020-10 Wyo. Code R. §§ 10-3 - Exploration and Reclamation Performance Standards

(a) Any person who conducts coal exploration operations which substantially disturb the natural land surface shall minimize environmental damage to the area by complying with the requirements of this Section.

(b) Backfilling, regrading, and recontouring shall be conducted as necessary to promptly return the affected land to its approximate original contour.

(c) Topsoil removal, storage, and redistribution practices shall be used, including those measures designed to assure successful revegetation.

(d) Revegetation shall be conducted by seeding or planting to the same seasonal variety native to the areas disturbed, so as to encourage stabilization of the affected land and prompt recovery of a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetative cover.

(e) Critical habitats of threatened or endangered species identified pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) shall not be disturbed during coal exploration. Crucial or important habitat for wildlife shall not be disturbed during coal exploration unless written evidence of consultation with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and any resulting recommendations are submitted to the Administrator as part of either a notice of intent to explore under Section 1 of this Chapter or an exploration license application under Section 2 of this Chapter.

(f) Diversions shall be made in accordance with Chapter 4, Section 2 of these rules.

(g) All drill holes shall meet the requirements of Chapter 14, Section 3 of these rules.

(h) Vehicular travel and road construction, maintenance, and reclamation shall meet the requirements of Chapter 4, Section 2, of these rules.

(i) Toxic or acid-forming materials shall be handled and disposed of in accordance with Chapter 4, Section 2(c) of these rules.

(j) Activities shall be conducted to minimize disturbance to the prevailing hydrologic balance, including, at a minimum, sediment control measures or sedimentation ponds that comply with Chapter 4, Section 2(e)(ii)(A) and Chapter 4, Section 2(f) of these rules.

(k) Facility removal shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 4, Section 2(m) of these rules.

Notes

020-10 Wyo. Code R. §§ 10-3

Amended, Eff. 11/2/2022.