519A.230 - Provisions of plan for reclamation; exceptions.

519A.230  Provisions of plan for reclamation; exceptions.

      1.  A plan for reclamation must provide:

      (a) That reclamation activities, particularly those relating to the control of erosion, must be conducted simultaneously with the mining operation to the extent practicable, and otherwise must be initiated promptly upon the completion or abandonment of the mining operation in any area that will not be subject to further disturbance. Reclamation activities must be completed within the time set by the regulations adopted by the Commission pursuant to NRS 519A.160.

      (b) For vegetative cover if appropriate to the future use of the land.

      (c) For the reclamation of all land disturbed by the exploration project or mining operation to a stability comparable to that of adjacent areas.

      2.  The operator may request the Division to grant an exception for open pits and rock faces which may not be feasible to reclaim. If an exception is granted, the Division shall require the operator to take sufficient measures to ensure public safety.

      3.  Except in the case of an emergency, an operator shall not depart from an approved plan for reclamation without prior written approval from the Division.

      4.  Reclamation activities must be economically and technologically practicable in achieving a safe and stable condition suitable for the use of the land.

      (Added to NRS by 1989, 1285)