Section 20.03.01.010 - DEFINITIONSIn addition to the definitions set forth in the Act, the following definitions apply to these rules:
01.Act. The Idaho Dredge and Placer Mining Protection Act, Title 47, Chapter 13, Idaho Code.02.Approximate Previous Contour. A contour reasonably comparable to that contour existing prior to disturbance, or that blends with the adjacent topography.03.Best Management Practices. A practice or combination of practices, techniques or measures developed, or identified, by the designated agency and identified in the state water quality management plan which are determined to be the cost-effective and practicable means of preventing or reducing the amount of pollution generated by nonpoint sources to a level compatible with water quality goals.04.Department. The Idaho Department of Lands.05.Mine Panel. That area designated by the Permittee as an identifiable portion of a placer or dredge mine on the map submitted under Subsection 021.04 of these rules.06.Mulch. Vegetation residues or other suitable materials to aid in the stabilization of soil and soil moisture conservation.07.Overburden. Material extracted by a Permittee which is not a part of the material ultimately removed from a placer or dredge mine and marketed by a Permittee, exclusive of mineral stockpiles. Overburden is comprised of topsoil and waste.08.Overburden Disposal Area. Land surface upon which overburden is piled or planned to be piled.09.Permanent Cessation. Mining operations as to the whole or any part of the permit area have stopped and there is substantial evidence that such operations will not resume within one (1) year. The date of permanent cessation is the last day when mining operations are known or can be shown to have occurred.10.Permit. Dredge or placer mining permit issued under the Act and these rules.11.Permittee. The person in whose name the permit is issued and who is held responsible for compliance with the conditions of the permit by the Department.12.Pit. An excavation created by the extraction of minerals or overburden during placer mining or exploration operations.13.Placer Stockpile. Placer deposit material extracted during past or present dredge or placer mining operations.14.Reclamation. The process of restoring an area disturbed by a placer or dredge mining operation or exploration operation to its original or another beneficial use, considering land uses, possible future uses, and surrounding topography. The objective is to re-establish a diverse, self-perpetuating plant community, and to minimize erosion, remove hazards, and maintain water quality.15.Revegetation. The establishment of the premining vegetation or a comparable vegetative cover on the land disturbed by placer or dredge mining operations.16.Settling Pond. A man-made enclosure or natural impoundment structure constructed and used for the purpose of treating mine process water and/or runoff water from adjacent disturbed areas by the removal or settling of sediment particles. Several types of settling ponds or a series of smaller ponds may be used in water management. The most common type is a recycle or recirculation pond which is used to pump clarified water back to the wash plant operation.17.Surface Waters. The surface waters of the state of Idaho.18.Topsoil. The unconsolidated mineral and organic matter naturally present on the surface of the earth that is necessary for the growth and regeneration of vegetation.Idaho Admin. Code r. 20.03.01.010