As used in this chapter:
NONMETALLIC MINING or NONMETALLIC MINING OPERATION
Operations or activities for the extraction from the earth
for sale or use by the operator of mineral aggregates such as stone,
sand and gravel, fill material and nonmetallic minerals such as asbestos,
beryl, clay, feldspar, peat and talc, related operations or activities
such as excavation, grading or dredging if the purpose of those operations
or activities is the extraction of mineral aggregates and nonmetallic
minerals and related processes such as crushing, screening, scalping,
dewatering and blending.
NONMETALLIC MINING REFUSE
Waste soil, rock, mineral, liquid, vegetation and other waste
material resulting from a nonmetallic mining operation. This term
does not include merchantable by-products resulting directly from
or displaced by the nonmetallic mining operation.
NONMETALLIC MINING SITE or SITE
The location where a nonmetallic mining operation is proposed
or conducted, including all surface areas from which materials are
removed, related storage and processing areas, areas where nonmetallic
mining refuse is deposited and areas disturbed by the nonmetallic
mining operation by activities such as the construction or improvement
of roads or haulageways.
OPERATOR
Any person who is engaged in a nonmetallic mining operation
or nonmetallic mining site reclamation or who applies for or holds
a nonmetallic mining permit issued under this nonmetallic mining reclamation
ordinance whether individually, jointly or through subsidiaries, agents,
employees, contractors or subcontractors.
RECLAMATION
The rehabilitation of a nonmetallic mining site, including,
but not limited to, removal of nonmetallic mining refuse, grading
of the site, replacement of topsoil, stabilization of soil conditions,
establishment of vegetative cover, control of surface water and groundwater,
prevention of environmental pollution, construction of fences and,
if practical, restoration of plant, fish and wildlife habitat.
REPLACEMENT OF TOPSOIL
The replacement of the topsoil which was removed or disturbed
by a nonmetallic mining operation or the provision of soil which is
at least as adequate as the topsoil which was removed or disturbed
for the purposes of providing adequate vegetative cover and stabilization
of soil conditions.
This chapter is adopted pursuant to § 295.14, Wis.
Stats., which is adopted by reference and made a part of this chapter
as if fully set forth herein.
This nonmetallic mining reclamation chapter shall apply to any
portion of a nonmetallic mining site, including unreclaimed portions
of a site which were mined prior to the effective date of this chapter.
[Amended 3-13-2019 by Ord. No. 1]
This nonmetallic mining reclamation chapter shall not apply
to the following activities:
A. Excavations or grading by a person solely for domestic or farm use
at his or her residence or farm.
B. Excavations or grading conducted for the construction, reconstruction,
maintenance or repair of a highway, railroad, airport facility or
any other transportation facility if the excavation or grading is
within the property boundaries of the transportation facility.
C. Grading conducted for preparing a construction site or restoring
land following a flood or natural disaster.
D. Excavations for building construction purposes.
E. Nonmetallic mining sites of less than one acre.
F. Any mining operation, the reclamation of which is required in a permit
obtained under Ch. 293 or Subch. III of Ch. 295, Wis. Stats.
G. Any activities required to prepare, operate or close a solid waste disposal facility under Subchs. II to IV of Ch. 289, Wis. Stats., or a hazardous waste disposal facility under Ch.
291, Wis. Stats., that are conducted on the property on which the facility is located, but a nonmetallic mining reclamation ordinance and the standards established under § 295.12(1)(a), Wis. Stats., apply to activities related to solid waste or hazardous waste disposal that are conducted at a nonmetallic mining site that is not on the property on which the solid waste or hazardous waste disposal facility is located such as activities to obtain nonmetallic minerals to be used for lining, capping, covering or constructing berms, dikes or roads.
H. Dredging
for navigational purposes, to construct or maintain farm drainage
ditches and for the remediation of environmental contamination and
the disposal of spoils from that dredging.
I. Removal
of material from the bed of Lake Michigan or Lake Superior by a public
utility pursuant to a permit under § 30.21, Wis. Stats.
If any permit is revoked, cancelled, rescinded or terminated,
the operator shall be given written notice of any charges or violations
against him or the reasons proposed for revocation and shall have
an opportunity to be heard before the Town Board.
For existing operations, changes in surrounding land uses occurring
subsequent to the issuance of permits therefor pursuant to this chapter
shall not be given undue consideration in the permitting process.