Beginning January 1, 2007, an owner or operator of a new exploration operation or new aggregate mining unit shall not create a surface disturbance of more than five contiguous acres until a reclamation plan and financial assurance mechanism for the exploration operation or aggregate mining unit are approved by the state mine inspector or are otherwise authorized by this chapter.

Terms Used In Arizona Laws 27-1221

  • Aggregate mining unit: means an individual portion of an aggregate mining facility that encompasses one or more surface disturbances. See Arizona Laws 27-1201
  • Inspector: means the state mine inspector. See Arizona Laws 27-1201
  • New exploration operation: means an exploration operation that begins after the effective date of the initial rules adopted pursuant to this chapter. See Arizona Laws 27-1201
  • Reclamation: means measures that are taken on surface disturbances at exploration operations and aggregate mining units to achieve stability and safety consistent with postaggregate mining land use objectives specified in the reclamation plan. See Arizona Laws 27-1201
  • Surface disturbance: means clearing, covering or moving land by means of mechanized earthmoving equipment for aggregate mining and exploration but does not include surveying, assessment and location work, seismic work, maintenance and other such activities that create a de minimis disturbance. See Arizona Laws 27-1201

 

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