Definitions. The following terms shall have the meanings indicated
for purposes of this article:
MINERAL
Any naturally formed, usually inorganic, consolidated or
unconsolidated material located on or below the surface of the earth.
For purposes of this section, peat and topsoil shall be considered
minerals.
MINE SITE
The parcel of land where mining occurs.
MINING
The extraction, removal or relocation of topsoil, overburden
and/or minerals from the earth including but not limited to the preparation
and processing of minerals, including any activities or processes
or parts thereof for the extraction or removal of minerals from their
original location and the preparation, washing, cleaning, crushing,
stockpiling or other suitable processing of minerals at the mine location
so as to make them suitable for commercial, industrial, or construction
use; the removal of such materials through sale or exchange, or for
commercial, industrial or municipal use; and the disposition of topsoil,
overburden, tailings and waste at the mine site. Mining shall not
include (1) the excavation, removal and disposition of minerals from
construction projects, except for activity which will result in the
creation of water bodies or erosion/sedimentation control structures,
(2) or excavations in aid of agricultural use.
OVERBURDEN
All of the earth, vegetation and other materials which lie
above or alongside a mineral deposit.
RECREATIONAL POND
Any body of water, natural or man-made, located on a site
for the principal purpose of aesthetic or recreational uses.