Mining waste site location criteria; feasibility study, and plan of operation
Wis. Stat. § 295.51
in effect(1) Definitions. In this section:
(a) “Groundwater flow net” means a drawing showing equipotential contour lines and the direction that groundwater will flow.
(c) “Regional” means relating to the area that may affect or be affected by a proposed mining waste site, which ordinarily will not exceed the area within a radius of 5 miles of the mining waste site.
(e) “Water budget” means an assessment of water inputs, outputs, and net changes to a natural system or engineered facility over a fixed period.
(f) “Well nest” means 2 or more wells constructed to different depths and installed within 10 feet of each other at the ground surface.
(1e) Hazardous mining waste.
(a) Prior to the informational hearing under s. 295.57 (5) the department shall designate any mining wastes identified by the department as hazardous under s. 291.05 (1).
(b) The disposal of any mining wastes that are identified by the department as hazardous under s. 291.05 (1) in a mining waste site is subject to this subchapter, and not to chs. NR 660 to 679, Wis. Adm. Code, except as necessary to comply with applicable federal regulations adopted under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 USC 6901 to 6991m.
(1m) Location criteria.
(a) Except as provided in par. (b), no person may locate or operate a mining waste site, excluding the portion of a mining site from which ferrous minerals are extracted and that is backfilled with mining waste, within 1,000 feet of any of the following:
1. The nearest edge of the right-of-way of any state trunk highway, as defined in s. 340.01 (60).
2. The boundary of any state or national park.
3. The boundary of a scenic easement purchased by the department or the department of transportation.
4. The boundary of a designated scenic or wild river.
5. A scenic overlook designated by the department by rule.
6. A hiking or biking trail designated by the department or the U.S. Congress.
(b) The prohibition in par. (a) does not apply if, regardless of season, the proposed mining waste site is visually inconspicuous due to screening or being visually absorbed due to natural objects, compatible natural plantings, earth berm, or other appropriate means; or if, regardless of season, the proposed mining waste site is screened so as to be as aesthetically pleasing and inconspicuous as is feasible.
(be) Except as provided in par. (bn), no person may locate or operate a mining waste site, excluding the portion of a mining site from which ferrous minerals are extracted and that is backfilled with mining waste, within 1,000 feet of a navigable water that is a lake, pond, or flowage.
(bg) Except as provided in par. (bn), no person may locate or operate a mining waste site, excluding the portion of a mining site from which ferrous minerals are extracted and that is backfilled with mining waste, within 300 feet of a navigable water that is a river or stream.
(bn) The prohibitions in pars. (be) and (bg) do not apply to an activity that is associated with a mining waste site and that is approved by the department under s. 295.60, 295.605, or 295.61.
(bq) No person may locate or operate a mining waste site, excluding the portion of a mining site from which ferrous minerals are extracted and that is backfilled with mining waste, within a floodplain.
(bt) No person may locate or operate a mining waste site, excluding the portion of a mining site from which ferrous minerals are extracted and that is backfilled with mining waste, in an area within the property owned or leased by the mining operator, or on which the mining operator holds an easement, and on which the mining site is located if the area is closer than 200 feet to the outer boundary of that property.
(c) No person may locate or operate a mining waste site, excluding the portion of a mining site from which ferrous minerals are extracted and that is backfilled with mining waste, within 1,200 feet of any public or private water supply well that provides water for human consumption.
(d) No person may locate or operate a mining waste site, excluding the portion of a mining site from which ferrous minerals are extracted and that is backfilled with mining waste, within an area that contains mineral resources that are known at the time the application for the mining permit is issued, are likely to be mined in the future, and lie within 1,000 feet of the surface.
(1s) Backfilled waste site. For surface mining, the portion of a mining site from which ferrous minerals are extracted and that is backfilled with mining waste and any buildings, structures, roads, or drainage controls associated with that portion of the mining site may be considered a single mining waste site.
(2) General. An applicant for a mining permit shall submit as part of the application a mining waste site feasibility study and plan of operation that demonstrates the suitability of the proposed mining waste site for the disposal of mining wastes and that describes the operation of the mining waste site.
(3) Waste characterization and analysis. For the purposes of this section, the applicant shall perform waste characterization and analysis, to identify the quantities, variability, and physical, radiological, and chemical properties of each mining waste as necessary to assess the potential environmental impact of handling, storage, and disposal. The applicant may include in the waste characterization and analysis a review of the literature and results from similar existing facilities, materials, or studies. For the purpose of the waste characterization and analysis, the applicant shall conduct testing on representative samples of materials available, on individual mining wastes from the mining process, and if the applicant proposes mixed storage or disposal of individual mining wastes, on composite mining wastes. If physical or chemical segregation of a mining waste is proposed, the applicant shall test each individual waste resulting from the physical or chemical segregation. The applicant shall complete all of the following components of the waste characterization and analysis:
(a) Identification of all mining wastes that will be disposed of or stored in the mining waste site, including classification of mining waste types, estimates of the rates of generation and volumes of each type, and an explanation of the proposed ultimate disposition of each type.
(b) Chemical, radiological, physical, and mineralogical analyses of each type of mining waste.
(c) Analyses of the particle size of the mining wastes.
(d) Chemical and physical characteristics testing, including testing to determine the leaching potential of the mining wastes and the composition of the resulting leachate, using, at a minimum, static testing, kinetic testing, and microscopic testing for mineralization characterization, except that this testing is not required if the applicant demonstrates, based on the analyses in pars. (b) and (c) or on past experience, that there is not a probability for significant adverse environmental impact or a probability of an adverse impact on public health, safety, or welfare.
(4) Site specific information. In addition to performing the mining waste characterization and analysis under sub. (3), for the purposes of the mining waste site feasibility study and plan of operation, an applicant shall conduct field and laboratory investigations to determine physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the proposed mining waste site. The applicant shall do all of the following:
(a) Perform field investigations to determine the specific topography, soil types, and depth to bedrock and groundwater.
(b) Perform at least one soil boring, to bedrock or refusal, every 80 acres, characterizing the major geomorphic features such as ridges and lowlands and characterizing each major soil layer according to the unified soil classification system.
(c) Prepare a boring log for each soil boring, including soil and rock descriptions, method of drilling, method of sampling, sample depths, date of boring, and water level measurements and dates, with elevations referring to United States geological survey mean sea level datum.
(d) Collect soil samples to adequately determine the geology and ensure the proper design and monitoring of the mining waste site, including doing all of the following:
1. Collecting the soil samples at not greater than 5 foot depth intervals, unless physical conditions such as soil homogeneity indicate that greater intervals are adequate.
2. Collecting the soil samples using generally accepted techniques for sampling undisturbed soils, where that is appropriate.
3. Classifying all soil samples according to the unified soil classification system.
(e) Perform soil tests as necessary for classification and correlation purposes and to develop necessary geotechnical design parameters for the mining waste site, without compositing soil samples.
(f) Determine the hydraulic conductivity of the various soil strata, using in situ hydraulic conductivity testing procedures as appropriate to confirm values determined in the laboratory.
(g) Determine horizontal and vertical groundwater flow patterns in and around the proposed mining waste site based on data obtained from groundwater monitoring wells and piezometers constructed in conformity with ch. NR 141, Wis. Adm. Code.
(h) Conduct a program to establish baseline water quality through monitoring groundwater and surface water in the vicinity of the mine and the proposed mining waste site on a monthly basis and establishing physical-chemical and biological characteristics of the concentrations of substances in the water before mining begins at the mining site. The applicant shall do all of the following:
1. Select physical-chemical parameters based on transport and transformation mechanisms in the environment as well as other factors affecting the mobility and toxicity of pollutants.
2. Select biological parameters based on the environmental characterizations under sub. (5) (g), the degree of impact predicted, and the potentially affected organism’s sensitivity to contaminants.
3. Establish a final parameter list for groundwater and surface water based on preliminary sampling and known information concerning the waters in the vicinity of the mine and the mining waste site, consideration of applicable water quality standards, and the geology and composition of the ferrous mineral deposit that will be mined. At a minimum, in the program under this paragraph the applicant shall collect water quality data for all of the following parameters:
a. Specific conductance.
b. Temperature.
c. Hydrogen ion concentration (pH).
d. Dissolved oxygen.
e. The major anions sulfate, chloride, and bicarbonate.
f. The major cations calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium.
g. Other total and dissolved metals, including aluminum, iron, and manganese, that may be introduced by the mining activities.
h. General chemistry, including total alkalinity, total organic carbon, gross alpha, gross beta, ammonia, nitrate, total dissolved solids, total hardness, and total suspended solids.
(5) Contents related to waste site feasibility. An applicant shall include all of the following in the mining waste site feasibility study and plan of operation:
(a) A description of the mining waste site location, proposed acreage, proposed mining waste site life and range of disposal capacity, and estimated types and quantities of mining wastes to be contained.
(b) A description of the mining waste characterization and analysis conducted under sub. (3), including a description of the test methods used in evaluating the characteristics of the mining waste and the procedures and records for documenting the chain of custody of the test samples.
(c) An existing site conditions plan sheet consisting of a topographic survey of the area, with elevations tied to United States geological survey mean sea level datum, illustrating the property boundaries, proposed boundaries of the mining waste site, survey grid and north arrow, buildings, water supply wells, utility lines, other man-made features, soil boring locations, observation well locations, and other pertinent information.
(d) A series of geologic cross-sections illustrating existing topography; soil borings; soil classification; soil properties; interpreted soil stratigraphy; bedrock; well and boring locations and constructions; and stabilized water level readings.
(e) A water table map, using the existing site conditions plan under par. (c) as a base, that is based on stabilized water level readings and, if seasonal changes in groundwater levels are significant, maps those changes.
(f) If more than 2 well nests are constructed, groundwater flow nets to illustrate horizontal and vertical flow, which may be illustrated on the geologic cross-sections under par. (d), if appropriate.
(g) An environmental characterization that describes the structure and functional relationships of ecosystems potentially affected by the proposed mining waste site.
(h) A report on the water quality data collected under the baseline monitoring program under sub. (4) (h) to establish baseline water quality.
(i) A land use map, using the existing site conditions plan under par. (c) as a base, showing plant communities, wildlife habitat, places where rare and endangered species have been sighted, archaeological or historic sites, buildings, and areas of social importance.
(j) A table showing existing water quality of all potentially affected surface waters, indicating important aquatic habitat.
(k) Local climatological data for seasonal precipitation, evaporation, air temperature, and wind velocity and direction. The applicant may use an annual record on the proposed mining waste site or adequate data to correlate the proposed mining waste site conditions to an existing observation station as the basis for this data.
(L) A discussion of regional conditions, supplemented with maps or cross-sections where appropriate, addressing all of the following:
1. Topography.
2. Hydrology, including surface water drainage patterns and important hydrologic features such as navigable waters, springs, drainage divides, and wetlands.
3. Geology, including the nature and distribution of bedrock and unconsolidated deposits.
4. Hydrogeology, including depth of groundwater, flow directions, recharge and discharge areas, groundwater divides, aquifers, and the identification of the aquifers used by all public and private wells within at least 1,200 feet of the proposed mining waste site.
5. Groundwater and surface water quality and precipitation chemistry.
6. Climatology.
7. Identification of owners of land adjacent to the proposed mining waste site.
8. Zoning.
9. Existing land uses with particular emphasis on known recreational, historic, archaeological, scientific, cultural, or scenic significance.
10. Existing or proposed access roads and weight restrictions on those roads.
11. Identification of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems such as stream orders and classifications.
(m) A discussion of alternative methods of disposing of mining waste materials, including an analysis of the practicability of the reuse, sale, recovery, or processing of the mining wastes for other purposes.
(n) An analysis of the results of the mining waste characterizations under sub. (3), the site specific information under sub. (4) and this subsection, and the regional information under par. (L) in relation to the approach for locating the mining waste site and developing appropriate design, construction, operation, monitoring, and long-term care requirements for each type of mining waste.
(o) A proposed mining waste site design, based on conclusions resulting from analysis of the mining waste characterizations under sub. (3) and the site data under sub. (4), that includes all of the following:
1. A map, using the existing site conditions plan under par. (c) as a base, that shows proposed access, lateral extent of filling, and phases of mining waste site development.
2. A series of cross-sections, using the geologic cross-sections under par. (d) as the base, that show existing topography, proposed base grades, and final grades.
3. Preliminary earthwork balance calculations, showing amounts of materials expected to be moved on the mining waste site prior to the disposal of mining waste.
4. Proposed methods for leachate control.
5. Proposed methods of mining waste site development, phasing, access control, and other special design features.
6. Expected material balances showing the quantities of each type of mining waste identified in par. (a) showing the amounts generated, disposed of on site, and taken off site, including all of the following:
a. The projected conditions existing at the end of a typical year of production.
b. The projected conditions existing at the end of operations.
c. The projected conditions existing at the end of reclamation.
7. A discussion of the reasoning behind the design of the major features of the mining waste site, such as traffic routing, base grade and relationships to subsurface conditions, anticipated waste types and characteristics, phases of development, mining waste site monitoring, and similar design features.
8. A proposed monitoring program, based on potential variations in the quality and quantity of mining waste and methods of processing, transport and disposal, and on the variability of important environmental conditions, designed to monitor the proposed mining waste site for compliance with all environmental standards that are applicable under this subchapter.
9. The results of engineering and hydrologic modeling to assess mining waste site performance relative to compliance with applicable groundwater quality standards to a depth of not more than 1,000 feet into the Precambrian bedrock or to the final depth of the mining excavation, whichever is greater, and to compliance with applicable surface water quality standards, examining a period equal to the proposed period in which the mining waste site is proposed to operate plus 250 years after closure of the mining waste site. The applicant may also include information from other mining operations and operations for the extraction of nonferrous metallic minerals to substantiate that the proposed mining waste site design, including associated contingency plans and monitoring and response plans, will allow for the operation and closure of the mining waste site in a manner that will not substantially adversely affect groundwater and surface water quality in accordance with applicable standards.
10. If the applicant proposes to expand an existing mining waste site, an evaluation of the existing mining waste site design and operation.
(p) Preliminary water budgets for the periods before construction, during construction, and after closure of the mining waste site, each addressing climatological situations depicting dry, wet, and average precipitation and evaporation conditions, based on climatological records. In preparing the water budget, the applicant shall consider precipitation, slurry water input and return, evaporation, surface runoff, evapotranspiration, the moisture holding capacity of soil and mining waste, and the velocities and volumes of groundwater flow. In the water budget, the applicant shall describe the estimated amount and quality of seepage and discharge to surface water and groundwater.
(q) An analysis of the impact of the mining waste site on aesthetics and how any impact can be minimized or offset to the extent practicable.
(r) Data regarding the safety factors of tailings basin embankments, considering the following, on a case-by-case basis:
1. Geology of the mining waste site including type and homogeneity of the foundation.
2. Materials and methods to be used for embankment construction.
3. Physical and chemical characteristics of the mining waste as deposited and predicted changes through time.
4. The potential area to be affected in case of failure, considering land use and the surrounding environment.
5. Requirements of the mine safety and health administration of the federal department of labor.
(s) An economic analysis, including an engineer’s cost estimate, for mining waste site closure and long-term care.
(t) Identification and analysis of alternatives to the design and location of any new proposed mining waste site and discussion of operation alternatives to the extent they have a significant impact on design and location alternatives.
(u) An appendix that includes all of the following:
1. Boring logs, soil tests, well construction data, and water level measurements.
2. A description of the methods and equations used in the analysis of the raw data.
3. References.
(6) Contents relating to operation. An applicant for a mining permit shall submit as part of the mining waste site feasibility study and plan of operation provisions relating to operation of the mining waste site including all of the following:
(a) Engineering plans consisting of all of the following:
1. An existing site conditions plan sheet indicating site conditions before development to the extent not provided under sub. (5).
2. A base grade plan sheet indicating mining waste site base grades or the appearance of the mining waste site if it were excavated in its entirety to the base elevation, before installation of any engineering modifications and before disposal of any mining wastes.
3. An engineering modifications plan sheet indicating the appearance of the mining waste site after installation of engineering modifications.
4. A final site topography plan sheet indicating the appearance of the site at closing including the details necessary to prepare the mining waste site for reclamation and long-term care.
5. A series of phasing plan sheets showing initial mining waste site preparations for each subsequent major phase or new area where substantial mining waste site preparation must be performed, along with a list of construction items and quantities projected to be necessary to prepare the phase indicated.
6. A site monitoring plan sheet showing the location of all devices for the monitoring of leachate quality, leachate production, and groundwater quality and levels in both the natural zone of saturation and that developed within the mining waste site, along with a table indicating the parameters to be monitored for and the frequency of monitoring before and during mining waste site development.
7. A long-term care plan sheet showing the completion of closure and indicating those items anticipated to be performed during the period of long-term care for the mining waste site, along with a discussion of the procedures to be used for the inspection and maintenance of runoff control structures, settlement, erosion damage, leachate control facilities, and leachate and groundwater monitoring and a table listing those items and the anticipated schedule for monitoring and maintenance.
8. If applicable, the following information on the plan sheets under subds. 1. to 7.:
a. A survey grid with baselines and monuments to be used for field control.
b. Limits of filling for each major mining waste type or fill area.
c. All drainage patterns and surface water drainage control structures both within the actual fill area and at the perimeter of the mining waste site, including any berms, ditches, sedimentation basins, pumps, sumps, culverts, pipes, inlets, velocity breaks, sodding, erosion matting, vegetation, or other methods of erosion control.
d. The method of placing mining waste within each phase.
e. Ground surface contours at the time represented by the drawing, indicating spot elevations for key features.
f. Areas to be cleared, grubbed, and stripped of topsoil.
g. Borrow areas for liner materials, granular materials for filter beds, berms, roadway construction, and cover materials.
h. All soil stockpiles, including soils to be used for cover, topsoil, liner materials, filter bed materials, and other excavation.
i. Access roads and traffic flow patterns to and within the active fill area.
j. All temporary and permanent fencing.
k. The methods of screening such as berms, vegetation, or special fencing.
L. Leachate collection, control, and treatment systems, including any pipes, manholes, trenches, berms, collection sumps or basins, pumps, risers, liners, and liner splices.
m. Leachate and groundwater monitoring devices and systems.
n. Disposal areas for severe weather operations.
o. Support buildings, utilities, gates, and signs.
p. Handling areas for the segregation of various types of mining waste.
q. Construction notes and references to details.
r. On the appropriate plan sheet, the location of each cross-section under subd. 9., with the section labeled using the mining waste site grid system.
9. A series of mining waste site cross-sections, drawn perpendicular and parallel to the mining waste site baseline at a maximum distance of 500 feet between cross-sections and at points of important construction features, each cross-section showing, where applicable: existing and proposed base and final grades; soil borings and monitoring wells that the section passes through or is adjacent to; soil types, bedrock, and water table; leachate control, collection, and monitoring systems; quantity of mining waste and area filled by each major mining waste type; drainage control structures; access roads and ramps on the mining waste site perimeter and within the active fill area; the filling sequence or phases; and other appropriate site features.
10. Drawings and typical sections for, as appropriate, drainage control structures, tailings distribution systems, access roads, fencing, leachate control systems and monitoring devices, buildings, signs, and other construction details.
(b) A plan for initial site preparations, including a discussion of the field measurements, photographs to be taken, and sampling and testing procedures to be used to verify that the in-field conditions encountered were the same as those defined in the mining waste site feasibility study and plan of operation and to document that the mining waste site was constructed according to the engineering plans and specifications submitted for department approval.
(c) A description of typical daily operations, including a discussion of the timetable for development; methods for determining mining waste types disposed of or excluded; typical mining waste handling techniques; hours of operation; traffic routing; drainage and erosion control; windy, wet, and cold weather operations; fire protection equipment; methods for dust control; method of placing mining waste materials; monitoring; closure of filled areas; leachate control methods; and critical backup equipment.
(d) An analysis of the financial responsibility for closure and long-term care from the time of closing of the mining waste site to termination of the obligation to maintain proof of financial responsibility for long-term care.
(e) A description of procedures for backfilling all soil borings and monitoring wells when they are abandoned.
(f) A contingency plan to prevent or minimize damage to human health or the environment in the event of an accidental or emergency discharge or other condition that does not comply with conditions of the mining permit or other applicable standards. The applicant shall ensure that the plan does all of the following:
1. Follows the spill prevention, control, and countermeasures plan in regulations promulgated under 33 USC 1321.
2. Indicates, for the monitoring programs required under sub. (5) (o) 8., the levels of substances that if exceeded require the operator to activate the contingency plan.
3. Includes a provision for more concentrated and frequent monitoring in the area of any excessive measurement.
4. Describes possible accidental or emergency discharges or other unplanned events and identifies the corresponding corrective action or alternative action to be implemented should the criteria for action be exceeded.
5. Specifies the action to be taken if an analysis of groundwater samples requires a response.
(g) A list of the groundwater and surface water quality parameters for which the applicant will monitor under s. 295.643 and a description of the methods for groundwater and surface water sample collection, preservation, and analysis that will be used.
(7) Required demonstrations. Through the mining waste site feasibility study and plan of operation, the applicant shall demonstrate that all of the following apply or will apply with respect to the operation of the mining waste site, excluding the area from which ferrous minerals will be extracted and that is backfilled with mining waste:
(a) No mining waste will be deposited in such a way that the mining waste or leachate from the mining waste will result in a violation of any applicable surface water quality criteria or standards, applicable wetland water quality standards, or applicable groundwater quality standards.
(b) Surface water drainage will be diverted away from and off the active fill area.
(c) Access to the mining waste site will be restricted through the use of fencing, natural barriers, or other methods approved by the department.
(d) The entire perimeter of the mining waste site will be made accessible for inspection and for earth moving equipment required for emergency maintenance.
(e) Any area to be used for the disposal of mining waste and any borrow areas will first be stripped of all topsoil to ensure that adequate amounts are available for reclamation and closure activities.
(f) Effective means will be taken to control dust resulting from the mining waste site.
(g) Provisions will be made for back-up equipment in the event of the breakdown of critical operating equipment.
(h) The design and operation specifications for mining waste site facilities include contingency measures, which may include emergency power supplies, redundant equipment, or temporary holding facilities, to deal with emergency conditions.
(hm) Any mining waste site designed with a liner or situated in soils with sufficiently low permeability to either partially or completely contain leachate is designed with a leachate management system that can effectively remove leachate, prevent surface seepage, and promote adequate settlement to permit final reclamation.
(i) All surface water drainage ditches, culverts, and other drainage control structures are designed for a rainfall event measured in terms of the depth of the rainfall occurring within a 24-hour period and having an expected recurrence interval of once in 100 years.
(j) The final slopes of the completed mining waste site will be no greater than 50 percent, unless the mining waste site is specifically designed for a final use compatible with other slopes.
(k) The final cover design for the mining waste site is based on the results of the mining waste characterization and engineering needs identified in studying the mining waste site feasibility.
(L) Provisions are made for collection and treatment of leachate for all areas designed to contain leachate.
(m) The mining waste site is located and designed, and will be constructed and operated, so that any liner system or naturally occurring soil barrier is compatible with all mining waste that is disposed of or stored in the mining waste site.
(n) For any dam, sufficient freeboard, measured from the inside of the top of the dam, to contain a rainfall event measured in terms of the depth of the rainfall occurring within a 24-hour period and having an expected recurrence interval of once in 100 years and to prevent overtopping by waves during such a rainfall event or a minimum of 2 feet of freeboard, whichever is greater, will be provided.
(o) Drainage or filter bed material has been selected and designed to promote drainage, reduce the potential for piping, and be stable under leaching conditions.
(p) Material used in earth embankments or drainage or filter beds will be free of vegetation, organic soils, frozen soils, and other extraneous matter that could affect the compactibility, density, permeability, or shear strength of the finished embankment.
(q) Embankment materials and drainage or filter bed materials will be compacted to 90 percent of the maximum dry density as determined by the standard proctor compaction test, ASTM D698, or to a greater density as necessitated by the embankment height, and the materials will be compacted in appropriate layers as determined through the slope stability analysis, except that compaction and crushing of waste rock for use outside an earth core is not required.
(r) Emergency spill containment areas will be provided near the tailings pipeline in case of power or pipeline failure.
(s) Tailings pipelines will be self-draining to the tailings area or to an emergency spill containment area.
(t) The mining waste site is located in the same watershed as the surface facilities for the mining unless it is not practicable to locate the mining waste site in the same watershed as the surface facilities for the mining, as determined on a site specific basis.
(u) The disposal of the mining waste will minimize the discharge of environmental pollutants to groundwater to the extent practicable.
(w) Tailings pipelines are as short as practicable.
(x) Upstream rainfall catchment areas are minimized.
(y) The outside of the top of any dam is higher than the inside of the top of the dam so that runoff from the top is forced to the inside of the dam.
(z) The mining waste site design includes staged reclamation, if practicable.
(8) Limitation on regulation of certain mining waste. The department may not regulate the use of mining waste in reclamation or in the construction of any facility or structure on a mining site except through the department’s review of the mining plan and reclamation plan and the approval of the application for the mining permit.
(9) Applicability of other laws. Subchapters I to V and VIII of ch. 289 and rules promulgated under those subchapters do not apply to a mining waste site, to the disposal of mining waste in a mining waste site, or to mining wastes used in the reclamation or construction of facilities and structures on the mining site.
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/295.51Fetched: 10/7/2026