Iowa Code 208.17 – Reclamation requirements
Current as of: 2024 | Check for updates
|
Other versions
1. An operator authorized under this chapter to operate a mine, after completion of mining operations and within the time specified in section 208.19, shall:
a. Grade affected lands to slopes having a maximum of one foot vertical rise for each four feet of horizontal distance. Where the original topography of the affected land was steeper than one foot of vertical rise for each four feet of horizontal distance, the affected lands may be graded to blend with the surrounding terrain. However, water impoundments, pit or quarry floors, and highwalls are not subject to the requirements of this paragraph.
b. Stabilize and revegetate affected lands, except for water impoundments and pit or quarry floors as approved by the division before the release of the bond as provided in section 208.19.
c. Properly dispose of all mine-related debris, junk, waste materials, old equipment, and other materials of similar or like nature, within the registration boundaries of the site.
Terms Used In Iowa Code 208.17
- Affected land: means the area of land from which overburden has been removed or upon which overburden has been deposited or land which has otherwise been disturbed, changed, influenced, or altered in any way in the course of mining, including processing and stockpile areas but not including roads. See Iowa Code 208.2
- Deposition: An oral statement made before an officer authorized by law to administer oaths. Such statements are often taken to examine potential witnesses, to obtain discovery, or to be used later in trial.
- Division: means the division of soil conservation and water quality created within the department of agriculture and land stewardship pursuant to section 159. See Iowa Code 208.2
- Mining: means the excavation of gypsum, clay, stone, sand, gravel, or other ores or mineral solids, except coal, for sale or for processing or consumption in the regular operation of a business and shall include surface mining and underground mining. See Iowa Code 208.2
- Operator: means any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or political subdivision engaged in and controlling a mining operation. See Iowa Code 208.2
- Overburden: means all of the earth and other materials which lie above natural mineral deposits and includes all earth and other materials disturbed from their natural state in the process of mining. See Iowa Code 208.2
- Reclamation: means the process of restoring disturbed lands to the premined uses of the lands or other productive uses. See Iowa Code 208.2
2. Notwithstanding subsection 1, overburden piles where deposition has not occurred for a period of twelve months shall be stabilized and revegetated.
3. Topsoil that is a part of overburden shall not be destroyed or buried in the process of mining.
4. The division may grant a variance from the requirements of subsections 1 and 2.
5. A bond or security posted under this chapter to assure reclamation of affected lands shall not be released until all of the reclamation work required by this section has been performed in accordance with this chapter and division rules, except when a replacement bond or security is posted by a new operator or responsibility is transferred under section 208.16.