as closely as possible the cost to Price County of hiring a contractor to complete either final reclamation or progressive reclamation according to the approved reclamation plan. The amount of financial assurance shall be reviewed periodically by Price County to assure it equals outstanding reclamation costs. Any financial assurance filed with Price County shall be in an amount equal to the estimated cost for reclaiming all sites the operator has under project permits. Price County may accept a lesser initial amount of financial assurance provided that the permittee initiates a process to continuously increase the amount of financial assurance until it is adequate to effect reclamation. An escrow account may be established that is based on production gross sales and serves to provide regular payments to an account that is designed to grow to the amount necessary to guarantee performance of reclamation by the expected time of final reclamation. The period of the financial assurance is dictated by the period of time required to establish the post-mining land use declared and approved of in the reclamation plan. This may extend beyond the permit if required to accomplish successful and complete implementation of the reclamation plan.
(4) 
Form and management. Financial assurance shall be provided by the operator and shall be by a bond or an alternate financial assurance. Financial assurance shall be payable to Price County and released upon successful completion of the reclamation measures specified in the reclamation plan. Alternate financial assurances may include, but are not limited to, cash, certificates of deposit, irrevocable letters of credit, irrevocable trusts, established escrow accounts, demonstration of financial responsibility by meeting net worth requirements, or government securities. Any interest from the financial assurance shall be paid to the operator. Certificates of deposit shall be automatically renewable or other assurances shall be provided before the maturity date. Financial assurance arrangements may include, at the discretion of Price County, a blend of different options for financial assurance, including a lien on the property on which the nonmetallic mining site occurs, or a combination of financial assurance methods.
(5) 
Multiple projects. Any operator who obtains a permit from Price County for two or more nonmetallic mining sites may elect, at the time the second or subsequent site is approved, to post a single financial assurance in lieu of separate financial assurance instruments for each nonmetallic mining site. When an operator elects to post a single financial assurance in lieu of separate financial assurances for each mining site, no financial assurances previously posted on individual mining sites shall be released until the new financial assurance has been accepted by Price County.
(6) 
Multiple jurisdictions. In cases where more than one regulatory authority has jurisdiction, a cooperative financial security arrangement may be developed and implemented by the regulatory authorities to avoid requiring the permittee to prove financial assurance with more than one regulatory authority for the same nonmetallic mining site. Financial assurance is required for each site and two or more sites of less than one acre by the same operator, except that governmental units are not required to obtain financial assurance.
(7) 
Certification of completion and release.
(a) 
The operator shall notify the regulatory authority, by filing a notice of completion, at the time that it determines that reclamation of any portion of the mining site or the entire site is complete. Price County shall inspect the mine site or portion thereof that was the subject of the notice of completion to determine if reclamation has been carried out in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. Price County may partially release the financial assurance if it determines that compliance with a portion of the reclamation plan has been achieved and requires no waiting period. After determining that reclamation is complete, Price County shall issue a certificate of completion and shall release the financial assurance or appropriately reduce the financial assurance in the case of reclamation of a portion of the mining site.
(b) 
Price County shall make a determination of whether or not the certification in Subsection A(7)(a) can be made within 60 days after the request is received.
(c) 
Price County may make a determination under this subsection that:
[1] 
Reclamation is not yet complete;
[2] 
It is not possible to assess whether reclamation is complete due to weather conditions, snow cover or other relevant factors;
[3] 
Reclamation is complete in a part of the mine; or
[4] 
Reclamation is fully complete.
(8) 
Forfeiture. Financial assurance shall be forfeited if any of the following occur:
(a) 
A permit is revoked under § 514-32 and the appeals process has been completed.
(b) 
An operator ceases mining operations and fails to reclaim the site in accordance with the reclamation plan.
(9) 
Cancellation. Financial assurance shall provide that it may not be canceled by the surety or other holder or issuer except after not less than a ninety-day notice to Price County in writing by registered or certified mail. Not less than 30 days prior to the expiration of the ninety-day notice of cancellation, the operator shall deliver to Price County a replacement proof of financial assurance. In the absence of this replacement financial assurance, all mining shall cease until the time it is delivered and in effect.
(10) 
Changing methods of financial assurance. The operator of a nonmetallic mining site may change from one method of financial assurance to another. This may not be done more than once a year unless required by an adjustment imposed pursuant to Subsection A(12). The operator shall give Price County at least 60 days' notice prior to changing methods of financial assurance and may not actually change methods without the written approval of Price County.
(11) 
Bankruptcy notification. The operator of a nonmetallic mining site shall notify the regulatory authority by certified mail of the commencement of voluntary or involuntary proceeding under bankruptcy code, 11 U.S.C. et seq., naming the operator as debtor, within 10 days of commencement of the proceeding.
(12) 
Adjustment of financial assurance. Financial assurance may be adjusted when required by Price County. Price County may notify the operator in writing that adjustment is necessary and the reasons for it. Price County may adjust financial assurance based upon prevailing or projected interest or inflation rates or the latest cost estimates for reclamation.
(13) 
Net worth test.
(a) 
Only an operator that meets the definition of "company" in § 289.41(1)(b), Wis. Stats., may use the net worth method of providing financial assurance.
(b) 
The operator shall submit information to the regulatory authority in satisfaction of the net worth test requirements of § 289.41(4), Wis. Stats. The criteria in § 289.41(6)(b), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h) and (i), Wis. Stats., shall apply.
(c) 
An operator using the net worth test to provide financial assurance for more than one mine shall use the total cost of compliance for all mines in determining the net worth to reclamation cost ratio in accordance with § 289.41(6), Wis. Stats.
(d) 
Determinations under the net worth test shall be done in accordance with § 289.41(5), Wis. Stats.
(e) 
In addition, the operator shall submit a legally binding commitment to faithfully perform all compliance and reclamation work at the mine site that is required under this chapter.
B. 
Private nonmetallic mines. The operator of any nonmetallic mining site that applies for a reclamation permit in conformance with § 514-20 shall submit the proof of financial assurance required by Subsection A as specified in the reclamation permit issued to it under this chapter.
C. 
Public nonmetallic mining. The financial assurance requirements of this section do not apply to nonmetallic mining conducted by the State of Wisconsin, a state agency, board, commission or department, or a municipality.
A. 
Reclamation plan hearing. Price County shall provide public notice and the opportunity for a public informational hearing as set forth below:
(1) 
Public notice.
(a) 
When Price County receives an application to issue a reclamation permit, it shall publish a public notice of the application no later than 30 days after receipt of a complete application that satisfies § 514-20.
(b) 
The notice shall briefly describe the mining and reclamation planned at the nonmetallic mining site. The notice shall be published as a Class 1 notice pursuant to § 985.07(1), Wis. Stats., in the official newspaper of Price County. The notice shall mention the opportunity for public hearing pursuant to this section and shall give the locations at which the public may review the application and all supporting materials, including the reclamation plan.
(c) 
Copies of the notice shall be forwarded by Price County to the County or applicable municipal zoning board, the County and applicable local planning organization, the County land conservation officer, and owners of land within 300 feet of the boundaries of the parcel or parcels of land on which the site is located.
(2) 
Hearing. Price County shall provide for an opportunity for a public informational hearing on an application or request to issue a nonmetallic mining reclamation permit as follows:
(a) 
If it conducts a zoning-related hearing on the nonmetallic mine site, Price County shall provide the opportunity at this hearing to present testimony on reclamation-related matters. This opportunity shall fulfill the requirement for public hearing for a nonmetallic mining reclamation permit required by this section. Price County shall consider the reclamation-related testimony in the zoning-related hearing in deciding on a permit application pursuant to this chapter.
(b) 
If there is no opportunity for a zoning-related hearing on the nonmetallic mine site as described in Subsection A(2)(a), opportunity for public hearing required by this section shall be provided as follows:
[1] 
Any person residing within, owning property within, or whose principal place of business is within 300 feet of the boundary of the parcel or parcels of land in which the nonmetallic mining site is located or proposed may request a public informational hearing. Price County shall hold a public hearing if requested by any of these persons within 30 days of the actual date of public notice under Subsection A(1). This public informational hearing shall be held no sooner than 30 days nor later than 60 days after being requested. The hearing shall be conducted as an informational hearing for the purpose of explaining and receiving comment from affected persons on the nature, feasibility and effects of the proposed reclamation. The hearing shall be held in conjunction with the Price County Land Use and UW Extension Committee meeting and will be noticed on the Price County Land Use and UW Extension Committee agenda at least five days prior to the public information hearing. Information regarding a nonmetallic mine site will be given at such time identifying the major provisions of this chapter and other information that may be required of any site as outlined in Chapter 530, Zoning, Articles X and XI, of the Price County Code.
[2] 
The subject matter and testimony at this informational hearing shall be limited to reclamation of the nonmetallic mine site.
B. 
Local transportation-related mines. No public notice or informational hearing is required for a nonmetallic mining reclamation permit issued to a local transportation-related mine pursuant to § 514-24C.
A. 
Permit required. No person may engage in nonmetallic mining or nonmetallic mining reclamation in Price County without first obtaining a reclamation permit issued under this section, except for nonmetallic mining sites that are exempt from this chapter under § 514-6 or Subsection B of the definition of "nonmetallic mining site" in § 514-8.
B. 
Permit issuance. Applications for reclamation permits for nonmetallic mining that satisfy § 514-20 shall be issued a reclamation permit or otherwise acted on as provided below.
(1) 
Unless denied pursuant to § 514-25, Price County shall approve in writing a request that satisfies the requirements of § 514-20 to issue a nonmetallic mining reclamation permit for the proposed nonmetallic mine.
(2) 
Price County may not issue an approval without prior or concurrent approval of the reclamation plan that meets the requirements of § 514-21. The regulatory authority may issue a reclamation permit subject to conditions in Subsection E if appropriate. The permit decision shall be made no sooner than 30 days nor later than 90 days following receipt of the complete reclamation permit application that meets the requirements in § 514-20 and reclamation plan that meets the requirements in § 514-21, unless a public hearing is held pursuant to § 514-23. If a public hearing is held, the regulatory authority shall issue the reclamation permit, subject to conditions pursuant to Subsection E if appropriate, or shall deny the permit as provided in § 514-25 no later than 60 days after completing the public hearing.
(3) 
Permits issued pursuant to this subsection shall require compliance with a reclamation plan that has been approved and satisfies the requirements of § 514-21 and provision by the applicant of financial assurance required under § 514-22 and payable to Price County prior to beginning mining.
C. 
Automatic permit for local transportation-related mines.
(1) 
Price County shall automatically issue an expedited permit under this subsection to any borrow site that:
(a) 
Will be opened and reclaimed under contract with a municipality within a period not exceeding 36 months;
(b) 
Is a nonmetallic mine which is intended to provide stone, soil, sand or gravel for the construction, reconstruction, maintenance or repair of a highway, railroad, airport facility or other transportation facility under contract with the municipality;
(c) 
Is regulated and will be reclaimed under contract with the municipality in accordance with the requirements of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation concerning the restoration of nonmetallic mining sites;
(d) 
Is not a commercial source;
(e) 
Will be constructed, operated and reclaimed in accordance with applicable zoning requirements, if any; and
(f) 
Is not otherwise exempt from the requirements of this chapter under § 514-6B(10).
(2) 
In this subsection, "municipality" has the meaning defined in § 299.01(8), Wis. Stats.
(3) 
Automatic permits shall be issued under this subsection in accordance with the following provisions:
(a) 
The applicant shall notify Price County of the terms and conditions of the contract with respect to reclamation of the proposed borrow site.
(b) 
The applicant shall provide evidence to Price County to show that the borrow site and its reclamation will comply with applicable zoning requirements, if any.
(c) 
Price County shall accept the contractual provisions incorporating requirements of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in lieu of a reclamation plan under § 514-21.
(d) 
Price County shall accept the contractual provisions in lieu of the financial assurance requirements in § 514-22.
(e) 
The public notice and hearing provisions of § 514-23 do not apply to nonmetallic mining sites that are issued automatic permits under this subsection.
(f) 
Mines permitted under this subsection shall pay an annual fee to Price County as provided in § 514-35 but shall not be subject to the plan review fee provided in § 514-34. The total annual fee, including the share of the Department of Natural Resources, shall not exceed the amount in § 514-35.
(g) 
Price County shall issue the automatic permit within seven days of the receipt of a complete application.
(h) 
If the borrow site is used to concurrently supply materials for other than the local transportation project, the automatic permitting in this subsection still applies, provided that the site will be reclaimed under a contractual obligation with the municipality in accordance with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation requirements.
(i) 
Notwithstanding § 514-33, the operator of a borrow site under this subsection is required to submit only the information in an annual report necessary to identify the borrow site and to determine the applicable annual fee.
D. 
Expedited review. Any operator of a nonmetallic mining site may request expedited review of a reclamation permit application under Subsection D(1) or (2) as follows:
(1) 
The operator may submit a request for expedited permit review with payment of the expedited review fee specified in § 514-34B. This request shall state the need for such expedited review and the date by which such expedited review is requested.
(2) 
The operator may submit a request for expedited review under this subsection if the applicant requires a reclamation permit to perform services under contract with a municipality. This request for expedited review shall state the need for expedited review and shall include a copy of the applicable sections of the contract and the date by which the expedited review is requested.
(3) 
Following receipt of a request under this subsection, Price County shall inform the applicant of the estimated date for decision on issuance of the permit. If the applicant then elects not to proceed with the expedited review, the fee paid under Subsection D(1) shall be returned.
(4) 
Expedited review under this subsection shall not waive, shorten or otherwise affect the public notice and right of hearing pursuant to § 514-23. This subsection does not impose an obligation upon the regulatory authority to act upon a permit application under this subsection by a specific date.
E. 
Permit conditions. Any decision under this section may include conditions as provided below:
(1) 
Price County may issue a reclamation permit or approve a reclamation plan subject to general or site-specific conditions if needed to assure compliance with the nonmetallic mining reclamation requirements of this chapter. The approvals may not include conditions that are not related to reclamation.
(2) 
One required condition of the issued permit shall be that the new mine obtain financial assurance pursuant to § 514-22 prior to beginning mining.
An application for a nonmetallic mining reclamation permit shall be denied as set forth below:
A. 
An application to issue a nonmetallic mining reclamation permit shall be denied, within the time frame for permit issuance specified in § 514-24, if Price County finds any of the following:
(1) 
The applicant has, after being given an opportunity to make corrections, failed to provide to Price County an adequate permit application, reclamation plan, financial assurance or any other submittal required by Chapter NR 135, Wisconsin Administrative Code, or this chapter.
(2) 
The proposed nonmetallic mining site cannot be reclaimed in compliance with the reclamation standards contained in this chapter, Chapter NR 135, Wisconsin Administrative Code, or Subchapter I of Ch. 295, Wis. Stats.
(3) 
Pattern of violations.
(a) 
The applicant or its agent, principal or predecessor has, during the course of nonmetallic mining in Wisconsin within 10 years of the permit application or modification request being considered, shown a pattern of serious violations of this chapter or of federal, state or local environmental laws related to nonmetallic mining reclamation.
(b) 
The following may be considered in making this determination of a pattern of serious violations:
[1] 
Results of judicial or administrative proceedings involving the operator or its agent, principal or predecessor.
[2] 
Suspensions or revocations of nonmetallic mining reclamation permits pursuant to this chapter, other reclamation ordinances or Chapter NR 135, Wisconsin Administrative Code.
[3] 
Forfeitures of financial assurance.
(4) 
A denial under this subsection shall be in writing and shall contain documentation of reasons for denial.
B. 
A decision to deny an application to issue a reclamation permit may be reviewed under § 514-30.
A. 
Scope of alternative requirements approvable. An operator of a nonmetallic mining site may request an alternative requirement to the reclamation standards established in Article II. Price County may approve an alternative requirement to the reclamation standards established in this chapter if the operator demonstrates and Price County finds that all of the following criteria are met:
(1) 
The nonmetallic mining site, the surrounding property or the mining plan or reclamation plan has a unique characteristic which requires an alternative requirement.
(2) 
Unnecessary hardship which is peculiar to the nonmetallic mining site or plan will result unless the alternative requirement is approved.
(3) 
Reclamation in accordance with the proposed alternative requirement will achieve the planned post-mining land use and long-term site stability in a manner that will not cause environmental pollution or threaten public health, safety or welfare.
B. 
Procedures.
(1) 
The operator of a nonmetallic mining site requesting an alternate requirement in Subsection A shall demonstrate all the criteria in Subsection A. This shall be submitted in writing to the Price County Land Use and UW Extension Committee for the right to present a reclamation plan alternative to the Price County Board of Adjustment.
(2) 
Articles XVIII through XX of Chapter 530, Zoning, of the Price County Code shall outline the procedure for an alternative plan to be considered for approval to meet the standards as outlined in this chapter.
(3) 
A request for an alternative requirement may be incorporated as part of an application to issue or modify a nonmetallic mining reclamation permit.
(4) 
A public informational hearing pursuant to this chapter may be requested and held in accordance with § 514-23A.
C. 
Transmittal of decision on request for alternative requirement. The decision on a request for alternate reclamation requirements shall be in writing to the applicant and shall include documentation of why the alternate requirement was or was not approved.
D. 
Notice to Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Price County shall provide notice to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as set forth in this subsection. Written notice shall be given to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources at least 10 days prior to any public hearing held under Subsection B on a request for an alternate requirement under this section. A copy of any written decision on alternative requirements shall be submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources within 10 days of issuance.
A. 
A nonmetallic mining reclamation permit issued under this chapter shall last through operation and reclamation of the nonmetallic mining site, unless suspended or revoked pursuant to § 514-32.
B. 
If the mine operator is not the landowner, the reclamation permit duration shall not exceed the duration of the mine lease unless the lease is renewed or the permit is transferred to a subsequent lessee pursuant to § 514-28.
A nonmetallic mining reclamation permit issued under this chapter shall be transferred to a new owner or operator upon satisfaction of the following conditions:
A. 
A nonmetallic mining reclamation permit may be transferred to a new operator upon submittal to Price County of proof of financial assurance and a certification in writing by the new permit holder that all conditions of the permit will be complied with.
B. 
The transfer is not valid until financial assurance has been submitted by the new operator and accepted by Price County and Price County makes a written finding that all conditions of the permit will be complied with. The previous operator shall maintain financial assurance until the new operator has received approval and provided the financial assurance under this section.
For any nonmetallic mining site which had a reclamation permit previously issued by another regulatory authority pursuant to Chapter NR 135, Wisconsin Administrative Code, that becomes subject to the reclamation permitting authority of Price County, the terms and conditions of the previously issued municipal reclamation permit shall remain in force until modified by Price County pursuant to § 514-31A.
Any permitting decision or action made by Price County under this chapter may be reviewed as set forth in this section. Notwithstanding §§ 68.001, 68.03(8) and (9), 68.06 and 68.10(1)(b), Wis. Stats., any person who meets the requirements of § 227.42(1), Wis. Stats., may obtain a contested case hearing under § 68.11, Wis. Stats., on Price County's decision to issue, deny or modify a nonmetallic mining reclamation permit.