Section 10-5 - Reclamation (a) After the mining operations have ceased or within 30 days after the abandonment of the mining operation, the operator shall notify the Administrator of such fact and commence reclamation and restoration. Provided however, that immediate reclamation will not be required if the landowner advises the Department in writing of his intent to further utilize the product of the mine, and if he assumes the obligation of reclamation and furnishes an appropriate bond to the Administrator. - (i) The operation will be considered to be abandoned if any of the following occur:
- (A) The individual, partnership, or corporation conducting the operation goes out of business.
- (B) No further mining or reclamation work has been done from one annual report to the next.
- (C) The mineral being mined has been exhausted.
- (D) The period of time for which the surface owner (or lessee) gave permission has expired and a written extension has not been obtained.
(b) The reclamation of the affected lands shall be in accordance with the following: - (i) Reclamation shall be consistent with the proposed postmining land use.
- (ii) On commencement of reclamation the topsoil shall be redistributed evenly over the affected area.
- (iii) The affected land shall be reclaimed using sound agricultural practices. Surface preparation of affected areas to be seeded, seed types, amounts, methods of seeding and time shall be subjected to approval by the Division prior to seeding.
- (iv) Mulching and/or fertilization may be required at the Administrator's discretion to ensure revegetation.
- (v) Petroleum wastes and other toxic materials shall be disposed of by methods which ensure that topsoil, vegetation, surface water and groundwater are not contaminated.
- (vi) For soft rock operations, final slopes shall be gentle enough to allow for contour seeding and final topography shall be approved by the Division, provided that the final slope shall not be greater than a ratio of 3:1.
- (vii) For hard rock operations, whenever possible, the highwall shall be reduced to no greater than a 3:1 slope. The operator must demonstrate the stability of any steeper slope or of any remaining highwall, so that the reclaimed area is left in a condition so as not to create a potential erosion problem or safety hazard to the public or wildlife. Slopes, including any remaining highwall, shall be modified to blend as much as possible to the native landscape.
020-10 Wyo. Code R. § 10-5