NR 130.106(1) (1) An explorer that intends to continue exploration or that is required to maintain a bond in accordance with s. NR 130.105 (2) (b) shall file an annual renewal application with the department upon forms prepared and furnished by the department. The renewal application shall be accompanied by all of the following:

NR 130.106(1)(a) (a) A fee of $300.00.

NR 130.106(1)(b) (b) A bond in accordance with s. NR 130.105 (2) (b) or proof that a valid surety bond in an amount adequate to cover the explorer’s current level of exploration activity has been submitted and remains in force.

NR 130.106(1)(c) (c) A summary of all exploration drilling sites constructed by the licensee which continue under coverage of the bond posted in accordance with s. NR 130.105 (2) (b), including all of the following:

NR 130.106(1)(c)1. 1. Abandonment status of all drillholes constructed under the license.

NR 130.106(1)(c)2. 2. Estimated costs for drillhole abandonment and site reclamation for each drilling site.

NR 130.106(1)(c)3. 3. Anticipated schedule for termination of each drilling site.

NR 130.106(1)(d) (d) Identification of notices previously submitted under s. NR 130.109 which the licensee considers active for the upcoming license year and discussion of any proposed changes to approved plans associated with each notice and approval issued under s. NR 130.109 (4).

NR 130.106(2) (2) A renewal license shall be effective for a period commencing on the date of issuance and terminating on the following June 30. The department shall review and issue licenses under the time limitations under s. NR 130.107.

NR 130.106 History History: CR 20-043: cr. Register December 2021 No. 792, eff. 1-1-22; correction in (2) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 12., Stats., Register December 2021 No. 792.

NR 130.107 NR 130.107 Exploration license issuance.

NR 130.107(1) (1) Upon satisfactory completion of all conditions contained in this subchapter, the department shall issue an exploration license to the explorer. Licenses shall be issued within 10 business days after the department receives a complete application unless the application is for an upcoming license year. If the application is for an upcoming license year, the license shall be issued either within 10 business days after the department receives a complete application or on the following July 1, whichever is later.

NR 130.107(2) (2) An explorer shall conduct exploration in compliance with all requirements of this subchapter.

NR 130.107(3) (3) An explorer shall conduct exploration in compliance with minimum standards for exploration activities and reclamation of drilling sites contained in s. 293.13 (2) (b) and (c), Stats., when applicable.

NR 130.107(4) (4) An explorer shall conduct exploration in compliance with any other conditions contained in the exploration license or subsequent plan approvals under s. NR 130.109 that the department deems necessary to safeguard the natural resources of this state during and after exploration.

NR 130.107 History History: CR 20-043: cr. Register December 2021 No. 792, eff. 1-1-22.

NR 130.108 NR 130.108 Exploration license denials.

NR 130.108(1) (1) The department shall deny an exploration license if the department finds any of the following:

NR 130.108(1)(a) (a) The exploration activity will not comply or has not been conducted in compliance with the minimum standards in s. 293.13 (2) (b) and (c), Stats., when applicable.

NR 130.108(1)(b) (b) The explorer is in violation of ch. 293, Stats., or any provision of this chapter.

NR 130.108(2) (2) Within 10 business days from the date of application, the department shall furnish the explorer in writing the reasons for the denial.

NR 130.108 History History: CR 20-043: cr. Register December 2021 No. 792, eff. 1-1-22.

NR 130.109 NR 130.109 Notice procedure and exploration plans.

NR 130.109(1) (1) The explorer shall notify the department of the explorer’s intent to drill on a parcel by registered mail at least 30 days in advance of the anticipated commencement of drilling. Notice shall be considered as given upon the date of receipt by the department of the notice. The notice of intent to drill shall include all of the following:

NR 130.109(1)(a) (a) A legal description of the parcels where the exploration will take place including identification of land ownership and maps showing the approximate drilling site locations and anticipated site access routes.

NR 130.109(1)(b) (b) A description of the means and methods that will be used for the exploration including drilling methods, anticipated drillhole locations, diameter, and depth, source of drilling water, and anticipated use of drilling additives, if any.

NR 130.109(1)(c) (c) A description of drilling site access and site preparation needed to accommodate the drilling activity including site grading and stabilization methods.

NR 130.109(1)(d) (d) A description of how any diversion, retention, or drainage of water, including stormwater, drilling water, and water from flowing drillholes, on or around the drilling site will be conducted.

NR 130.109(1)(e) (e) A description of how drilling mud, drill cuttings, any pollutant-bearing minerals or materials, including fuel, lubricants, and drilling additives, will be handled during exploration and a description of spill prevention, containment and remediation procedures.