Aggregate Site Reclamation

Mining has always been an important part of the Wisconsin way of life. From the native peoples of the Lake Superior copper culture to the recent successful reclamation of the Flambeau copper and gold mine, extraction of marketable minerals has always been a valued industry. Even the state's nickname pays homage to our mining past, as the original "Badgers" were lead and zinc miners that populated the Upper Mississippi lead district.

Today, most mining in Wisconsin occurs as nonmetallic, or aggregate mining, producing rock, stone, sand, gravel, limestone and other materials used for industry, construction, road building, agriculture and many other purposes. These mines are often called quarries or pits.

Reclamation of nonmetallic mines protects the environment through reduced erosion and wildlife habitat, allows productive end land uses, and has the potential to increase land values and tax revenues. The statewide reclamation standards are performance-based, rather than prescriptive, and address the salvage and protection of topsoil, revegetation and other site stabilization methods and control of erosion.

All active mines must have valid reclamation permits, issued by the regulatory authority (RA) with jurisdiction for the mine site, unless exempt from NR 135, Wis. Admin. Code. New mines must apply for and receive a reclamation permit prior to beginning operations. The rules provide reasonable exemptions, such as for sites less than one acre, a pit on a farmer's land for personal use or excavations incidental to building construction.

A reclamation plan is the basis for granting a reclamation permit. It is a blueprint describing the steps that are necessary to reclaim the site to achieve a post-mining land use. The reclamation plan must demonstrate compliance with the uniform reclamation standards provided in NR 135 and provides environmental protection during and after the mining process.