Chapter 295

295.51(5)(L)4. 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.

295.51(5)(L)5. 5. Groundwater and surface water quality and precipitation chemistry.

295.51(5)(L)6. 6. Climatology.

295.51(5)(L)7. 7. Identification of owners of land adjacent to the proposed mining waste site.

295.51(5)(L)8. 8. Zoning.

295.51(5)(L)9. 9. Existing land uses with particular emphasis on known recreational, historic, archaeological, scientific, cultural, or scenic significance.

295.51(5)(L)10. 10. Existing or proposed access roads and weight restrictions on those roads.

295.51(5)(L)11. 11. Identification of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems such as stream orders and classifications.

295.51(5)(m) (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.

295.51(5)(n) (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.

295.51(5)(o) (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:

295.51(5)(o)1. 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.

295.51(5)(o)2. 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.

295.51(5)(o)3. 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.

295.51(5)(o)4. 4. Proposed methods for leachate control.

295.51(5)(o)5. 5. Proposed methods of mining waste site development, phasing, access control, and other special design features.

295.51(5)(o)6. 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:

295.51(5)(o)6.a. a. The projected conditions existing at the end of a typical year of production.

295.51(5)(o)6.b. b. The projected conditions existing at the end of operations.

295.51(5)(o)6.c. c. The projected conditions existing at the end of reclamation.

295.51(5)(o)7. 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.

295.51(5)(o)8. 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.

295.51(5)(o)9. 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.

295.51(5)(o)10. 10. If the applicant proposes to expand an existing mining waste site, an evaluation of the existing mining waste site design and operation.

295.51(5)(p) (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.

295.51(5)(q) (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.

295.51(5)(r) (r) Data regarding the safety factors of tailings basin embankments, considering the following, on a case-by-case basis:

295.51(5)(r)1. 1. Geology of the mining waste site including type and homogeneity of the foundation.

295.51(5)(r)2. 2. Materials and methods to be used for embankment construction.

295.51(5)(r)3. 3. Physical and chemical characteristics of the mining waste as deposited and predicted changes through time.

295.51(5)(r)4. 4. The potential area to be affected in case of failure, considering land use and the surrounding environment.

295.51(5)(r)5. 5. Requirements of the mine safety and health administration of the federal department of labor.

295.51(5)(s) (s) An economic analysis, including an engineer’s cost estimate, for mining waste site closure and long-term care.

295.51(5)(t) (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.

295.51(5)(u) (u) An appendix that includes all of the following:

295.51(5)(u)1. 1. Boring logs, soil tests, well construction data, and water level measurements.

295.51(5)(u)2. 2. A description of the methods and equations used in the analysis of the raw data.

295.51(5)(u)3. 3. References.

295.51(6) (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:

295.51(6)(a) (a) Engineering plans consisting of all of the following:

295.51(6)(a)1. 1. An existing site conditions plan sheet indicating site conditions before development to the extent not provided under sub. (5).

295.51(6)(a)2. 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.

295.51(6)(a)3. 3. An engineering modifications plan sheet indicating the appearance of the mining waste site after installation of engineering modifications.

295.51(6)(a)4. 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.

295.51(6)(a)5. 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.

295.51(6)(a)6. 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.

295.51(6)(a)7. 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.

295.51(6)(a)8. 8. If applicable, the following information on the plan sheets under subds. 1. to 7.:

295.51(6)(a)8.a. a. A survey grid with baselines and monuments to be used for field control.

295.51(6)(a)8.b. b. Limits of filling for each major mining waste type or fill area.

295.51(6)(a)8.c. 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.

295.51(6)(a)8.d. d. The method of placing mining waste within each phase.

295.51(6)(a)8.e. e. Ground surface contours at the time represented by the drawing, indicating spot elevations for key features.

295.51(6)(a)8.f. f. Areas to be cleared, grubbed, and stripped of topsoil.

295.51(6)(a)8.g. g. Borrow areas for liner materials, granular materials for filter beds, berms, roadway construction, and cover materials.

295.51(6)(a)8.h. h. All soil stockpiles, including soils to be used for cover, topsoil, liner materials, filter bed materials, and other excavation.

295.51(6)(a)8.i. i. Access roads and traffic flow patterns to and within the active fill area.

295.51(6)(a)8.j. j. All temporary and permanent fencing.

295.51(6)(a)8.k. k. The methods of screening such as berms, vegetation, or special fencing.

295.51(6)(a)8.L. L. Leachate collection, control, and treatment systems, including any pipes, manholes, trenches, berms, collection sumps or basins, pumps, risers, liners, and liner splices.

295.51(6)(a)8.m. m. Leachate and groundwater monitoring devices and systems.

295.51(6)(a)8.n. n. Disposal areas for severe weather operations.

295.51(6)(a)8.o. o. Support buildings, utilities, gates, and signs.

295.51(6)(a)8.p. p. Handling areas for the segregation of various types of mining waste.

295.51(6)(a)8.q. q. Construction notes and references to details.

295.51(6)(a)8.r. 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.

295.51(6)(a)9. 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.

295.51(6)(a)10. 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.

295.51(6)(b) (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.

295.51(6)(c) (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.

295.51(6)(d) (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.

295.51(6)(e) (e) A description of procedures for backfilling all soil borings and monitoring wells when they are abandoned.

295.51(6)(f) (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:

295.51(6)(f)1. 1. Follows the spill prevention, control, and countermeasures plan in regulations promulgated under 33 USC 1321.

295.51(6)(f)2. 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.

295.51(6)(f)3. 3. Includes a provision for more concentrated and frequent monitoring in the area of any excessive measurement.

295.51(6)(f)4. 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.

295.51(6)(f)5. 5. Specifies the action to be taken if an analysis of groundwater samples requires a response.

295.51(6)(g) (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.

295.51(7) (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:

295.51(7)(a) (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.

295.51(7)(b) (b) Surface water drainage will be diverted away from and off the active fill area.

295.51(7)(c) (c) Access to the mining waste site will be restricted through the use of fencing, natural barriers, or other methods approved by the department.

295.51(7)(d) (d) The entire perimeter of the mining waste site will be made accessible for inspection and for earth moving equipment required for emergency maintenance.

295.51(7)(e) (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.

295.51(7)(f) (f) Effective means will be taken to control dust resulting from the mining waste site.

295.51(7)(g) (g) Provisions will be made for back-up equipment in the event of the breakdown of critical operating equipment.

295.51(7)(h) (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.

295.51(7)(hm) (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.